Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine.

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.,

Charles Denby.
[Inclosure in No. 1125.]

Mr. Denby to Mr. Reid.

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.,

Charles Denby.