Mr. Plumb to Mr.
Seward.
No. 75.]
Legation of the United States,
City of Mexico,
February 8, 1868.
Sir: An importat step in the direction of
commercial reform has been taken by this government in the appointment
of a commission for the formation of a new tariff.
I inclose herewith a translation of the order from the treasury
department, making the appointment, which at the. same time indicates
the general basis of the reforms proposed.
[Page 409]
The simplification and unification of the tariff will, as I understand,
be more especially sought than any general reduction of duties.
The commission has already commenced its labors, and it is probable a
report will be prepared in time for the new tariff bill to be submitted
by the executive at the next session of the congress, which commences on
the 1st of April and terminates on the last day of May, and which, by
the constitution, is to be dedicated in preference to the consideration
of financial subjects.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
[Untitled]
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AND PUBLIC CREDIT.—SECTION
1.
The general ordinance of the maritime and frontier custom-houses of
the republic of the 21st of January, 1856, which is that actually in
force, has been so varied by different modifications which it has
received from time to time, that there are very few of its
provisions that are now considered as in force.
Besides, many of its provisions conflict with the letter and the
spirit of the constitution, and for that reason should not longer be
permitted to exist.
The modifications that have been made are already so numerous that
the system of duties of importation upon foreign merchandise has
become very complicated and difficult, which, besides occasioning
inconvenience to commerce, produces difficulties and complications
for the supreme government and its offices.
The citizen President desiring, therefore, that there shall be formed
with all the study and care possible a new tariff, which shall be in
accord with the spirit of the constitution and with the necessities
of the country, and in which at the same time that the interests of
the public treasury shall be protected, the labors of the merchants
shall be simplified, has been pleased to direct that there shall be
named a commission composed of yourself and Messrs. Jesus Castaneda,
S. Castain A. Barcena, Julio Ulink, and Miguel Gutierrez, charged
with forming, upon the basis herein indicated, a project of tariff
which shall embrace so far as possible all of the conditions
desired.
Independence and liberty!
Mexico, January 4, 1868.
ROMERO.
