HOLLAND DOCUMENTS : V. 373

2. 'Tis very true that the Company receives the money from the traders; yet it cannot be said to pay it out of its pocket. But here must be considered that the disbursements of How the mercharis duty, the Cartage to and from the public store, tlie abovementioned loss of time, cap'W- and other troubles, are computed by the merchants and skippers as capital, the same as the prime cost of the goods. Nov? all traders wish to gain, or they discontinue their business; they must also gain, or they cannot continue merchants. They, therefore, charge their goods not only according to the prime cost thereof, but according to the cost,

disbursements and charges which accrue thereon. And, by this means, what cost one guilder in Netherland, they order sold for two, two and a half, and often and most frequently, for withont snuiKgiins three guildcrs; and if they do not smuggle, or help themselves by contraband, 6o°gr"a'i! °anli"'iht thcv caunot retain so much clear profit, as all will testify who have ever traded goods are ear. ^^ ^^^ Netherland, The inhabitant pays ^' ^^'® Conclude thenjustly that the merchants do not pay the duties and other theduty. charges, but disburse at Cent per Cent profit; for after allowing for all costs and trouble caused them by the Company or its officers, they will gain, notwithstanding. The public now cannot do without them; neither can New Netherland be peopled, nor flourish, without shipping; therefore duties and charges are not paid by the merchants but by him who buys from them and this is the citizen who requires supplies, and who pays and bears all costs and charges ;