No. 52.
Mr. Cheng Tsao
Ju to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Washington, February 16, 1884. (Received February 16.)
Sir: Referring to a conversation which took place on the 11th instant, I have the honor to inform you that I have now learned that my Government has temporarily suspended the issue of certificates to those Chinese subjects who by right are entitled to come to the United States. The reason for this is that the authorities desire to adopt some more perfect and satisfactory measures. This shows that China really desires to maintain her good faith and strengthen the tie of friendship existing between the two countries.
Within these last two months there arrived at San Francisco, from Hong-Kong, four steamers, viz, Rio de Janeiro, City of Tokio, Arabic, and City of Peking, with Chinese passengers holding certificates issued under authority of my Government. Their number has been greatly diminished, and I left with you a memorandum containing the exact figures.
In short, the Government of China desires to avail herself of the rights or privileges secured by the stipulations of the supplementary treaty, in order to continue her good faith and friendship.
I therefore beg to lay this before you, hoping that you, Mr. Secretary, will exercise your impartial judgment and consideration on this matter, in order that the pending Chinese question may be settled in accord with the stipulations of the treaty and the express provision of the fourth article, “to the end that mutual and unqualified benefit may result.”
Accept, sir, &c.,