No. 582.
Mr. Bayard to Mr. Edwardes.
Department of State,
Washington, June 8,
1888.
Sir: Referring to my reply of the 25th ultimo
to Sir Lionel West’s note of the 21st of May, 1888, relative to the
immigration of certain Indians from British Columbia into Alaska
Territory, I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a copy of a
letter from the Secretary of the Treasury holding that the immigration
referred to was not a violation of the laws of the United States.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Fairchild
to Mr. Bayard.
Treasury Department,
Washington, May 28,
1888.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 25th instant, inclosing copy of a note
to your Department from the British minister, dated the 21st
[Page 810]
instant, inquiring whether
the immigration of certain Indians from British Columbia into Alaska
is contrary to the immigration laws of the United States.
Section 1 of the “act to regulate immigration,” approved August 3,
1882, applies only to such passengers “who shall come by steam or
sail vessel from a foreign port to any port within the United
States.” And section 22 of the so-called “shipping act,” approved
June 26, 1884, in effect abolishes the capitation tax on immigrants
from contiguous foreign territory.
It would therefore appear that the immigration referred to was not a
violation of the immigrant laws of the United States.
I am, etc.,
C. S.
Fairchild,
Secretary.
