The pent-up commerce of the Port of London appears to have burst forth with exceeding vigour on the coming into operation of the New Tariff, a measure, the uncertainty of which has so long suspended the vitality of our mercantile marine. On Monday the scene at the Custom-House was one of most extraordinary bustle and excitement, and formed a striking contrast to the stagnation which for some time past has prevailed within the portals of that great emporium of commerce. The apartment, which it is no misnomer to call the “long room,” was crowded to overflowing with busy, bustling men of business, whose anxious countenances proclaimed the advent of a new market; and on the “grand side,” we are informed, no fewer than 1850 entries were made during the day, whilst on the “plantation side” the entries amounter to upwards of 1000. At the Bonded Office, St. Katharine’s Dock, the London Dock, and the West India Dock, a great deal of business was done, and a considerable quantity of foreign produce, which had been waiting the passing of the bill, was cleared from the different warehouses. The Hamburgh steamer, which arrived during the morning, had a quantity of meat and poultry on board, which was admitted under the new regulations. We have endeavoured to perpetuate the recollection of this critical juncture in our commercial career, by the above view of the Custom-House of London and the Thames, which may not be unacceptable to our readers.
The Illustrated London News, London, England, Week Ending July 16, 1842
