Office of the Historian

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.

Department of State,
Washington, March 29, 1902.
No. 494.]

Sir: I have to inform you that the diplomatic and consular appropriation act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1903, approved March 22, 1902, contains the following provision:

For ten student interpreters at the legation to China, who shall be citizens of the United States and whose duty it shall be to study the Chinese language with a view to supplying interpreters to the legation and consulates in China, at $1,000 each, $10,000: Provided, That said student interpreters shall be chosen in such manner as will make the selections nonpartisan so far as may be consistent with aptness and [Page 229] fitness for the intended work: And provided further, That upon receiving such appointment each student interpreter shall sign an agreement to continue in the service as interpreter to the legation and consulates in China so long as his said services may be required within a period of ten years.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.