To the Editor of the "Norra Cama Dany News."
Srr,—The above subject has been commented on more than once by your esteemed paper, but I find that your remarks are not founded on a thorough knowledge of Customs regulations. A Commissioner of Customs is not invested with authority to make any modifications in the tariff, and the Hoihow Commissioner has apparently not overstepped his power, as his actions would otherwise not' have met with the approval of Peking. He would have received orders to vacate his post.
The respectable portion Chinese merchants would not he shunned making just complaints or reasonable charges out of fear for a man who is after all not all-powerfal. This suggests that the boycotters were only such merchants as would most Tikely make false declarations of their cargo passing the Customs, $0 as to evade payment of lawful duties or portion thereof. It is ridiculous to assume that the Chinese officials have lost face in aay way, as they could pledged their word that the of Castoms would be it orders. Evidently they have also not applied to Peking for the Commissioner's transfer; for, as yon say, he has been able to maintain his position. In a former article you mention that the Commissioner was opposed by certain Consuls. It would be regrettable, if such should be the case, as it would be expected of such officials that, they would possess sufficient tact to realize that the Commissioner was doing his duty as is sanctioned by treaties.
Lam, ete.,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.