No. 154.
Mr. Seward
to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, February 23, 1880.
(Received April 26.)
No. 605.]
Sir: I have the honor to hand to you herewith a
copy of the response made by the foreign office to my letter in regard to
the case of Chung How. My colleagues, the English, German and French
representatives have received notes of the same tenor.
While the fate of Chung How is not yet known, it seems to me that the
determination reached by the government to reopen negotiations with Russia,
and the knowledge that extreme measures in his case would cause general
dissatisfaction and effect prejudicially their further representations at
St. Petersburg, indicate that the moment of gravest danger for him has
passed.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure in No. 605.]
Prince Kung to Mr.
Seward.
(Informal.)
I have had the honor to receive your excellency’s note touching certain
matters which concern the governments of China and Russia, and the
punishment to be dealt to His Excellency Chung How, in which your
excellency manifests much interest and anxiety.
The ministers and I beg leave to express our highest appreciation for the
faithful friendship and regard for the good or ill fortune of China so
fully manifested by your excellency.
The matters mentioned above have been, by an imperial decree, referred to
a council, and although a line of action has not yet been determined
upon, yet it is certainly to be hoped that the present circumstances may
be considered, and reasonable and satisfactory course pursued.
In this the ministers and myself are of one opinion with your
excellency.
Being aware that these matters have received the serious attention of
your excellency, I beg leave in the first instance to make reply as
above.
Cards and compliments.
