Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

No. 81.]

Sir: As promised in my dispatch No. 56, of October 1 last, I have now the honor to inclose copies of the complete correspondence between the dean of the diplomatic corps and the Tsung li Yamên, together with translations, on the question of bringing the foreign legations’ guards to Peking.

It will be observed that at first the Yamên objected, but finally they arranged for and permitted the use of a train, and in every case have furnished escorts from the railway station, which is several miles outside the city wall, to the gates of the legations.

I have, etc.,

E. H. Conger.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 81.]

Sir Claude MacDonald to the Dean of the diplomatic corps.

My Dear Doyen: This afternoon, in coming from the station, Mr. Mortimore, a member of this legation, and an English lady whom he was escorting from the station were, without any reason whatever, severely pelted with mud and stones. They fortunately escaped without very serious injury, but had the mob been able to procure more stones the results might have been very serious, indeed fatal.

I am, of course, taking steps for redress in this matter vis-a-vis the Chinese Government, but I venture to think that this is a matter which does not affect this legation alone. This lady was not pelted with stones and mud because she was English, but because she was an European. I therefore am of opinion that it is a question which should be taken up by the whole diplomatic body as a body, as well as by myself. I would feel greatly obliged, therefore, if you kindly call a meeting to-morrow to take the views of the other representatives in this matter.

Believe me, etc.,

Claude MacDonald.