Fred’k T. Frelinghuysen to Charles R. Lowell, April 17, 1884

No. 144 Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Lowell.

Sir: I inclose herewith, for your information, copies of correspondence with the American consulate at Colombo concerning certain legislation of the colony of Ceylon, by which it appears that it is proposed to levy a duty upon kerosene oil, heretofore free, to take effect upon the passage of the law, without excepting from its provision kerosene oil then in transit from this country.

I will thank you to call the attention of the foreign office to this matter, with the statement that this Government entertains the view that it is very desirable that sudden changes in colonial tariffs should not be allowed to affect bona fide shipments en route at the time, and that the hope is entertained that the Imperial Government may be able to afford adequate relief to American shippers who may have been injuriously affected by the legislation of Ceylon.

I am, &c.,

Extract from the address of the governor of the colony.

It is not, however, my intention at once to propose to you to have recourse to this step, except in so far as regards a readjustment in the mode of collecting duties on grain and the reimposition of a duty on the importation of kerosene oil, both of which measures have been recommended by the committee.