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Rh Smuggling is practiced extensively along the northern frontier of Mexico.

Competent judges estimate that the annual loss to the Government from this source amounts to $3,000,000. It is said that even some of the highest officials are implicated in schemes for smuggling.

According to the Official Journal, the total value of exports for the fiscal year of 1882-'83 was $29,083,000, of which about $14,000,000 were sent to the United States, and $10,000,000 to England. One half of the exports were shipped from Vera Cruz. The amount of sugar and tobacco exported was only $617,000 in value.

The total tonnage of vessels entered can be estimated at 1,000,000. The Mexican merchant marine consists of 421 vessels engaged in foreign trade, and 847 barks employed in coasting. A Mexican line of steamers to England and Italy is about to be established. (For description, see chapter on Traveling.)