Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/565

545 In colonial times, the imposts levied on Spanish produce or manufactures, and especially on foreign goods, which had to come via Spain, upon their being exported thence to America, were very heavy — no less than 36 per centum on the latter. The republic, in her admission of foreign produce and manufactures, pursued the policy of protecting home industries, even to the extent of prohibiting every article of commerce that might be detrimental to them. Thus by the provisional tariff of December 15, 1821, tobacco, raw cotton, some breadstuffs, manufactured wax, spun cotton of certain numbers, and several other manufactured articles were not allowed to enter. Several modifications were made between that year and 1830. The tariff law of 1827 established excessively high rates, forbidding the importation of raw cotton and common yarn. Still further changes were made between 1837 and 1845. The illiberality noticeable in