Chester Holcombe to J. Stahel, June 21, 1878

Mr. Holcombe to Mr. Stahel.

Sir: I have received a dispatch from the Chinese foreign office, in which it is proposed to modify Articles III and IV of the revised regulations of trade on the Yangtze Kiang of November 10, 1862, as follows:

• “Article III. While all the provisions of this article will be enforced upon lorchas and sailing-vessels generally, it is proposed that, in the case of sea-going steamers passing above Chin Kiang, a pass be issued by the customs at that port, which shall be presented for inspection at any port to which the vessel may proceed for purposes of trade. If the vessel does not trade at Wuhu or Kiukiang, she need not stop at those ports for the examination of her pass.
• “Article IV. Tonnage dues leviable on steamers holding river pass will hereafter be collected at Shanghai.”

I have approved the proposed modifications of the regulations in question in so far as they affect American shipping.

I am, &c.,