Mr. Hay to Mr. Combs.

No. 57.]

Sir: I inclose herewith copy of a note from the Chinese minister at this capital, expressing his sincere appreciation of the good offices [Page 578] exerted by you on behalf of certain Chinese subjects in Guatemala, and expressing also the hope that the continuance of those good offices will prevent further imposition upon Chinese subjects.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure.]

Sir Chentung Liang Cheng to Mr. Loomis.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, No. 18, of the 3d instant, with which you transmit for my information copies of a dispatch and its inclosures from the United States minister at Guatemala City, relating to the case of Juan Ton, a Chinese subject, arrested at Amatitlan and illegally imprisoned and fined, but subsequently released at the minister’s request and the fine refunded.

In reply I wish to thank you for your kind courtesy in communicating the information to me, and to ask that you will kindly convey to Minister Combs my sincere appreciation of the good offices exerted by him in the case above mentioned and the other cases referred to in his dispatch. I am sure that the friendly protection extended by him to the Chinese residing in Guatemala can not fail to be appreciated by them with feelings of deep and sincere gratitude. I will take occasion to report to my Government for its information the kind efforts exerted by Minister Combs in behalf of the said Chinese subjects. I trust that the continued exercise of his good offices will prevent further impositions upon the Chinese.

Accept, etc.,

Chentung Liang Cheng.