No. 65.
Mr. Bayard to Mr. Hubbard.

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.,

T. F. Bayard.
[Inclosure in No. 186.]

Mr. Fairchild to Mr. Bayard.

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.