When this article was
first put into Farm, perhaps it did not injure the commercial interests
of the kingdom; because nothing but British manufactures were then
allowed to be given in return for American tobaccos. The laying the
trade open, then, to all the subjects of France, could not have relieved
her from a payment in money. Circumstances are changed; yet the old
institution remains. The body to which this monopoly was given, was
not mercantile. Their object is to simplify, as much as possible, the
administration of their affairs. They sell for cash; they purchase,
therefore, with cash. Their interest, their principles, and their
practice seem opposed to the general interest of the kingdom, which
would require, that this capital article should be laid open to a free
exchange for the productions of this country. So far does the spirit of
simplifying their operations govern this body, that, relinquishing the
advantages to be derived from a competition of sellers, they contracted
some time ago with a single person (Mr. Morris) for three years'
supplies of American tobacco, to be paid for in cash.
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