sailing, it appears to me that the law is "Ex post Facto" and I would respectfully suggest to the government the consideration of this question, whether it would be advisable to remit the Tonage duty upon all vessels that may have sailed from the United States previous to the promulgation of the said act in this country? such a consideration would allay much unpleasant feeling, and the understanding that no act of the government would affect vessels not officially advised of Laws, would not only have a salutary effect on Charters made by the Agency, but would bring many vessels in the trade at fair prices who now demand exorbitant freights-In these remarks I am anxious the government should understand me as expressing only the public opinion. I am well aware of the absolute necessity of raising a revenue, but necessity must occasion- ally yield to public policy-To prevent any future question as to the Revenue Laws I have had the act published here, (without advice from the Collector of Galveston) which I presume will meet your approbation. The tonage duty exacted by the government is extremely high & falls heavy upon vessels making short voyages. It has been the policy of the United States & of nearly all the European governments to abolish such duties, as acting directly against the commercial prosperity of the country, under this impression the tonage duty of Texas is far from being acceptable to our merchants, and bids fair to have a very unfavorable influence upon the trade. I have however no doubt that the Government will act in this case with there usual wisdom and descretion, and make such provisions as the circumstances of the case may require. I would again repeat that in these remarks I am expressing the public opinion, and do it only as I esteem it for the welfare of Texas, leaving it for the Government to act as in their wisdom they may determine. I have the honour lo remain Yours Respectfully &c Wm. Bryan General agent P. S. On reflection upon the above communication I have thought it necessary to name that the agency are not owners or in any way connected with the ownership of vessels except in its official capacity through the Government,
Yours Respectfully W.B.
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