No. 47.
Mr. Denby
to Mr. Bayard.
Peking , February 15, 1886. (Received April 13.)
Sir: I have the honor to report that the dean of the diplomatic corps, Mr. von Brandt, with the concurrence of his colleagues, has for some weeks been pressing on the Tsung-li Yamên questions relating to inland taxation on foreign goods.
Mr. von Brandt has insisted that the present system should be modified in two particulars—
- (1)
- That there should be published lists of the likin and other tax stations, and of the tariffs at such stations.
- (2)
- That differential duties imposed on foreign goods sent inland under transit pass, after their arrival at the place of destination, should be abolished.
In a communication to Mr. von Brandt the Yamên concedes the justice of the second proposition, and further says: “We shall therefore without delay enjoin upon the provincial authorities to take measures with a view to a better regulation of this matter, and in order to avoid malpractices and irregularities at the likin-duty offices, to prepare and publish complete lists of the places where likin stations exist and of the tariffs which are in use by them.”
The diplomatic corps meets on the 16th instant to further consider this question.
I have, &c.,