Tiu Development of Friction, I820-I835
2 39
number of ports throughout the Republic and in closing coastwise trade to foreign vessels. Since Mexico lacked a merchant marine, such a policy had prevented, in effect, the development of intercourse between coast 'ports. The Spanish policy, too, had precluded the possibility of establishing an active and extensive trade between Texas and Mexican Gulf ports, and thereby prevented the development of a close bond be- tween the new colonies and Mexico. In vain Austin urged the advan- tages of such trade, as had many of the Spanish governors before him. 43 The provisions of the Imperial Colonization Law permitting colo- nists to introduce free of duty all household goods, tools, implements, and provisions during the formative period of the new establishments were annulled after the empire was overthrown. But Congress, mindful of the plight of the settlers, passed an act on September 9, 1823, to relieve their situation. Under its terms all goods and effects needed for consumption or use by the colonists were exempted from the payment of duties for a period of seven years." Liberal as this provision was, it would have benefited the colonists little if the law requiring that the introduction of all goods be through legal ports had been strictly observed. The only port legally opened in Texas at the time was Espiritu Santo, or San Bernardo Bay, as it was called. This port was at the mouth of the San Antonio River, far to the west of the colonies, with Goliad as the nearest town.' 5 Fortunately, the matter of legal ports was completely disregarded by the colonists as inconsequential. The settlers who came overland brought their goods with them, and those who made the trip by water came up the Colorado or the Brazos, regardless of legal ports. Such goods as they needed and were able to import were brought from New Orleans the same way. But with the rapid development of the colonies by 1825, a surplu!l of goods was available for export. The need for a legal port closer to the colonies became evident. At Austin's request, Congress authorized Galveston as a provisional port on October 17, 1825. Before the news of this favorable action was received, the colonists had learned that Galveston was neither so convenient nor so useful as the mouth of 43 Barker, Life of Austin, 206-207. "Coleccion de los Decretos ,y Ordenes del Soberano Congreso Mexicano .•• , II, 196-197 (Mexico, 1825). 45 This port was established by royal decree in 1 80 s and was confirmed by the Provincial Deputation in Monterrey in 1821, making it the only legal port of entry in Texas.
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