No. 339.
Mr. Baker
to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Caracas, November 7, 1882. (Received November 23.)
Sir: Referring to my No. 553, I have the honor to say that on the 28th of September I had an interview with the President in relation to the 30 per cent. additional duty, and other matters. As respects the additional duty, the practical result was that he was opposed to a change of the law which would allow through invoiced goods to land for reshipment at any of the ports of the islands to shipments from which the 30 per cent. additional duty applies, but expressed himself as inclined to be personally favorable to a change of the law which would allow transhipment of through invoiced goods at the ports of these islands, and indicated that he was considering this point. At this stage I thought it proper to let the matter rest a while. On the 27th ultimo, upon inquiry of Mr. Seijas, I learned that no action had been taken on the point. At an early day I purpose renewing the matter, and urging at least a change that will allow of transhipment, without abandoning the pursuit of a more thorough and efficient change. The President has not yet resumed his functions.
I am, &c.,