Mr. Uhl to Mr. Smythe.

No. 38.]

Sir: I have received your No. 49 of the 6th instant in regard to the practice of the Haitian Government in detaining sailing vessels until the duties on their inward cargoes are paid. You therein state that any change in the custom would prove to the disadvantage of the sailing vessels, and that their masters were of this opinion and had withdrawn their complaint.

The Department’s instructions on the subject were based on complaints submitted by American ship-owners. In the light of your report, and as no further representations have been made by interested parties, the matter may be suffered to rest.

I am, etc.,

Edwin F. Uhl,
Acting Secretary.