I inclose for your information a copy of the instructions sent to these
gentlemen. You will see that no reference is made therein to the payment
of tuition, for which no expressed provision is made by the act. The
Department is disposed to defray this expense in the same manner as the
tuition in the case of the second secretary at Pekin is paid; but before
deciding definitely it desires to receive from you a report as to the
exact outlay which would be required on this account for the ten
students.
[Inclosure.]
Instructions to student interpreters in
China.
Department of State,
Washington, August 26,
1902.
Sir: The President having appointed you to
be one of the ten student interpreters in China, provided for by the
diplomatic and consular act approved March 22, 1902, and you having
signed the agreement required by the act to continue in the service
as interpreter to the legation and consulates in China so long as
your said services may be required within a period of ten years, I
inclose herewith your commission.
You are to devote yourself under the direction and supervision of the
United States minister at Peking, to the study of the Chinese
language, and your retention will depend on the ability and progress
which you show in mastering the language, and on your general
steadiness and good conduct. You are to apply yourself exclusively
to the study of the Chinese language for a period of two years,
under the direction of the minister of the United States, and in
order that your progress in acquiring a knowledge of the language
may be determined, you will be examined quarterly by the Chinese
secretary of the legation, and annually by a board composed of the
Chinese secretary and two resident Americans properly qualified.
During the period of two years you may not be detached from your
studies for duty in the legation or consulates.
At the expiration of two years you may be detailed for duty as
interpreter or assistant in the legation or in any of the consulates
in China, where you shall be subordinate to and under the direction
of the person in responsible charge of the office, and may be
required to perform any official duties in addition to those of
interpreter.
After the expiration of two years, you may be granted leave of
absence for a period not to exceed sixty days (exclusive of transit
when expressly granted) in any one year. The application for such
leave of absence shall be made to the Secretary of State and must
receive the approval of the officer under whom you may be serving at
the time.
Your salary is fixed by law at the rate of $1,000 per annum,
beginning on the date of your arrival at the legation at Peking, and
you may draw upon the Secretary of State as it may become due
monthly, supporting your draft by an account. In availing yourself
of this authorization, you will be careful not to exceed in the
amount drawn for the sum to which you may be entitled in account
with the United States at the date of your drafts. In addition you
will be entitled to compensation at the rate of your salary for the
time occupied in receiving instructions in the United States,
beginning on the date of your oath of office and not exceeding
thirty days, and for the time actually and necessarily occupied in
transit, by the most convenient route, between the place of your
residence and the legation at Peking, not exceding sixty days.
Your account for the period occupied in receiving instructions, not
to exceed thirty days, should, if practicable, be made out and
settled at the Department before you leave for Peking.
On reaching Peking you will make out a separate account for the
period of transit and draw on the Secretary of State for the amount
due.
I am, etc.,
Alvey A. Adee, Acting Secretary.
