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much limits as to be almost prohibitive of the importation of Kerosine Oil into Canton,
we venture again to bring the matter to your notice, and to ask that you communicate with H.E. Sir John Walsham, H.M. Plenipotentiary at Peking on the subject. By the Treaty of Peking signed between China and Great Britain a duty of 5% ad valorem or 12.1/2 cents per case would be payable on Kerosine Oil imported into China. At the present time, in addition to this rate, all Kerosine Oil shipped from Hongkong to Canton has to pay likin dues, of $1.23 per case. Of this sum 40 cents per case is levied in Hongkong and Chai Own Tong, $0.83 cents is levied at Canton (whose receipt for duty is enclosed) and is said to be for Military expenditure, the remaining (said to be for maintaining cruiser) is payable at Canton. It follows therefore that Kerosine Oil costing at the present time $1.60 per case in Hongkong, must pay duty to the extent of $1.35 1/2 per case before it can be received into Canton. We would most respectfully ask by what right a duty of $1.35 1/2 per case is levied when the Tariff rate is only 5% ad valorem or 12 1/2 cents per case.
As we understand that all duties are henceforth to be collected by the Imperial Maritime Customs, we think this is a favourable opportunity for raising the question of the abolition of all duties in excess of those leviable under the Treaty of Peking and similar Treaties with other Powers.
May we suggest that the accompanying copy of letter be sent to H.D.M. Consul of Canton, and then he be asked to express his views on the subject.
We have the honour to be,
Sir Douglas [illegible]
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