July 7th.—(1) The Governor of Hupeh states that the copper used for coinage purposes in the province was formerly pro-ured from Yiiman and Kueichow, and was entitled to exemption from duty and now that the former source of supply has failed, he requests permission to purchase foreign copper and lead at Shanghai one bring them to Hupeh free of duty. What with freight and price, the cost of laying down the material is by no means light, and if duty is charged, it will necessarily be greatly enhanced. The Japanese copper recently purchased by the Board of Revenue paid no Customs duties whatever, and copper and lead required for coinage purposes by the provinces are entitled to the same privileges. It is, therefore, requested that the Customs authorities at Shanghai may be authorised to pass copper and lead for Hupeh free of duty on the production of a certificate issued by the Memorialist. Any attempt lo will, of course, be dealt with by the Customs regulations.—Granted by Imperial Rescript.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.