3.  Rice.  The duty on this, is only seven and a half deniers the quintal, or about one quarter per cent, on its first cost.  While this serves to inform a government of the quantities imported, it cannot discourage that importation.  Nothing further, therefore, is necessary on this article.

4. Potasse.  This article is of principal utility to France, in her bleacheries of linen, glass-works, and soap-works; and the potash of America, being made of green wood, is known to be the best in the world.  All duty on it was, therefore, abolished by the King.  But the city of Rouen levies on it a duty of twenty sols the quintal, which is very sensible in its price, brings it dearer to the bleacheries near Paris, to those of Beauvais, Laval, &c. and to the glass-works, and encourages them to give a preference to the potash or soude of other nations.  This is a counteraction of the views of the King, expressed in the letter, which it is hoped will be prevented.

5.  Turpentine, tar, and pitch were not decided on, on the former occasion.  Turpentine (terebenthine) pays ten sols the quintal, and ten sols the livre, making fifteen sols the quintal; which is ten per cent, on its prime cost.  Tar (goudron, braigras) pays eight livres the leth of twelve barrels, and ten sols the livre, amounting to twenty sols the barrel; which is twelve and a half per cent, on its prime cost.  Pitch (brai sec) pays ten sols the quintal, and ten sols the livre, making fifteen sols the quintal; which is twenty per cent, on its prime cost.  Duties of from ten to twenty per cent., on articles of heavy carriage, prevent their importation.  They eat up all the profits of the merchant, and often subject him to loss.  This has been much the case with respect to turpentine, tar, and pitch, which are principal articles of remittance for the State of North Carolina.  It is hoped, that it will coincide with the views of government, in making the present regulations, to suppress the duties on these articles, which, of all others, can bear them least.

LETTER LXVII.—­TO T. M. RANDOLPH, JUNIOR, July 6, 1787

TO T. M. RANDOLPH, JUNIOR.

Paris, July 6, 1787.

Dear Sir,

Your favor of April the 14th came here during my absence on a journey through the southern parts of France and northern of Italy, from which I am but lately returned.  This cause alone, has prevented your receiving a more early answer to it.  I am glad to find, that among the various branches of science presenting themselves to your mind, you have fixed on that of politics as your principal pursuit.  Your country will derive from this a more immediate and sensible benefit.  She has much for you to do.  For though we may say with confidence, that the worst of the American constitutions, is better than the best which ever existed before, in any other country, and that they are wonderfully perfect for