Protest of the Foreign Consuls at Barranquilla against Decree No. 173 of 1885., April 17, 1885

Protest of the Foreign Consuls at Barranquilla against Decree No. 173 of 1885.

General-in-Chief of the Military Forces of the Place:

By decree No. 173 of the 10th of February last, published in the Official Gazette of the nation, No. 6309, the 12th of the same month, the national executive power directs that the payment of import duties made to individuals who have no legitimate official character not only does not exempt the importers from the obligations contracted by them or their agents in favor of the national treasure, but will furnish a reason for adding to the debt 50 per cent, of the amount of the importation duties illegally paid.

This place and its custom-house being occupied by military forces that have not been recognized by the National Government, and who have no recognized legitimate official character, and they having demanded from the importers payment of custom-house bonds made in favor of the national treasure for customs duties previously incurred, the undersigned, to protect from the responsibility that would be incurred in the payment of the said bonds by the subjects and citizens of the nations we represent, protest against the payment of the said bonds which the military forces of the place are now exacting, and we protest also against every other payment of this kind or of an analogous nature made or that shall be made in future taxing and obliging foreign merchants to pay by armed force.

With respectful consideration, your humble servants,