Mr. Gillon likewise opposed the tax on salt. It had been proposed, in the State which he represented, but never could be carried through.
On a division, it was rejected—ayes 32, noes 47.
A motion was made for striking out twenty-five cents per ton of additional tonnage, on foreign vessels, in order to insert fifty.
It was passed in the negative—ayes 39, noes 41.
After going through the bill, the committee rose, and the House went into consideration of the amendments made in Committee of the Whole.
On the subject of an additional duty on coal imported, Mr. Giles said, that the rise was very moderate, from four and a half to six cents per ton. A Boston company was about, as he understood, to embark in this business, but waited to see the steps taken by Congress. There was as much coal in Virginia as would serve all America and Europe besides.
Mr. Wadsworth would have the additional duty restricted to all coal imported in foreign vessels.
Mr. Heister wanted to know, whether the price of coal had not been already doubled within these few years. He was informed that coal imported had of late risen from six dollars per ton, to twelve dollars and a half.
Mr. Fitzsimons said, that a few years would put an end to importation altogether. He defended the tax. He saw no danger to any of the manufactures in America, that make use of foreign coal arising from this tax. Nothing but a capital was wanting to make America supply herself.