132 TOBACCO IN EUKon;. 



the protection of the fair trader, as the tobac- 

 conist — 



" Had learnt such a knack 

 In the case of drawback, 

 For each pound of tobacco exported, 

 That the custom for two 

 They draw back as their due, 

 15y which they are bravely supported." 



This way of cheating the customs is thus explained 

 in a note : " At the lowest computation, the duties 

 upon tobacco annually imported amount to £800,000. 

 It is not computed by any one acquainted with that 

 trade, that in fact there is exported from Great Britain 

 into all foreign ports, near one half of the whole ; but 

 admitting that a half were sent abroad, in that case 

 there should remain £400,000 per annum to the re- 

 venue ; but the truth is the whole duties remaining to 

 the crown, after drawbacks have been allowed, never 

 amounted to above £160,000. Whence it is plain the 

 public must have been cheated of £240,000 per annum 

 by drawbacks only." Walpole was, however, defeated 

 in his bill, and " the noble stand, or glorious two 

 hundred and four " who opposed it, were celebrated in 

 another caricature, where Britons of all grades are 

 represented dancing round a maypole garnished with 

 grapes and tobacco leaves. Liberty, in the foreground, 

 crushes tjTanny ; while opposite (to quote the descrip- 

 tive verse) : — 



"Two hogsheads on the right stand side by side, 

 This with tobacco, that with wine supply'd ; 

 On these fair liberty, divinely bright, 

 And trade, with florid looks, your eye delight." 



