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certificate from a duly qualified Government Surveyor of this port, showing the steamer's measurements she now is. If you think that he is in error, we will have her re-surveyed to satisfy yourself.
The probabilition, you point out of the "Ichang" being without proof or anything to recommend it are, we venture to think, apart from the question of its being true, would apply equally in the case of the Minshan to which increased tonnage has already been granted.
We accordingly claim that we are in a position to make the alteration in terms of the Act and we think a reference to the Board of Trade could hardly fail to satisfy you.
The delay in arranging this matter has already been detrimental to the Steamer for which she might not be liable.
We trust, therefore, that you will give this reply due consideration.