The following is the reply to the letter addressed by the Chamber of Commerce to Lord Salisbury in reference to the com: plaint of Messrs. Tait & Ca., of Amoy, concerning a fine imposed by the Customs on the steamer Esmeralda in consequence of the smuggling of opium by some of the menibers of the crew Colonial Secretary's (Mice, Gth August, 1891,,—With reference to my letter No. 743 of the 2nd of May, I am directed by the Oficer Administering the Government to acquaint you, fur the information of the Chymber vf Commerce, that His Excellency is apprised by the Secretary of State for the Cvlonies that the Marquis of Salisbury is in communication with Her Majesty's Minister at Peking on the subject of the eas" of the Esmeralda.—I have the honour to be, Sir, your must obedient servant, (Signed) F, H, May, Acting Colonial Secretary, Henderson, Esgu Secretary, Hongkong General commerce. Chamber of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.