The Chinese Minister to the Secretary of State.

No. 61.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 13th instant, in which you embody the reply of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to my protest against the taking of a census by the bureau of immigration while negotiations for a treaty are pending involving this very subject.

Secretary Metcalf’s letter confirms my impression that there has been no legislation of Congress requiring such action, and, as it is plainly within his administrative control, I must confidently believe that he will not further push the matter of the census till the negotiations are concluded. I am gratified to note that the action of the bureau of immigration as set forth in the Secretary’s letter is not recognized by you as a sufficient answer to my protest.

Accept, etc.,

Chentung Liang-Cheng.