The first duty levied on tea by the United States was in 1789, when a tax of 15 cents was imposed on all Black teas, 22 cents on Imperial and Gunpowder, and 55 cents on Young Hyson. But in order to stimulate American shipping these duties were reduced to 8, 13 and 26 cents respectively, the following year, when imported from Europe in American vessels, and to 6, 10 and 20 cents when imported direct from China in the same manner. In 1794, however, the rates were increased 75 per cent. on direct importations, and 100 per cent. on all teas shipped from Europe, but again reduced to 12,18 and 32 cents in 1796, the latter rates being doubled during the War of 1812. In 1828 this tax was again reduced, being entirely removed in 1830, except when imported in foreign bottoms, when a duty of 10 cents per pound was collected. The latter rate continued in force up to the outbreak of the Rebellion in 1861, when a uniform duty of 15 cents per pound was placed on all teas, which was eventually increased to 20 cents and finally to 25 cents per pound. In January, 1871, this duty was reduced to 15 cents, being entirely removed in July, 1872, since which year tea has been uninterruptedly on the free list in the United States. TABLE 6. Showing net imports, value and per capita consumption of tea in the United States, from 1885 to 1891, inclusive:— Year. Net Imports, Value. Per Capita, Pounds. Pounds. 1880, 69,894,760 $18,983,368 1.39 1881, 79,130,849 20,225,418 1.54 1882, 77,191,060 18,975,045 1.47 1883, 69,597,945 16,278,894 1.30 1884, 60,061,944 12,313,200 1.09 1885, 65,374,365 13,135,782 1.18 1886, 78,873,151 15,485,265 1.37 1887, 87,481,186 16,365,633 1.49 1888, 83,944,547 13,154,171 1.40 1889, 79,192,253 12,561,812 1.28 1890, 83,494,956 12,219,633 1.33 1891, 82,395,924 13,639,785 1.32 TABLE 7. Estimated average annual Quantity and Value of tea imported into the United States:— Countries. Quantity, Value. Pounds. China, 43,000,000 $7,000,000 Japan, 38,000,000 5,500,000 India, 100,000 20,000 Java, 200,000 30,000 Ceylon, 100,000 20,000 England, 3,000,000 650,000 Ireland, 1,000 500 Scotland, 12,000 2,500 Germany, 10,000 2,000 Russia, 200 60