Comly to John M. Kapena, May 2, 1879

Mr. Comly to Mr. Kapena.

Sir: I am asked by importers of American goods, and by the United States consul, to submit to your excellency’s consideration the question whether the tariff collected by the Hawaiian custom-house upon all cotton manufactured into clothing, “the same being the growth, manufacture, or produce of the United States,” is not in contravention of Article II of the reciprocity treaty. For myself, I confess the question seems too plain for argument.” “Cotton and manufacturers of cotton, bleached and unbleached, and whether or not stained, painted, or printed,” must come in free. It is only when mixed with “wool, silk, or linen, or any two or more of them,” and not then unless when manufactured into “ready-made clothing,” that cotton can properly pay duty under the treaty. The mere statement of the point in the language of the treaty itself seems to me absolutely conclusive.

Renewing the assurances of my highest consideration and respect,

I am, &c.,