A History of the Custom-Revenue in England Volume 2; From the Earliest Times to the Year 1827 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 Excerpt: ... Calais and distributed between about a dozen English cities. Each of these was a miniature staple with its own mayor, privileges, and ordinances. Each, too, was the sole emporium for a certain wool-producing district, and had a port assigned to it for the passage of wools purchased at its mart. None but aliens might export wools or leather on penalty (at first) of life and limb; while the safety and comfort of foreign purchasers was amply provided for. The advantage which the Crown and its advisers sought to derive from this change of policy was threefold. First, they desired to place the whole of the retail Poiky'in6 trade in the hands of native merchants (for no augurated. auen was t0 permitted to sell to another), securing thus to the producer and broker better prices and larger profits, respectively, as well as improving the worldly position of the great towns and their inhabitants. Secondly, to justify the exaction of an exorbitant subsidy on the native commodities exported by making the whole sum come out of the pockets of merchants strangers. Thirdly, to foster a reciprocity of traffic by making it obligatory on all aliens who sold their wares within the realm to do so at a fair profit only; and to expend a certain proportion of the proceeds in the purchase of native commodities. oftheal't eS When staple commodities which were liable to tstapieV the Antiqua Custuma--wool, woolfells, and leather, that is, as distinct from 'gross' commodities, or lard, butter, cheese, etc.--were duly conveyed to a seaport which had a woolbeam and resident Customers, they were forthwith coketted and shipped to their legitimate destination. During the period, however, that staples were held in England, there were certain preliminary formalities to be. gone through. The ...