Mr. Denby to Mr.
Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, July 26, 1890.
(Received September 22.)
No. 1125.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have
communicated to the Presbyterian mission at Chi-nan-fu the substance of your
dispatch No. 512 of April 9, 1890, in a letter of which a copy is herewith
inclosed. As soon as I learn from the superintendent of the mission what the
present condition of things is, and what are his wishes, I will again bring
the subject to the attention of the foreign office.
I would be very much gratified if I could secure for the mission the original
lot for which they contracted or another suitable lot in exchange
therefor.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 1125.]
Mr. Denby to Mr.
Reid.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, July 25,
1890.
Sir: Upon my return to Peking after a long
absence, I find a dispatch from the Department of date April 12, which
contains this language:
“Popular prejudice at Chi-nan-fu appears to render it impracticable for
Mr. Reid to pursue further his claim upon his contract for the original
suburban lot, but the claim that another house lot in another part of
the suburbs should be procured in lieu of the original lot ought not to
be lightly foregone if there seems to be any chance of its being
successfully maintained without friction or unpleasant complications.
Your own suggestion, however, that the missionaries surrender the deed
of the original lot, recover the purchase money, and undertake to secure
another such lot as a movement entirely new and independent of the
original contract, is deemed preferable, as being in all probability the
least open to objection by the local authorities; and provided, of
course, the missionaries can be induced to accept that solution of the
difficulty before any attempt is made to obtain an exchange at the hands
of the yamên; and provided, further, that assurance can be obtained
before surrender of the old lot that no impediment will be thrown in the
way of the acquisition of a new one of equivalent value.”
I have heard rumors touching the condition of things at Chi-nan-fu, but
have nothing definite. You will see that the Department instructions are
contingent upon the mission’s acceptance of the plan proposed. Should
the mission decline to accept the new lot and still insist on the
possession of the first lot, then I am directed to bring the views of
the mission and yours (mine) on this subject into harmony, in order that
you (I) may proceed to a just termination of the existing differences
between the mission and the authorities. Before taking any action here I
desire to know the mission’s views as to the course to be adopted, and
to receive such information as to the present condition of things as may
facilitate a favorable solution. Backed up, as I am, by my Government, I
shall not hesitate to present to the yamên in the strongest manner the
claims of the mission to a just settlement of the troubles pending.
I have, etc.,