Partridge to Previous dispatches from this legation relating to the same subject (condition of commerce) Nos. 18, 24, 29, 102, April 24, 1873

No. 37. Mr. Partridge to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I inclose (annex hereto) a copy of the note which I addressed to Viscount de Oaravellas, in relation to the commercial relations between the United States and Brazil, and especially to the very extravagant pauta or custom-house valuation here of articles chiefly (some exclusively) from the United States, and on which exaggerated value their heavy duties are calculated.

I have had several interviews and conversations with the Viscount de Oaravellas, as with his predecessor, on this matter, calling their attention to the great injury thus wrought to our interests. And as a commission is now considering what changes, if any, should be made in the pauta, I thought it a convenient opportunity to again show the injustice of the present list.

The statements in the note are based upon the best authorities attainable, and they will be seen to agree with those contained in my No. 102 to the Department. I have endeavored to show, and I think I have demonstrated, the utility to Brazil of this change, as well as its propriety. I wish that I could add that there was satisfactory reason to believe that such changes will be made as would properly answer the liberality of own tariff toward Brazilian products.

One difficulty lies in the fact that this assembly has just increased the pay of everybody, and nearly doubled their own, so that the expected surplus will be prevented.

* * * * * * *

However, no effort of mine shall be wanting to obtain it.

I am, &c.,