Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/561

Rh of the national mercantile marine by the reduction of importation duties.

With regard to the carrying trade, the United States has always far surpassed England and all other nations. In 1826, 399 vessels under the United States flag entered Mexican ports, against 55 English; in 1851, 435 American, 108 English, and 296 vessels of other nations entered. The subjoined tables supply shipping statistics for later years. The entries were as follows:

These vessels conveyed 7,146 passengers to Mexico.

These vessels conveyed 6,780 passengers.

These vessels conveyed 6,294 passengers.

Departures:

''Mex., Mem. Fomento'', 1873, annexes B, C, & D. Comparing the number of Mexican vessels and their corresponding tonnage with that of foreign vessels and their tonnage, it will be seen that the former were of smaller burden, owing to the fact that the Mexican mercantile marine consists principally of small coasting craft, with but few ocean-traversing bottoms. During the fiscal year 1883-4, no less than 1,241 vessels