Mr. Foster to Mr. Herbert.
Washington, July 19, 1892.
Dear Mr. Herbert: I had the pleasure to receive, this morning, your personal note of the 16th instant, announcing the revocation of the Canadian order excluding from the benefit of rebate tolls in the St. Lawrence canals cargoes originating in our Ontarian ports and destined for export from Montreal or a port further eastward. It shall be submitted to the President, with whom and with Congress the present consideration of the subject rests.
Your correction regarding the date of the regulation in question is entirely acceptable, but I do not see that the point is material. Whether originating in 1891 or revived in 1892, the discrimination is gratuitous and not applicable to any observed movement of trade in the channels it professed to discourage. Having been of no practical effect, its removal is likewise, of course, of no practical benefit.
Very truly yours,