Romero to Ramon G. Guzman, January 4, 1868

[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.