Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

No. 963.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose to you herewith a copy of a dispatch from Consul Miller, of Niuchwang, in regard to the favorable impression among; the Chinese from the presence there during the winter of the U. S. S. Vicksburg, and requesting that our Government be urged to keep a gunboat at Niuchwang until the place is returned to the Chinese authorities.

I have, etc.,

E. H. Conger.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Miller to Mr. Conger.

Sir: I have to report that the presence at this port during the winter of the U. S. S. Vicksburg has had the effect of creating a most favorable impression among the [Page 159] Chinese toward our country. They are increasing their interest in the affairs of the United States and are anxious to enter into business relations with our people.

This is especially marked in regard to mining concessions.

It would be a mistake for our Government to send the Vicksburg away from this port at this time without replacing her with another gunboat, as it would be interpreted by the Chinese to mean that we were abandoning our present rights and privileges in Manchuria.

These people are much influenced by these outward evidences, and they measure the interest and intentions of a nation by the appearance or absence of its gunboats. I beg therefore that you will urge upon this Government the importance of keeping a gunboat in this port until the place is returned to the Chinese authorities.

I have, etc.,

Henry B. Miller, United States Consul.