Therefore, to take off, or reduce the duty, would not be a relief exclusively for the merchants, but also for the poor Commonalty.

What goods pay duty, and does the Company receive duly on all. Whatever gnes All goods which are entered and not smuggled oo pay duty, no matter whether i ./ openly t.> ST. Ni-lh- ./

eriaod pays dmy. the cargo is for Indians, or dry goods or liquors. If the cargoes for the Indians only paid, there would be no reason for complaint if liquors even were somewhat taxed, it ;

were allowable but to tax the dry goods without which the Colonist cannot live, tends to the ;

ruin and depopulation of New Netherland, and to the diversion of trade.

The Company does Here the questiou arises, does the Company receive duty from all that is 2.

quarter ""Vf"'^ the brought to New Netherland? We answer, by no means; and our opinion is that it does not receive duty from more than the fourth part of the goods consumed

there ; which happens thus: 3. In consequence of the duties being heavy, a great many goods are smuggled, for the most

Petty traders smug- P^''' ^Y *^^ petty traders who run the risk without entering much at the Custom giemoat. house, evcu of such goods as go off readily when they pay duty. Now this advantage by no means satisfies the public; for these petty traders spend freely which on the Again, they say: if we smuggle anything, that is our other hand small capital cannot justify. own gain; we run our risk, for if we be caught, we lose all; therefore if we gain anything, we wish to enjoy it alone. 4. As the greatest profit arises from powder, lead, guns and similar articles, the sale of