Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, October 1,
1902.
No. 1100.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose copy of a
dispatch from Vice-Consul Bandinel, in charge at Niuchwang, suggesting
the desirability of a foreign non-Russian gunboat at that port during
the coming winter.
The Russians have, as reported in my telegram of the 26th instant, which
is confirmed herewith, already returned to the Chinese the railway from
Shanhaikwan to Niuchwang, i. e., as far as its terminus, which is on the
opposite side of the river from Niuchwang, and by the 8th of October it
is expected that the evacuation of all the territory up to the Liao
River will be completed.
According to the Manchurian agreement, Niuchwang, must be evacuated
during the next six months. Should this occur during the winter,
[Page 282]
it is possible that there
might be trouble from brigands, but the Chinese will probably be more
particular about keeping order on the start than they may be later on,
and as long as the Russians are there they will be able to give
requisite protection.
It therefore may be desirable, if convenient, to station a gunboat at
Niuchwang for the winter, but I doubt its absolute necessity.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Bandinel to
Mr. Conger.
Consulate of the United States,
Niuchwang, September 24, 1902.
Sir: I have the honor to report as
follows:
The governor-general arrived last night from Moukden, and left early
this morning for Shanhaikwan, where it is supposed the Russians will
hand over to him the Niuchwang-Shanhaikwan Railway. Meantime they
are busily engaged in transporting troops and stores from the north
(west) bank of the river to their railway settlement on the east
bank.
General Chiao, formerly commandant of this port, is waiting with
about 150 Chinese soldiers about 10 miles from this, ready to come
in when the Russians evacuate this port. In Tung-wha Hsien and
another eastern district which they have handed over to the Chinese
magistrates the latter have been successful in restoring and
maintaining order, which augurs well for the future tranquillity of
the districts yet to be evacuated by the Russian authorities.
But I am nevertheless of the opinion that it is desirable that at
least one non-Russian gunboat should winter here this year.
I have, etc.,
J. J. Fredk. Bandinel,
United States Vice-Consul, in
Charge.
