No. 242.
Mr. De Long to Mr. Fish.
September 3, 1872. (Received Nov. 1.)
Sir: I have the honor to advise you of the perfect tranquillity that prevails throughout this empire.
The proceedings instituted against the Peruvian ship Maria Luz, at the [Page 525] instance of Her Britannic Majesty’s chargé d’affaires here, have been terminated by a judgment to the effect that the captain was guilty as charged, but pardoning him on account of his long detention. Nearly all of his Chinese passengers, who in reality are coolies, have been by the Kencho authorities subpœnaed and brought on shore as witnesses. They refuse to return voluntarily to the ship, and the authorities here refuse to extend any aid to the captain to compel them to do so. They seem to intend to thus indirectly set them free, but they have advised the captain that they are still holding them in custody to permit him to sue for their restoration on the contracts he holds if he desires so to do. I learned by report to-day that he has commenced such an action. It will be interesting to know what this trial will develop.
At the request of the captain I addressed the foreign office a note inquiring if the proceedings of the Kencho were with their own knowledge and met with their approval. Also asking for a complete copy of the record, that I might transmit the same to the Peruvian government for its information. In my note, however, I was careful to disavow any intention or desire to influence them in their actions or conclusions, and expressed in strong terms the abhorrence of my government and of myself for the coolie trade.
Their excellencies kindly replied, furnishing me with all information required, but questioning my right to ask for the same for or on behalf of Peru. Therefore, this evening I have again addressed them, thanking them for their courtesy, and forwarding a copy of your No. 15 requesting me to attend to affairs here for Peru; and asking them to advise me if any objections existed upon their part to my extending my good offices to Peruvian citizens in this empire.
I anticipate a conclusion of all of these proceedings before the departure of the next mail, at which time I will advise yon further and more particularly, and I will also furnish you with copies of my correspondence with the ministers and the captain.
I have, &c.,