Edward L. Plumb to William H. Seward, March 14, 1868

Mr. Plumb to Mr. Seward.

Sir: In my dispatch No. 48, of the 13th of December last, I called the attention of the department to a decree issued by this government, establishing a separate tariff for this city upon national and foreign effects.

I have now to transmit to the department copy and translation of a decree issued under date of the 4th instant, by the legislature of the State of Guanajuata, establishing a separate tariff for that State.

It will be observed that, under the provisions of this decree, articles 2 and 5, foreign cotton goods and yarns consumed in that State will now have to pay a duty of five cents per pound, in addition to the duties on their importation established by the national tariff.

All other foreign effects, except those enumerated in the free list of the national tariff, are to pay, under this decree, five per cent. upon their value, appraised in that State.

It is not easy to see where the limit to the burdens imposed on commerce in this country is to be reached, if this system of local duties for every city and State is to be continued.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,