BEE, His Imperial Chinese Majesty’s Consul to James Higby, February 4, 1879

Mr. Bee to Mr. Higby.

Sir: In reference to the notification to the Chinese cigar-manufacturers, issued by you, requiring hereafter that the manufacturers of cigars, &c., must give bonds in real estate in accordance with section 3387 of Revised Statutes of the United States, on examination of the law, I believe it is left to your option to determine what is a bond, or as to the security being good and sufficient for the purposes of the law.

Have you made this new departure under instructions from the Commissioner of Internal Revenue? I am satisfied that to insist upon bonds secured by real estate will destroy two-thirds of the Chinese cigar manufactories now in operation, and reduce the revenue of the government proportionally, as but few will be able to execute the bond required.

I have, &c:,