Mr. Powell to Mr. Hay.

No. “N.”]

Sir: I have the honor to state to the Department that Mr. Férère, the minister of foreign relations, has not yet replied to our note that Department instructed me to send, in regard to the license tax.

Our merchants are being pressed to pay this unjust tax, and when they refuse the Government refuses to permit them to take their merchandise from the custom-house.

* * * * * * *

I am, etc.,

W. F. Powell.