Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, April 2,
1902.
No. 963.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose to you
herewith a copy of a dispatch from Consul Miller, of Niuchwang, in
regard to the favorable impression among; the Chinese from the presence
there during the winter of the U. S. S. Vicksburg, and requesting that our Government be urged to keep a
gunboat at Niuchwang until the place is returned to the Chinese
authorities.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Miller to
Mr. Conger.
Consulate of the United States,
Niuchwang, China, March 29, 1902.
Sir: I have to report that the presence at
this port during the winter of the U. S. S. Vicksburg has had the effect of creating a most favorable
impression among the
[Page 159]
Chinese toward our country. They are increasing their interest in
the affairs of the United States and are anxious to enter into
business relations with our people.
This is especially marked in regard to mining concessions.
It would be a mistake for our Government to send the Vicksburg away from this port at this time
without replacing her with another gunboat, as it would be
interpreted by the Chinese to mean that we were abandoning our
present rights and privileges in Manchuria.
These people are much influenced by these outward evidences, and they
measure the interest and intentions of a nation by the appearance or
absence of its gunboats. I beg therefore that you will urge upon
this Government the importance of keeping a gunboat in this port
until the place is returned to the Chinese authorities.
I have, etc.,
Henry B. Miller, United States Consul.
