Meanwhile there came an order from Mexico, dated before the action of the diputacion, and permitting foreign vessels to touch at Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Purísima, Refugio, and San Juan Capistrano. In its deliberations on revenue matters, the diputacion gave special attention to the duties on liquors, perfecting an elaborate reglamento, which was duly published by the governor. The proceeds of the liquor trade were devoted to the public schools.[1] Another prominent commercial topic, since hides and tallow were the chief articles of export, was that of live-stock regulations, to which the diputacion also directed its wisdom. The result was a series of twenty articles, in which the branding and slaughter of cattle, with other kindred points, were somewhat minutely regulated.[2]
The prosperity of 1826 in the business of Hartnell & Co. was followed by trouble and financial embarrassment in 1827-9. The exact nature of the reverses it is difficult to learn from the fragmentary correspondence; but I judge that John Begg & Co. failed, involving McCulloch, Hartnell & Co. to such an extent that the firm was obliged to delay its payments and to close the copartnership. Hartnell, however, paid all debts in California, and continued his business both for himself, with the aid of Captain Guerra, and as agent for foreign houses who sent vessels to the
- ↑ Reglamento de Contribuciones sobre Licores, 1827, MS. , approved at sessions of June 26th, 28th, 30th, July 2d, 7th. Gov.'s decree of July 12th, in Dept. St. Pap., S. José, MS., iv. 40-7. The tax was $5 per barrel of 160 quarts for brandy and $2.50 for wine in Monterey and S. Francisco jurisdictions; in the south $10 and $5 respectively, payable by all buyers and by the producer who might retail the liquor. This for native liquors. Foreign brandy and wine paid $20 and $10 per barrel. The regulations for the collection of this tax are somewhat complicated, and need not be given. Aug. 6th, Herrera announces that by superior orders a duty of 80% on foreign liquors and 70% on wines is to be exacted besides the 15% of internacion. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Com. and Treas., MS., i. 87-8.
- ↑ Reglamento sobre Canados, aprobado por la Diputacion, 1827, MS.
MS., iv. 84. Grain raised only for home consumption, also wool; horse-hair somewhat sought by the French; padres unwilling to take money; exports annount to what 4 vessels of 300 tons can carry; 47% profit may be counted on; the export of tallow averages 1 arroba for each hide. Duhaut-Cilly, Viaggio, i. 232-3, 253; ii. 145-7, 150.
