No. 65.
Mr. Bayard to Mr. Hubbard.
Department of State,
Washington, February 4, 1888.
No. 186.]
Sir: I have received your No. 117 of
December 28, 1887, concerning the desire of Japan to enter into
a convention for the abolition of tonnage or equivalent charges
on merchant vessels plying between the United States and
Japan.
A copy of your dispatch was at once communicated to the Secretary
of the Treasury, a copy of whose reply, dated the 1st instant,
is herewith transmitted. To enable full consideration of the
subject and a definite reply to be made to the inquiry of the
Japanese minister for foreign affairs as to the future status of
Japanese and other vessels proceeding to the United States
respecting navigation charges, it will be necessary to ascertain
the amount of tax or taxes, equivalent to tonnage or lighthouse
dues, imposed in Japan on American vessels.
You will therefore take occasion to obtain this information,
which should be set forth in detail, if possible, in accordance
with the suggestion of the Secretary of the Treasury.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure in No.
186.]
Mr. Fairchild to Mr. Bayard.
Treasury
Department, February 1,
1888.
Sir: I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 24th
ultimo, relating to the proposal of the Government of Japan
to take advantage of the provisions of the act of Congress
approved June 19, 1886, entitled “An act to abolish certain
fees,” etc.
The copy of a letter from the Japanese minister for foreign
affairs, accompanying the United States minister’s dispatch,
states that the charges in Japan are less than the dues
ordinarily imposed in the United States, and inquires what
the future status of Japanese and other vessels proceeding
to the United States will be in respect of navigation
charges.
Before replying to his inquiry, this Department suggests that
information he obtained through the proper officers of the
United States in Japan as to the amount of tax or taxes,
equivalent to tonnage or lighthouse dues, imposed in Japan
on American vessels. Not only the amount should be
ascertained, but the frequency of the charge should be also
stated, to enable this Department to determine the question
which will arise under section 14 of the act of June 26,
1884, as amended by section 11 of the act of June 19, 1886.
There should be also explicit information to show whether or
not the fees or dues, of any kind or nature, imposed on
vessels of the United States, or the import or export dues
on their cargoes, arc in excess of the fees, dues, or duties
imposed on the vessels of Japan or on the cargoes of such
vessels.
I am, etc.,
C. S.
Fairchild,
Secretary.
