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536 in this respect over all other nations, owing chiefly to Mexico's great demand for cotton stuffs. But during late years, the United States has outstripped her rival.

The collection of revenue from customs has been, from the earliest days of independent Mexico, in charge of aduanas marítimas, fronterizas, and terrestres. The first named were divided into two classes, those for general commerce, and those for cabotage. Both the marítimas and fronterizas have appendages under the title of receptorías, or receiving offices. The terrestres have receptorías and sub-receptorías. At each port open to foreign trade, the government keeps a customhouse or dependency with the requisite officials. Each custom-house has a special regulation suited to its locality, besides the rules governing all. It is also provided with a comandante de resguardo, whose chief duty is to guard against smuggling.