No. 403.
Mr. Hay to
Mr. Langston.
Washington, June 22, 1880.
Sir: Referring to your No. 266, in which dispatch you reported the erection of two light-houses in the harbor of Port-au-Prince, and commented upon the unjust discrimination on the part of the Haytian Government, in the dues proposed to be levied upon vessels of that nation [Page 635] and those of foreign powers, I have now to inform you that I am in receipt of a note of the 17th instant from Sir Edward Thornton, Her Britannic Majesty’s representative at this capital, in which he states that he has received information from the British vice-consul at Port-au-Prince of the establishment of these two light-houses and the light dues proposed to be levied in connection therewith.
Sir Edward further states that in view of the apparent injustice of this taxation, Mr. Stuart, the British vice-consul, has been instructed to urge that British vessels should be put upon the same footing as Haytian in this respect, and to endeavor to secure the co-operation of his foreign colleagues in any representations which he may make to the Haytian Government on the subject.
The British minister adds, in conclusion, that Earl Granville has instructed him to bring the matter to the attention of this government, and to ask, if it is willing to take steps in support of the action which Her Majesty’s Government has taken with a view to securing the equal treatment of vessels of all flags, that it would address similar instructions to its representative at Port-au-Prince.
You will therefore put yourself in communication with your colleagues, and endeavor to secure for vessels of this nation an impartial administration of these laws.
You will also report your action under this instruction, and the result achieved by you, to the Department.
I am,
Acting Secretary.