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of the barber, that of tea being decreased at all the other ports, and leaving it as it is at Canton.
This would at least be infinitely preferable to the idea mentioned in conclusion by Mr. Harker, that of adding 10 cents to the present duty on Tea from Canton. It is pretty universally acknowledged that the Tea duty is already much too high. Raising it on Canton tea might furnish the Chinese Government with a grievance, while lowering it at all the other Ports would be a positive boon, and they could not complain of its remaining as before at Canton.
Supposing that Her Majesty's Government contemplate a considerable reduction in the Tea duty, the differential rate with reference suggested by Mr. Blanton may be worth consideration.
I have,
(Signed) J. J. Davis.