The Secretary of State to the Chinese Minister.

Dear Mr. Minister: I have the honor to inform your excellency that I have received absolutely certain information that the American proprietors of the Canton and Hankau Railway have regained control of the complete ownership of a clear bona fide majority of the entire stock of that company, the control of which, as a matter of fact, had never entirely passed out of their hands.

I trust the Chinese Government will see that this heavy sacrifice which has been made by the American proprietors to meet the criticisms and objections which have been made in China to the concession entitles them to the favorable consideration of your government and to the protection of that of the United States.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.