JONES, United States Consul to Russell Young, May 14, 1883

Mr. Jones to Mr. Young.

Sir: The act of Congress of May 6, 1882, suspends the coming of Chinese laborers for ten years, except those who were in the country previous to November 17, 1880. These can return upon producing certain prescribed certificates of identification. The certificate is to be issued by the Chinese Government, or under its authority, and must state the name, age, &c., of the person to whom it is issued.

The question I desire to ask is: Is a Chinese consul in Japan, who is also a judicial officer, competent authority, under the provisions and meaning of this act, to issue such certificate? In my opinion he is, but I would be glad to be furnished with your opinion also.

My colleague, Mr. U. Tsing, Chinese consul” at this port, has been applied to for such certificates, and I have given him my opinion, but as some trouble has grown out of this act, I desired him not to act upon it until I had laid the question before you for your opinion.

I have, &c.,