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Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO J. Q. ADAMS. - Albert Gallatin, The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 2 [1879]

Edition used:

The Writings of Albert Gallatin, ed. Henry Adams (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1879). 3 vols.

Part of: The Writings of Albert Gallatin, 3 vols.

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GALLATIN TO J. Q. ADAMS.

No. 156.

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose a letter I received yesterday from Mr. Pasquier.

You will perceive that to our proposal of a mutual repeal of all the discriminating duties, he offers to substitute a reduction of duties so modified as to give an equal chance to both nations to participate in the carrying trade. He means by this that those circumstances which enable us to navigate on cheaper terms than the French should be taken in consideration, and that we should consent to leave such difference in the discriminating duties in favor of France as would compensate those advantages and enable the French vessels to preserve one-half of the carrying trade.

I will take time to consider the subject before I answer Mr. Pasquier. There is much intrinsic difficulty both in fixing a proper rate of duties and in making an agreement founded on that basis which should preserve the appearance of reciprocity. There is great inconvenience in departing from the basis adopted in our treaties and arrangements with other nations. I am without instructions on that particular point. On the other hand, I feel the importance of arranging amicably this affair with France, and the difficulties her government has to encounter from their shipping interest. I think that, at all events, if an arrangement is made on the basis proposed, it must be for a very short period, or made revocable at the will of either party on giving due notice to the other. Perhaps it will be better to refer the whole subject to you, with a view to a negotiation at Washington. Mr. Pasquier has avoided making any specific proposal, and I will not decide until I have at least tried to ascertain whether he intends to offer such reduction as it may be worth while to consider.

I wait your instructions on the subject of the surrender of deserters. I have never received any information from your Department on the difficulties connected with the 8th Article of the Louisiana convention.

I have the honor, &c.