'
The letter states these regulations as finally made by the King. The
merchants, on this supposition, entered into speculations. But they
found themselves called on for the old duties, not only on other
fish-oils, but on the whale-oil. Monsieur de Calonne always promised,
that the _Arret_ should be retrospective to the date of the letter, so
as to refund to them the duties they had thus been obliged to pay. To
this, attention is prayed in forming the _Arret_. His majesty having
been pleased, as an encouragement to the importation of our fish-oils,
to abolish the _Droits de fabrication_, it is presumed that the purpose
announced, of continuing those duties on foreign oils, will not be
extended to us.
3. Rice. The duty on this, is only seven and a half deniers the quintal,
or about one quarter per cent, on its first cost. While this serves to
inform a government of the quantities imported, it cannot discourage
that importation. Nothing further, therefore, is necessary on this
article.
4. _Potasse_. This article is of principal utility to France, in her
bleacheries of linen, glass-works, and soap-works; and the potash of
America, being made of green wood, is known to be the best in the world.
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