Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward
Sir: According to the agreement entered into at Hiogo in November of last year, the opening of that port and of the city of Osacca were guaranteed on the 1st of January, 1868; but as yet this government have taken no preliminary steps whatever to carry the stipulation into effect. No ground has as yet been set apart for foreign occupation at either of those places; nor has any commencement been made with the building of a custom-house, bonded warehouses, or any other necessary public buildings.
This question, however, must soon come up for final settlement, and I hope to receive your instructions in regard to it. I would have applied to the Gorogio for their views on this subject; yet with reference to former despatches, relating to the present uncertainty in political affairs, in conjunction with the present scarcity of food, the consequent distress among the people and the recent disastrous conflagration, I beg to submit that I would not be justified in pressing this government for proposals for the solution of a matter it is not absolutely necessary to dispose of at once.
I have the honor, therefore, to request, as I am unable as yet to invite specific instructions, that I may be authorized to act in this matter on the basis of the maintenance of our treaty rights in concert with my colleagues, the representatives of the treaty powers interested, in such manner as shall best subserve our interests, and in view of the circumstances, as they shall present themselves when the question arises for consideration.
In the mean time, I shall lose no opportunity in endeavoring to obtain from this government such information as may enable me to invite the specific instruction it is so desirable to be furnished with.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.