Minister Rockhill to the Secretary of State.
(Mr. Rockhill says that the result of the joint investigation is reported from Lien-Chou by Consul-General Lay. So far three or four of the persons under arrest are probably guilty, and others implicated. Lay recommends light punishment for those slightly implicated, in view of the large size of the mob taking part in the massacre; he says he has ascertained the cause of the riot and massacre, responsibility for them, and approximate value of property destroyed, and asks permission to remain to witness the executions. Mr. Rockhill inquires whether he shall instruct Mr. Lay as the latter wishes, and says that unquestionably the population will be impressed by prompt punishment of the guilty. He has already instructed the consul-general that the question of indemnification is reserved until the department’s orders and the demands of the Presbyterian board are known, and that for the present he must see that full justice is administered by the Chinese authorities.)