No. 49.
Mr. Low to Mr. Fish.
Peking, November 23, 1872. (Received January 23, 1873.)
Sir: Referring to my No. 202, of 23d October last, I have now the honor to inform you that the consul at Ningpo reports the release of all the natives that had been arrested at Hangchow for being concerned in the sale of property to missionaries. From the same and other sources I learn that all is now quiet, and that the missionaries anticipate no farther trouble, for the present at least.
It appears that most of the men arrested were required, as a condition of their release, to give bonds for their future good behavior, and from some a fine was exacted in addition to the bond. Whether the conditions imposed were real or only nominal, I have no means of knowing certainly. The British consul at Ningpo is of the opinion that certain conditions seemed to the officials necessary to make it appear that the men were arrested on charges other than selling property to foreigners, but that there is no intention of compelling the payment of fines or the making of bonds. Upon this point Mr. Consul Lord expresses no opinion.
I have, &c.,