Arthur Morrell to Hall, July 1, 1884

Mr. Morrell to Mr. Hall.

Sir: * * * I invite your attention to the inclosed copies of law No. 6, dated May 22, 1883, making Limon a free port for ten years from the 10th of August, 1883, and of law No. 20, dated June 19, 1884, repealing it. The question arises in my mind, “How can such things be?” Mr. Volio, among other arguments in support of the repeal, says, “Such things are done all the world over.” His boundary of this world, if not of the whole universe, is probably limited to Spain and all the Spanish-American countries. Would or could the United States Congress repeal a law making a certain port free for ten years, in less than one year I Is not such an act on the part of Congress virtually a contract entered into with the entire outside world for a specified time? As it is, this country will itself be the principal sufferer. Parties with large capital were already making preparations to enter into business at Limon on a large scale; but in consequence of this new law they have retired. But how about the houses already established there? * * * Mr. Willis, Mr. Keith’s representative, promised to give me some facts in regard to this matter, which I will inclose to you if received in time.

Yours, &c.,