No. 62.
Mr. Tsai Kwoh Ching to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that a telegram has been received from Mr. Huang Tsun Hsien, Chinese consul-general at San Francisco, stating that several Chinese merchants who have been in business for many years in the United States, and bearing certificates issued by the Chinese consulate under the act of 1882, arrived at San Francisco, with their families, in the steamer City of Peking, on the 1st instant, and were refused permission to land by the collector of customs at that port, on the ground that their certificates do not comply with the amended restriction act of July 5, 1884.

These merchants have long been residing in the United States, and their property and personal effects are all in this country, and as they have certificates issued by the Chinese consulate, under the authority of the Chinese Government, it is clear that they have the right under treaty to return to the United States.

I shall be grateful to you, Mr. Secretary, if you will cause the necessary instructions to be issued which will result in the liberation of these merchants and families; and as they are at present confined on shipboard, their case is one which asks for immediate attention.

Accept, &c.,

TSAI KWOH CHING.