Hamilton Fish to I have sent a printed copy of the ordinance to Judge Russell, who will forward it to Washington to-day, June 13, 1873

No. 167. Mr. Fish to General Schenck.

Sir: I transmit a copy of a letter of the 7th instant, and of the accompanying papers, addressed to this Department by the Secretary of the Treasury, and of another of the 8th instant, by General Butler, relative to a large increase, to take immediade effect, of the tariff on rum and tobacco, imposed by the authorities at the British settlement on the Gold Coast of Africa. Citizens of the United States will be seriously affected by this measure, the necessity for which is not apparent and the legality of which may be questioned. It appears that residents of Boston had a quantity of the articles there, and that cargoes were on their way thither. Though every government may have the abstract right to direct an increase of its tariff on importations to take immediate effect, it has been the practice, it is believed, of most governments to postpone the time for such purpose until traders could have due warning of the change. That practice has, in this instance, been disregarded in a way which is believed to afford grounds of just complaint. You will consequently present the subject to Her Majesty’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, and will express a hope that such redress will be afforded as may be found due.

I am, &c.,

Schedule A.

On all other goods of every kind an ad-valorem duty of ten per cent. on the invoice-price.

Schedule B.

Corn, rice, and grain; meal and flour of every kind; biscuits; fresh, salted, and preserved meats, and fish, live stock.

Books and newspapers.

British coins, and other coins in the settlement.

Passengers’ luggage.

Puncheon-shooks.

Packages in which goods are usually imported.