Mr. Chang Yen Hoon to Mr. Bayard.
Washington, D. C., December 24, 1888. (Received December 24.)
Sir: I had the honor to receive the note of the acting Secretary, Mr. Rives, dated the 19th day of October, 1888, informing me of the approval, by the President of the United States, of an act recently passed by the Congress, appropriating the sum of $276,619.75 to be paid as full indemnity for losses and injuries sustained by Chinese subjects within the United States at the hands of residents thereof.
As, by precedent, I should receive in behalf of my Government the indemnity money and distribute the same amongst the Chinese sufferers, I have telegraphed to Peking praying for an Imperial decree to authorize me to do so. As soon as I shall receive the same by telegraph, I will propose a day for receiving the payment in person and communicate with you accordingly.
Accept, etc.,