Identic note to the Chinese Foreign Office, transmitting the foregoing statement of grievances, December 10, 1879

Identic note to the Chinese Foreign Office, transmitting the foregoing statement of grievances.

By the note which the undersigned had the honor to address to the Prince of Kung and the ministers of the Tsung-li Yamên, His Imperial Highness and their excellencies are already aware that the question of inland taxation on foreign goods as well as on native produce intended for exportation, which has given rise to so many complaints on the part of the foreign representatives, and to much discussion between them and the Tsung-li Yamên, was about to he brorght before His Imperial Highness and their excellencies.

Taking into consideration the declarations repeatedly made during the last few years by the Tsung-li Yamên that the Chinese Government were willing to enter upon a joint consideration of the question, the undersigned have thought that the presence at Peking of all the representatives of foreign powers now in China, and interested in the question, would offer a good opportunity for approaching it. To this effect they have drawn up a list of those subjects to which, for one reason or another, they consider themselves entitled to demand attention, and they now have the honor to lay this statement before His Imperial Highness and their excellencies.

It is in no captious spirit that the undersigned approach the question, but with the earnest desire and hope that a joint consideration of the points to which consideration is directed may bring about a satisfactory understanding.

Nothing is further from the undersigned than a wish to add to the difficulties of the Chinese Government, or to embarrass the working of its financial system. On the contrary, they are anxious that their countrymen should pay all lawful taxes and duties. In seeking to relieve them from all other burdens they believe indeed that they are acting only in accord with the declared policy of the Government of China. Only a few weeks ago, on the 23d September, an inperial decree was promulgated, setting forth the harm done by the present state of taxation, and promising inquiry and redress. It is with full confidence in this imperial promise that the undersigned look for an answer from His Imperial Highness and their excellencies, appointing an early date for the joint consideration of the matter submitted.

The undersigned renew, &c., &c., &c.