The Chinese minister to
the Secretary of State.
Chinese
Legation,
Washington, January 4,
1905.
No. 50.]
Sir: Referring to the interview which I had
with you in November last regarding the case of Ho Choy Yeen, a Chinese
subject who was drowned at Canton, China, by certain American sailors
from a United States war ship, I have the honor to inclose herewith a
translation of a telegram from the Waiwu Pu on the subject and two
extracts from English newspapers published in Shanghai giving an account
of the incident for your consideration in conjunction with the report
from the United States minister at Peking referred to in the said
telegram, which report must have by this time reached your
Department.
[Page 114]
Seeing that you are now in possession of all the facts tor judging the
merits of the case, I take the liberty of calling your attention again
to this matter. I hope you will soon be able to take such favorable
action on the case as will satisfy the demands of justice.
Accept, etc.,
[Inclosure—Translation.]
The Waiwu Pu to the
Chinese Minister.
[Telegram.]
Peking Yamen, November 8, 1904.
On the 17th day of the eighth moon (September 26), sailors from an
American war ship, in the British concession at Shameen, Canton,
seized a Chinese subject named Ho Choy Yeen and threw him into the
water, with the result that he was drowned. The viceroy and the
governor both sent officers to make an investigation with the
American consul, and all the Chinese and foreign witnesses examined
testified that the murderers were American sailors. An understanding
with the American consul was reached on six points, which were in
substance that the payment of an indemnity to the family of Ho Choy
Yeen should be recommended by the consul in his report of the case
to the American minister for communication to the United States
Government, and that steps should be taken to find the murderers and
punish them according to law. This board has already made
representations to the American minister on the subject. The
minister states in his reply that he will at once report the case to
his government, adding at the saime time that his government will
have to examine first the evidence and, in case it is not sufficient
to establish the fact that the murderers are American sailors, will
refuse to pay any indemnity.
Now, the testimony of witnesses in this case is clear and conclusive.
The American consul has recognized the claim. If objections are
urged, it will be difficult to allay popular excitement. You will
represent to the Secretary of State the importance of settling the
difficulty in line with the original understanding, in order to show
some regard for the value of human life.
Waiwu Pu.
