Thomas H Nelson to Hamilton Fish, February 26, 1872

No. 292. Mr. Nelson to Mr. Fish.

Sir: On the 1st of January last President Juarez, by virtue of his “ample faculties,” decreed a new tariff, which is to go into effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year, on the 1st of July, 1872. The publication of this tariff, and of its voluminous regulations, has just been completed in the Diario Oficial, and it has not yet appeared in the form of a volume. This important measure will, of course, be subject to the revision of the Mexican congress, and will undoubtedly form the principal subject of discussion during the session, which will begin on the 1st of April next. It will be vigorously attacked, but will probably be sanctioned in all its essential features.

The present tariff was established in 1856. Since that time numerous modifications have been introduced, but no general measure has been passed. Since the return of the liberal government to this city, in 1867, it submitted proposals to congress for a radical reform in the tariff law, and successive committees of finance have also presented projects to the same end, but, after protracted and exhausting discussions, in which Minister Romero has taken an active part, the Mexican congress has not yet been able, nor would it be able for years to come, to agree upon the necessary points of reform.

Under these circumstances, President Juarez would seem to have taken a judicious step in “cutting the Gordian knot,” by issuing a carefully considered and liberal tariff, from which great benefits to foreign commerce in Mexico may reasonably be expected.

I herewith inclose a copy and translation (A and B) of the explanatory circular of Minister Romero, which accompanies the tariff.

I am, &c.,