Smuggling is practiced extensively along the northern frontier of Mexico.
Competent judges estimate that the annual loss to the Government from this source amounts to $3,000,000. It is said that even some of the highest officials are implicated in schemes for smuggling.
According to the Official Journal, the total value of exports for the fiscal year of 1882-'83 was $29,083,000, of which about $14,000,000 were sent to the United States, and $10,000,000 to England. One half of the exports were shipped from Vera Cruz. The amount of sugar and tobacco exported was only $617,000 in value.
MOVEMENTS OF VESSELS IN MEXICAN PORTS IN 1879-'80.[1]
| Flag. | No. of vessels. |
| Mexican | 2,227 |
| United States | 332 |
| English | 162 |
| French | 115 |
| German | 112 |
| Spanish | 64 |
| Norwegian | 48 |
| Danish | 33 |
| Dutch | 12 |
| Other flags | 26 |
| ——— | |
| Total | 3,131 |
The total tonnage of vessels entered can be estimated at 1,000,000. The Mexican merchant marine consists of 421 vessels engaged in foreign trade, and 847 barks employed in coasting. A Mexican line of steamers to England and Italy is about to be established. (For description, see chapter on Traveling.)
- ↑ Translated from the Almanach de Gotha.
