Mr. Denby to Mr. Olney.

No. 2604.]

Sir: In compliance with the Department’s dispatch No. 1312, of July 28 last, relating to the subject of antiforeign riots in China, I have addressed to the Tsung-li Yamên a communication, of which a copy is inclosed.

I inform the prince and ministers that you will hereafter present for their consideration measures which you deem necessary to be adopted by China in order to prevent the occurrence of these outrages.

I shall, as soon as possible, comply with your direction that I prepare a “draft note” embodying the views set forth in the dispatch above-mentioned, with such other suggestions as I might think fit to offer, and should submit the same to you before presenting or discussing the subject with the Tsung-li Yamên.

I have, etc.,

Charles Denby.
[Inclosure in No. 2604.]

Mr. Denby to the Tsung-li Yamên.

Messieurs les Ministres: I have the honor to inform you that my Government has been unavoidably prevented from making such representations to the Government of China as recent antiforeign riots in China imperatively demand should be made.

This very important subject is still under advisement, and when a line of conduct has been matured it will be presented for the consideration of the Government of China.

It is assumed that it is the earnest desire of China to render the occurrence of outrages against foreigners in her borders impossible. It is assumed that, consulting her own dignity and interest and valuing her good name, she will readily adopt such measures as experience has shown to be best suited to that end.

In this day of contemplated reforms and the inauguration of material progress and schemes of improvement of all kinds, I unqualifiedly assert that the most important of all reforms and the most beneficial of all improvements would be the rendering of foreign life and property safe and secure in the interior of China.

The Chengtu riots, the Kutien massacre, the very recent Kiang-yin outrages, and others of minor character very plainly indicate that there is an overwhelming necessity for the Government of China to take strong and energetic action to enforce due consideration for the Imperial edicts and the orders which emanate from time to time from the Tsung-li Yamên touching the status and treatment of foreigners resident in China. Under my instructions it is not proper for me at this time to set forth the measures which my Government will hereafter present for your consideration as necessary to be adopted in order to prevent the occurrence of the lamentable outrages which are deplored by both Governments.

I desire at this time to simply notify you that the whole subject is under careful consideration by my Government, and that it does not doubt that you will cooperate in meeting its wishes in a matter of such importance toward maintaining the amicable relations that have uniformly characterized both countries.

Charles Denby.