Mr. Denby to Mr. Olney.

No. 2309.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation of a communication received from the Tsung-li Yamên relating to the riots in Fuhkien.

The Yamên consents that our consul at Foochow may go to Kutien to investigate the horrible massacre at that place. I have wired him that if he thought it desirable and necessary he could go, and he could exercise his judgment whether to go alone or with the British consul.

I have, etc.,

Charles Denby
.
[Page 108]
[Inclosure in No. 2309.]

The Tsung-li Yamên to Mr. Denby.

Your Excellency: We have had the honor to receive your excellency’s note wherein you inquired if you should depute the United States consul at Foochow to proceed to Kutien to investigate the question of the riots there, whether the Chinese Government would render him all due aid and protection. Your excellency asked for an early answer with regard to the riots at Kutien caused by revolutionists. We may state that it was entirely unexpected. Your excellency proposes to depute the United States consul to proceed thither, and we may say, How can China refuse to protect him? The British consul proposes to go there for the purpose of holding an investigation, and the Yamên telegraphed the Foochow authorities ordering that a military escort be furnished him; but as the rioters are in a state of wrath and fury it would not be right for the consul to expose himself to danger. We have written Sir Nicholas O’Conor to telegraph the British consul at Foochow to confer with the military officers appointed, and to consider the situation before proceeding there. The circumstances attending the United States consul going to Kutien are the same. The Yamên has telegraphed the Foochow authorities to select a proper military escort to protect the United States consul in going to Kutien, and beg your excellency to telegraph that officer to confer with the military officers appointed as to the condition of affairs, and to be careful in proceeding there and not run any risk of danger.