Page:Mexico (1829) Volumes 1 and 2.djvu/375

 M EXICO 335 both upon the Eastern,* and the Western coast. A very large proportion of the European manufactures transmitted through the United States, pays no duties ; and there is little doubt that it is the hope of introducing their cargoes upon similar terms, (in conjunction with some local grievances, to which I shall have occasion to allude presently,) that has in- duced the masters of so many merchant ships, on the Pacific side, to desert the port of San Bias, and to clear at Mazatlan and Guaymas, where, until 1825, there was no Custom-house establishment at all. All these circumstances render it impossible to hazard a calculation with regard to the actual consumption of Mexico ; as neither the amount of the Imports, nor that of the Exports, nor any fair estimate of the illicit trade, can be obtained. That it must exceed that of 1824 is evident ; and it is equally clear that the quantity of European manufactures Consumed must be infinitely greater (perhaps in the ratio of eight or ten to one,) than at any period before the Revolution, when a profit of a hundred and fifty per cent, was obtained upon every article ; whereas, at present, the sale but too fre- quently does not cover the freight, duties, and prime cost. Beyond this point, however, I cannot go ; nor do I believe that there is any one in Mexico sufficiently acquainted with all the ramifications of the trade to supply the information re- quired. I shall, therefore, proceed, at once, to the second point of enquiry ; viz. " The probability of an increase or decrease in the amount of the Mexican trade, (whatever that may be) in the course of the next five years." This question involves several important considerations; Tampico, Sotto de la Marina, &c. &c. Smuggling in Veracniz, in con- sequence of an improved system in their Custom-house, &c. is rendered very difficult ; indeed, it is now confined almost entirely to the richer and less bulky sort of goods — silk, silk stockings, &c. &c.
 * Principally by small American schooners with the northern ports of