Nicotiana Part 3

BY ISAAC HAWKINS BROWN, ESQ.

Pretty tube of mighty power!

Charmer of an idle hour; Object of my hot desire, Lip of wax and eye of fire; And thy snowy taper waist, With my fingers gently brac'd; And thy lovely swelling crest, With my bended stopper prest; And the sweetest bliss of blisses, Breathing from thy balmy kisses; Happy thrice and thrice agen-- Happiest he of happy men!

Who, when again the night returns, When again the taper burns; When again the crickets gay, Little crickets full of play; Can afford his tube to feed, With the fragrant Indian weed; Pleasure for a nose divine, Incense of the G.o.d of wine!

Happy thrice and thrice agen-- Happiest he of happy men!

MY LAST CIGAR.

The mighty Thebes, and Babylon the great, Imperial Rome, in turn, have bowed to fate; So this great world, and each 'particular star', Must all burn out, like you, my last cigar: A puff--a transient fire, that ends in smoke, And all that's given to man--that bitter joke-- Youth, Hope, and Love, three whiffs of pa.s.sing zest, Then come the ashes, and the long, long, rest.

A REVIEW OF THE LAWS AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING TOBACCO.

During the reign of Elizabeth, a facility had been afforded to the dissemination of tobacco, that was soon destined to receive a check, on the accession of her successor, James the First, to the throne. This arose from a prejudice, that, with many others, rendered this weak and vacillating monarch remarkable. Whether it arose, as many have supposed, from his dislike to Sir Walter Raleigh, so despicably and cruelly shown, and that the source of his peculiar feelings turned with bitterness to the plant of that great man's adoption, can only be left to the imagination to decide; but that he exerted all the powers of his mind for its entire suppression, is certain.

In the first place, the importation duty had been, up to this period, but 2_d._ per lb., and this, by the first law James pa.s.sed, was increased to 6_s._ 10_d._, thus adding the comparatively enormous sum of 6_s._ 8_d._ to the previously existing trifle. In consequence of this, nearly a stagnation of the trade took place; and _St.i.th_ informs us, that so low was it reduced in 1611, that only 142,085 lbs. weight were imported from Virginia, not amounting to one-sixth of the previous annual supply.

One of two things now only remained to be done, as the traders could have no interest to gratify in shipping it under the existing law; they were either compelled to give it up or cultivate it at home. The latter alternative was adopted, and till the year 1620, the tobacco-plant was cultivated to a very considerable extent. But the obduracy of its royal enemy was not to be so eluded, an act was pa.s.sed especially prohibiting its culture at home. The crisis of the plant's fate seemed now to approach. Determining on the other hand, not to forfeit an indulgence, that habit in a great degree had made necessary, it was examined and found in the reading of the act made in 1604, that though it particularly provided 6_s._ 10_d._ duty should be levied on all tobacco _from Virginia_, no mention was made of its importation from any other colony.

Taking advantage of this omission, recourse was immediately had to the Spanish and Portuguese districts, and the consequence was an influx of the favorite herb at the old duty of 2_d._ The only real sufferers through adopting this new channel of commerce, were the planters of Virginia, who made a representation of their loss to the throne, when another law was pa.s.sed, lessening the duty and prohibiting the importation from any other place.

To this effect an act was pa.s.sed in 1624, and though it was some time previous to the trade regaining any thing like its pristine vigour, it had but just began to do so, when, as if the sight was doubly hateful to James, he had a new law pa.s.sed. This was to the effect, that none, under very heavy penalties, should deal in the article without holding letters patent from himself. A blow so sudden and unexpected, occasioned the ruin, we are told, of many thousands, and the trade went rapidly to decay.

So uncertain and precarious did the law at this period seem with regard to tobacco, and so well was the irritable monarch's antipathy to it known, by the celebrated "Counterblaste" he had written against it, of which we shall treat hereafter, that few cared to speculate in the traffic.

Although the act James had made in 1620 was not repealed, the cultivation of the plant was still carried on clandestinely to a very great extent.

Most of the laws, indeed, since James's time, have an evident tendency to banish tobacco from the kingdom. An act was made 12th Car. II. cap. 34.

This law, embracing the prohibitory portions of the preceding acts, confiscated the tobacco so found, with a fine of 100 shillings for every pole of land so planted.

Another shortly followed after this, the 15th Car. II. cap. 17, wherein the previous one was enforced, and the penalty fixed at 10_l._ for every rod. By this we may infer, that the former of these acts had not, in the estimation of the legislature, been sufficiently powerful to restrain the practice of the secret culture of the plant at home.

Turning aside from the perusal of these laws, which probably arose from the pique of a learned though imbecile monarch, we cannot but reflect with a feeling of surprise, that our own _enlightened_ regulations have their origin distinctly traced to them. This is an a.s.sumption I think we may fairly maintain, when we state that the duty is now 3_s._[10] per lb. on the importation of the raw material; a sum that forms no less than _fifteen times its prime cost_ in the countries where it is produced. On the leaf manufactured it is immense, the duty on cigars being 9_s._ the lb. (5th Geo. IV. cap. 48,) and on snuff 6_s._

That tobacco, as a luxury, is a fit article for taxation we are not disposed to deny, but a little reflection must convince any one, that a tax so exceedingly high, instead of adding to the revenue, can but have an opposite effect; for what can be a greater incentive to the contraband trade that is notoriously known to exist in this article of home consumption?

If the duty were lowered, the great cause of smuggling in this line would no longer remain, and at the same time a much greater quant.i.ty would doubtless be consumed. If we but look back in other instances of a similar kind, we shall generally find it so. The duty on spirits in Ireland and Scotland was decreased from 5_s._ 6_d._ the wine-gallon down so low as 2_s._, which instead of lowering the amount of the annual tax, very considerably added to it. Then again, in regard to the duty formerly levied on French wines, it was lowered from 11_s._ 5-1/2_d._ down to 6_s._ the gallon, a reduction that also greatly tended to increase the amount of the year's revenue. The duty on coffee is another proof we shall cite: in 1823 it was 1_s._ per lb. and the goverment derived from it that year 393,708_l._ Whereas when half of the amount levied was taken off, leaving it but 6_d._, in 1825 the gross receipt amounted to 426,187_l._ Thus may we see, with very numerous other instances that might be named, the advantages arising from a low tax, which we affirm, with few exceptions, will ever be found to benefit the country at large.

Nor is this the only evil we have to complain of as regards the tobacco regulations; while the whole system is defective, there is one that more imperatively calls for the attention of the legislature. What we allude to is, the glaring impolicy of obliging our merchant service to traverse different portions of the globe, at a consequently large expence, in search of an article we have the means of producing at home, and whose very production would furnish constant employment to some of the millions now a burthen to the country.

Perhaps it would scarcely be credited, that in 1826, no less a quant.i.ty of tobacco and snuff was imported than 40,074,447 lbs. Now out of this, only 18,761,245 lbs. paid duty; yet to the serious amount of 3,310,375_l._ sterling. The rest we suppose sought a market elsewhere.

As a proof of the evident want of policy in our regulations concerning tobacco, we shall give our readers a slight abstract to judge for themselves.

No tobacco shall be imported but from America on pain of forfeiture, with the vessel and its contents, except from Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, from which it may be imported under certain regulations. (29 Geo. III. c.

68.) But tobacco of the territories of Russia or Turkey may be imported from thence in British-built ships and warehoused, and may be exported or entered for home consumption on payment of the like duties as tobacco of the United States of America; and on its being manufactured in Great Britain and exported, shall be ent.i.tled to the drawbacks. (43 Geo. III. c.

68.)

By the 45 Geo. III. c. 57, tobacco the production of the West Indies or the continent of America, belonging to any foreign European state, may be imported into certain ports specified in the act, and exported to any port of the United Kingdom subject to the regulations of the act; and such tobacco shall pay the same duties as that which is the growth of the British West Indies, or of the United States of America.

By the 49 Geo. III. c. 25, unmanufactured tobacco may be imported from any place in British vessels navigated according to law, or in foreign ships navigated in any manner whatever belonging to any state in amity with Great Britain; and such tobacco shall be liable to the same regulations as tobacco from the British plantations. But no tobacco or snuff shall be imported in any vessel of less burthen than 120 tons; nor any tobacco-stalks, tobacco-stalk flower, or snuff work in any vessel whatever; nor any tobacco or snuff in casks less than 450 lbs. on the like penalty; except loose tobacco for the crew not exceeding five lbs. for each person; nor shall the vessel be forfeited, if proof be made, from the smallness of the quant.i.ty, that such tobacco or snuff was on board without the knowledge of the owner or master. (29 G. III. c. 68.)

And no tobacco or snuff shall be imported, except at London, Bristol, Liverpool, Lancaster, Cowes, Falmouth, Whitehaven and Hull, (and by 31 Geo. III. c. 47, Newcastle-upon-Tyne), on the like forfeiture.

Every manufacturer of tobacco or snuff shall take out a licence from the officers of excise, for which he shall pay, if the quant.i.ty of tobacco and snuff-work weighed by him for manufacture within the year ending the 10th of October, previous to his taking out such licence

did not exceed 20,000 lbs. . 2 0 0 Above 20,000, and under 30,000 3 0 0 30,000 40,000 4 0 0 40,000 50,000 5 0 0 50,000 60,000 6 0 0 60,000 70,000 7 0 0 70,000 80,000 8 0 0 80,000 90,000 9 0 0 90,000 100,000 10 0 0 100,000 120,000 12 0 0 120,000 150,000 15 0 0 150,000 ------ 20 0 0

Every person who shall first become a manufacturer of tobacco or snuff, shall pay for every such licence 2_l._, and within ten days after the 10th of October next, after taking out such licence, such further additional sum as, with the said 2_l._, shall amount to the duty hereinbefore directed to be paid, according to the quant.i.ty of tobacco and snuff-work weighed for manufacture.

And every dealer in tobacco and snuff shall take out a licence in like manner, for which he shall pay within the liberties of the chief office in London 5_s._, elsewhere 2_s._ 6_d._ (43 Geo. III. c. 69.) But persons licensed as manufacturers who shall not sell tobacco in a less quant.i.ty than four pounds, nor snuff than two pounds, need not be licensed as dealers. (29 Geo. III.)

Every person who shall manufacture or deal in tobacco or snuff without taking out such licence, or shall not renew the same ten days at least before the end of the year, shall forfeit, if a manufacturer 200_l._, and if a dealer 50_l._

Persons in partnership need not take out more than one licence for one house. Every manufacturer and dealer shall make entry in writing of his house or place intended to be made use of for manufacturing, keeping, or selling tobacco or snuff, three days previous to his beginning, on pain of forfeiting 200_l._, and also the tobacco and snuff there found, together with the casks and package which may be seized by the officers of the customs or excise.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SMOKING AND SNUFF-TAKING, EXEMPLIFIED IN A GRAVE DISSERTATION, DEDICATED TO THE YOUTH OF THE RISING GENERATION.

What soothes the peasant when his toil is done?

He cheerly sits beside his cottage door, In the sweet light of ev'ning's parting sun, His young ones sporting o'er the sanded floor:--

What cheers the seaman, when the fight is won, And vict'ry smiles upon our naval band?

Toiling no longer at the murd'rous gun, His thoughts are proudly of his native land.

What charms the Turk, Greek, Frenchman, fop or sage, In this enlighten'd comfort-loving age; Since health, and pleasure's cheerful reign began, But lov'd tobacco, sovereign friend of man?--M. S.

"For the taking of fumes by pipes, as in tobacco and other things, to dry and comfort."--_Bacon._

"Bread or tobacco may be neglected: but reason at first recommends their trial, and custom makes them pleasant."--_Locke._

Hail! inspirers of the profoundest and the brightest things that have been said and done since the creation, and, in the strength and plenitude of our recollections of thy divine virtues, aid us to sing thy praises! What though there be those, who, in the whim, caprice or ignorance of thy merits, would run ye down in the plenitude of their prejudices--have ye not stood the test of time, that criterion of excellence? Are ye not, most sublime of pleasures, independent of your other numerous claims upon public and private favour--are ye not immortalized by the hallowed names of the great, the good, the wise, the witty and the learned, whose encomiums of your worth shall descend with you, through the future ages of unborn posterity.

What! shall it ever be said that the disaffected to the great public cause, the innovators upon common taste, shall be allowed to progress in their rash undertaking, of seeking to undervalue the importance of those gentle consolers through life, the snuff-box and pipe. Never! while there's a Woodville--nay, even a Dhoodeen,[11] to smoke them to defiance, or a pinch of 'high dried,' to father a witty reply.

Much-injured and defrauded of habits--friends of past and present learning and genius--of every land and every clime--sought by rich, as well as poor, and alike soothing to the king as slave, how have ye not been calumniated by the weak and designing! As the poet saith, "Envy doth merit as its shade pursue," and so is it with you. Oh that those standing highest in the popular favour--the 'tried and trusty'--should ever be the objects of attack to the discontented!

Most delectable of companions! how many tender reminiscences and recollections are a.s.sociated with you, from the last pipe of the murdered Raleigh in Newgate, to the dernier pinch of the equally unfortunate Louis XVI, ere they mounted scaffolds, it is hoped, for a better world. If we turn to the imagination, how many endearing recollections connected with our subject throng upon us, even from the once happy days of our boyhood, when in secret we pored over the pages of genius in preference to scholastic lore. Rise up before us, thou soul of philanthropy, and humorous eccentricity, my uncle Toby! with thy faithful and humble serviteur the corporal.[12] Methinks, indeed, we now see ye together in the little cottage parlour, lighted up by the cheerful fire, discoursing of past dangers and campaigns under the soothing influence of the narcotic weed, whose smoke, as it rises in fantastic curls from either pipe, harmonizes together like your kindred souls. And thou, too, poor monk,[13]

offspring of the same pervading mind, yet picturing many a sad reality, must thou be forgotten, absorbed as thou art from all the grosser pa.s.sions of our nature? Our memory paints thee, impelled by the courtesy of thy gentle nature, proffering thine humble box of horn, thy pale and intellectual face, so sensitive, half-shrinking from the fear of 'pride's rebuff:' whilst thou thyself, from the sneers of the affluent, seekest consolation in--a pinch of snuff!

Good Vicar of Wakefield![14] man of many sorrows, we greet thee in our reminiscences, sitting in thine happier days beneath the elm that shades thy rustic roof, as, under the influence of thy much loved pipe, thou inculcatest to the youthful circle around thee maxims of truth and piety.

What peculiar feelings of veneration must we attach to these pipes and snuff-boxes. Without them, indeed--with such a true knowledge of life are they introduced--the stories would lose half their force, and nearly all their effect. How naturally do we a.s.sociate with a smoker, a blandness and evenness of voice and gesture, which we can by no means ascribe to men in common. The same almost in regard to the snuff-box: the mind seems to acquire a polish and fire at its very sight. Nay, absolutely such is our profound respect for the sympathising herb, that even the _quids_ of poor Lieutenant Bowling[15] himself would appear venerable in our eyes were they but in existence.