IMPORTS OF HIDES AT THE PORT OF NEW-YORK FOR THE PAST FOURTEEN YEARS.

REVIEW OF THE WINE AND LIQUOR TRADE FOR 1861.

Reported by J. A. SCHMIDT, Broker, 12 Old Slip, N. Y.

With Importations of Wines, Brandy, Gin, Rum and Ale, Cordials, Whiskey, Vinegar, Oil, Fruits, Mustard, Sardines, &c.

No brighter example exists in the history of commerce, of the sound principles which ought ever to guide the ruling powers in the fixing of customs revenue laws, than the correct basis which the British Parliament laid down in the much-discussed corn bill. If, was the reasoning, an import duty is indispensable for the public exchequer, the interests of importers and consumers, or the trading public as a tax-paying class, ought to be kept above all others in view; and hence emanated a scale which adjusted the duty most equitably. With an abundance of corn, and its value consequently low, a higher duty was not particularly felt by anybody, while the government treasury was thereby benefited; but as soon as a short crop caused a rise of prices, and threatened the interests of those engaged in its importation, the law at once operated in favor of both, by the duty becoming lower in proportion as prices ad

vanced.

In this country, the merchants effecting the importation of wine and spirituous liquors, along with the consuming public, have not to thank the legislature for such a regard to their interests and, as accident would have it, the duties have always been raised or lowered, just when the contrary ought to have been resorted to.

From 1852 to 1856, the crops in Europe each year gave out in quality as well as quantity, and prices of course ruled high. However, according to the tariff of 1846, the duties continued at 100 per cent. on brandy, and 40 per cent. on wine. In 1857, when, after a long interval, there was again a good crop, both as to yield and description, and prices, as a natural consequence, gave way, the duties were reduced to a uniform rate of 30 per cent. on all articles under this head. 1858, and, to a great extent, 1859, were good crop years, and the adjoined tables indicate clearly the growth of the trade; while in the price lists, the cheap prices of all goods of this class are recorded, the duty remaining all that time stationary. Scarcely was it ascertained that the crop of 1860 had almost entirely failed-and notwithstanding the fact that prices had quickly risen to a higher point than had been known for a long time-when the MORRILL tariff was passed, a law which would have impaired the trade, even during a period of low prices and abundant crops. Still less was reaped in 1861, but duties were again advanced a further 25 per cent. Instead of endeavoring to so adjust the tariff as to equalize those fluctuations, which are unavoidable, because arising from more or less abundant crops, and which would render the difference in prices less felt by importer and consumer, the privilege of paying the duties on wines and spirits three years after importation was suddenly cut down to three months, which

is tantamount to a total prohibition of transferring goods of this kind from one bonded warehouse to another.

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In view of these important facts, it will be seen that the last two alterations of the tariff were not at all calculated to meet with favor among that portion of the public who were interested in the traffic of liquors. Touching this subject simply in its commercial bearing, one question will not fail to force itself on the practical observer, i. e., Will the revenue really increase after the duty has reached a point which renders importation problematical?" In all likelihood the results of the measure will prove a negative reply. Amongst all calamities under which the wine and liquor trade suffered during the past year, this repeated enhancement of the duties ranks surely foremost. Although it created a speculative inquiry, and therewith a short-lived activity in the otherwise extremely quiet trade, our importation is deplorably curtailed thereby, while the import of some articles, at least, is perhaps rendered, for some time to come, an impossibility. Like every other branch, the liquor trade suffered during the past year, on account of the political disturbances in this country. In the South, we have not only lost one of our most important customers, but the consumption in general has diminished, and for which, higher prices may be considered as among the most prominent reasons. There is only one article which is an exception to the general rule of dullness and unprofitableness, and this, it is needless to say, does not come under the head of imported articles, and is consequently not unfavorably affected by a high duty. We refer, of course, to alcohol made in this country. The opening up of a totally new line of trade, in the exportation of home-made alcohol, favored by the low prices which ruled throughout the year, might be considered as an indemnification for the large falling off in the importations of foreign liquors. This branch of the business must have proved lucrative, as the greater number of our extensive distilleries were almost exclusively occupied in the manufacture of this article, for export to France, Italy and Germany. Never before had this trade enjoyed such an extensive business. The wine crops of 1861, in Europe, fell lamentably short. From Southern France, only half an average crop is reported, and from the Bordeaux districts even only a quarter crop; but the quality of what has been gathered is very highly spoken of.

Brandies. At the beginning of the year 1861, prices for brandies were as follows: Cognac vintage, 1859, $2 75 @ $3; 1858, $3 @ $3 50; 1857, $3 50 @ $4; 1856, $4 @ $4 25; Rochelle brandies, $1 75 @ $2 10. With a limited stock, the market was quiet till the middle of February, when, the spring trade advancing, the demand increased, especially for Rochelle brandies, which were scarce, the market became firm, and improved prices were realized; but a still greater activity prevailed in the month of March, when the probable passage of the new tariff act, by which the duties were to be considerably enhanced, induced a speculative demand for all kinds of brandy; and within a week prices advanced about 25 @ 30 cents gallon. Brandies, as well as other foreign spirits, continued thus to attract the attention of speculators, until the middle of April, when the market became dull again, although prices were well supported. In the months of June and July, a new feature of

the trade was noticed in the importation of several lots of brandy in cases, under the provisions of the MORRILL tariff bill (the old tariff being prohibitive of such packages.) By this provision, it was undoubtedly intended that the trade might be carried on more directly between the importer and consumer, and the intervention of intermediate agencies might be dispensed with. But whether this new system will operate to the advantage of the trade, remains to be seen. The annexed import statement shows that the number of cases imported since the introduction of the new tariff bill, amounts to 9,131 cases, of which 8,814 cases were imported previous to 1st of August, since which time the importations have been insignificant. This would seem to prove that this kind of package has not met with the quick sale which had been calculated upon by some of the importing houses. The market for brandy in general remained dull for the months of June, July and August, and although it became perhaps a little firmer under the agitation of enhanced duties, great depression and a limited inquiry were the chief features of the market. No improvement was visible until the middle of September, when standard brandies were held more firmly, in view of the light stocks here, the small quantity coming forward, and an advance in France, owing to the unsatisfactory state of vintages at the last accounts. Cognac was in fair demand, and showed an upward tendency, although the offerings were limited, on account of credits being much restricted; a steady fair demand ruled the market until the end of the year. Rochelle brandies also experienced a considerable advance in prices, and the year closed with a limited stock on hand. The current prices of the favorite brands of Cognac on the 1st of January in the years named, are as follows:

Prices of the latest vintage of Cognac and Rochelle brandies on the 1st of January in the years named:

Total from France,..8,510 .. 9,133 .. 27,865.. 69,099.. 19,608 .. 22,860 Gin. This being the cheapest of all imported spirits, it has been in generally good demand through the whole year. The MORRILL tariff bill which went into effect the 1st of April, created some speculative feeling in the months of February and March, and consequently prices rose from 55 @ 80 cents, to 65 @ 90 cents. From that time it continued to be in fair request, and prices advanced till the end of the year to 90 cents @$1 25. The privilege of importing spirits in glass was extended to gin also, and 9,157 cases were imported; but the importation of gin in wood, which has been increasing every year since 1857, and which had reached 14,736 packages in 1860, was limited to 7,925 packages in the year past.

1862,.

PRICES OF GIN ON THE 1ST OF JANUARY IN THE YEARS NAMED.
Duty 50 cents gallon, 1st proof.
30 cent. ad valorem.

.$0 90 @ $1 25

1861,.

0 55 @ 0 80

do.

do.

do.

do.

100 cent. ad valorem.

do.

Rum. The importation of rum, under the influence of the increased duties, has fallen considerably short of former years.

Like all other kinds of imported spirits, prices of rum have advanced in the course of the year past, viz.:

Jamaica Rum,.

St. Croix Rum,..

..from $0 90 @ $1 25 to $1 30 @ $1 50
..from 0 65 @ 075 to 1 00 @ 1 10

The superior qualities of Jamaica rum, which is received in smaller quantities from England, from $1 75 @ $2 50 to $2 50 @ $3.

Whiskey. The importations of Scotch and Irish was limited to 352 puncheons. Prices rose for Scotch, from 85 cents @ $1 30 to $1 30 @ $1 75, and for Irish, from $1 @ $1 20 to $1 40 @ $1 60.

Wines.-The market for wines was quiet through the whole year, with the exception of a short period in the months of March and April, when