Mr. Daggett to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Honolulu, February 25, 1885. (Received March 16.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that by the order of the Hawaiian Government, the collector-general of customs resumed the collection of customs duties in United States gold coin on 16th instant.
As noted in my dispatch of January 14, 1885 (No. 208), orders were issued on the 12th ultimo, to receive Hawaiian silver without limit in the payment of customs duties until further notice. This was done [Page 472] with the view of receiving into the treasury and temporarily retiring from circulation the $200,000 or $300,000 of Hawaiian silver supposed to be floating in excess of the demands of trade. As it was necessary, however, to at once disburse the silver thus received in the payment of the current expenses of the Government, the project brought no visible relief, and has therefore been abandoned. Customs duties are now payable as follows: All amounts of $10 or under, in United States or Hawaiian silver; all amounts over $10, in United States gold coin, or certificates of the Hawaiian Government calling for gold redemption.
Very respectfully, &c.,