Morey to John Davis, February 16, 1884

Mr. Morey to Mr. Davis.

Sir: Adverting to my No. 243, of December 11 last, I have to report that the promised interview with the governor therein alluded to occurred on the 22d idem.

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His excellency was good enough to say that if I embodied my views in a letter to the government he would have it considered. Accordingly I wrote to the colonial secretary on that day, and inclosed herewith is a copy of my letter; in reply to which I was informed, under date 5th January, 1884, that “my fetter would be submitted to the executive and legislative councils by the governor.”

It now appears, however, that an act levying a duty of 5 per cent. ad valorem upon kerosene oil has passed the legislature within this week, and become a law, without the last-named body being aware that I had addressed the government upon the subject.

The agent of the ship John Harvey (the vessel alluded to in my letter to the colonial secretary as being en route here from New York with a consignment of kerosene) asked, quite without my knowledge, Mr. Leechman, an unofficial member of council, to intercede in the interest of that shipment at least, and have, if possible, the bill so made as to exempt from duty all shipments made prior to its enactment.* * *

I am, &c.,