Notwithstanding this protection and the high price of sugar which prevailed (50 cents ner pound having been realized in Spain for the most inferior grades in the latter part of the sixteenth century). the growth of the industry was very slow until the last part of the eighteenth century. Between 1760 and 1770 exports of sugar amounted to about 3.000 tons per annum. and there was but little increase until after the revolution of the negroes in Santo Domingo. which occurred in 1791. The burning of the cane fields of that island. the emigration of many planters to Cuba. and the issuance of a decree permitting the unrestricted importation of slaves into Cuba for a period of six years gave a great stimulus to the industry. Production increased so rapidly that there was an overproduction in 1808. which. however. was due principally to the severe commercial restrictions then prevailing. This condition of affairs was relieved in 1809. when a decree was issued by the governor of Cuba permitting the shipment of sugar to all countries in vessels of any nationality.
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emigration