Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward
No. 13.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Kanagawa,
January 30, 1864.
Sir: I have the satisfaction to transmit
herewith, No. 1, a convention for the reduction of duties, concluded
with the Japanese government. The form has been changed, as it was
desired to avoid the necessity of exchange of ratifications, instead of
which the ministers are to send me a letter forthwith formally
sanctioning the action of their plenipotentiary, of which they have
already informally approved.
Agreements as to future negotiations for bonded warehouse system are yet
to be signed; also in reference to Osacca and other incidental
points.
I will send original Japanese and Dutch versions, certified, by way of
California, or by first good private opportunity.
Meanwhile I should be pleased to receive from the Treasury Department any
printed rules in its possession for regulation of bonded warehouses.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in
Japan.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.
Convention for the purpose of encouraging and
facilitating the commerce of the citizens of the United States
in Japan.
After due deliberation, his excellency Robert H. Pruyn, minister
resident of the United States in Japan, and his excellency Sibata
Sadataro, governor of foreign affairs, both having full powers from
their respective governments, have agreed on the following articles,
viz:
Article I.
The following articles, used in the preparation and packing of teas,
shall be free of duty: sheet lead, ratan, gypsum, solder, oil for
painting, firing pans, matting, indigo, and baskets.
[Page 480]
Article II.
The following articles shall be admitted at the reduced duty of five
per cent.: machines and machinery; drugs and medicines; (Note.—The prohibition of the importation of
opium, according to the existing treaty, remains in full force;)
iron, in pigs or bars; sheet iron and iron ware; tin plates; white
sugar, in loaves or crushed; glass and glass ware; clocks, watches
and watch chains; wines, malted and spirituous liquors.
Article III.
The citizens of the United States importing or exporting goods shall
always pay the duty fixed thereon, whether such goods are intended
for their own use or not.
Article IV.
This convention having been agreed upon a year ago, and its signature
delayed through unavoidable circumstances, it is hereby agreed that
the same shall go into effect at Kanagawa on the 8th of February
next, corresponding to the first day of the first month of the
fourth Japanese year of Bunkiu-Né, and at Nagasaki and Hakodadi on
the 9th day of March next, corresponding to the first day of the
second month of the fourth Japanese year of Bunkiu-Né.
Done in quadruplicate, each copy being written in the English,
Japanese, and Dutch languages, all the versions having the same
meaning, but the Dutch version shall be considered as the
original.
In witness whereof, the above-named plenipotentiaries have hereunto
set their hands and seals, at the city of Yedo, the 28th day of
January, of the year of our Lord 1864, and of the independence of
the United States the 88th, corresponding to the 20th day of the
12th month of the third year of Bunkio-Né of the Japanese era.
[l. s.]
