No. 44.
Mr. Partridge to Mr. Fish.
Riode Janeiro, September 9, 1871. (Received October 7.)
Sir: I have the honor to say that the political condition continues here without change from what was set forth in my No. 3, August 25.
The emancipation bill, which has been the cause of so much excitement and discussion, passed the House of Deputies August 28, by a majority of 26 votes. It is now under discussion in the Senate, and has been warmly debated. This great measure of justice and humanity will, in all probability, pass that body also within a day or two, as the Chambers finally adjourn on the 15th of September.
The short crop caused by the frosts, &c, in the southern provinces, has raised the price of coffee far beyond what is justified by the sales abroad; yet large quantities are daily shipped to the United States.
I would respectfully suggest to the Department, in this connection, the propriety of considering what representations might properly be made to this government, with a view of inducing it to lower the duty here on articles, flour and lard especially, the production of the United States, consumed in Brazil, in return for and before we make at home a further reduction, or entire abolition of our duty on coffee.
It is much to be regretted, it seems to me, that something of the sort was not done previous to the reduction of our duty on coffee from five to three cents per pound. When it is considered that we take from the Brazilians three fifths of their whole crop, upon which they depend exclusively to meet the cost of all their imports, and that the diminution of our duty on that article inured entirely to the benefit of the producer here, who instantly raised its price, it would seem that we ought to be able easily to come to such an understanding (without the trammels of a formal commercial treaty) as would secure to our products here some of the advantages at least to which our position as their best customer entitles us.
I am aware of the interest the President takes in this matter of enlarging and facilitating foreign markets for our wheat and flour, and the products especially of the Northwest, and as Brazil is the largest consumer of these, it might not be difficult under the instructions of the Department to come to some such understanding and mutual action by the two countries as should greatly increase the commerce between them.
If these suggestions should meet your approbation, I respectfully ask your instructions in that regard.
I am, &c,