231
Ad
Mr Alabaster would not have called attention to the matter unless he had good reason for doing so.
The general question of the tax on articles entering China is one which no doubt has occupied Yr. Excy's attention as the question of the right of China to levy tax on foreign products beyond Treaty Ports was raised by the 1st & 2nd paragraphs of section 3 of the Chefoo Convention and is still unsettled I believe.
In this place I trust Yr. Excy. will be able to put the tax and its levy on a proper footing for although the Kerosine oil is an American product & should fall naturally under the protection of the U. S. Minister nevertheless it is a very important element in the trade of this port, which Extraordinary duties may injuriously affect.
I have, &c.,
(84) W. H. March.