Wm. M. Evarts to By the President: Wm. M. Evarts, November 23, 1880

No. 193. Mr. Evarts to Chen Lan Pin and Mr. Yung Wing.

Gentlemen: Referring to previous correspondence respecting the Chinese steamer Wo Chung, which recently arrived at the port of San Francisco, and upon which were levied discriminating tonnage tax and import duties, I have now the honor to inform you, adverting to your note of the 4th of September last, that the assurances therein contained, that no discriminations of such tax or other duties are made upon American vessels or their cargoes in the waters of China, are accepted as satisfactory by this Government, and that the President’s proclamation, as provided by the statute, will be issued without delay.

In this relation I may remark, adverting to the concluding inquiry in the note of your legation of September 4, that no complaints have reached this government from its consuls or other American sources in China of discriminations being practiced in Chinese open ports against the ships or goods of American citizens.

I avail, &c.,