I argued with the customs, the mayor, and finally even the general in command. But to no avail. The remaining carts were detained until we had paid 400 silver dollars. Professor Sm and a couple of the other Chinese were so indignant over this arbitrary treatment that they wanted to return to Peking to lodge a complaint. They rightly considered that an expedition that stood under the protection of the Government and had passports ought to be allowed to pass unmolested, at least in tracts so near the capital. I realized, however, that such complaints would only lead to fresh tyacasseries and further waste of time, so I calmed down our Chinese comrades by reminding them that Pao-t'ou was the last town we should be passing through, and by suggesting that we could content ourselves with a written complaint sent through the post.
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