File No. 1576/9–10.

Minister Rockhill to the Secretary of State.

No. 969.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith translation of an imperial edict, issued on the 18th instant, directing that his excellency Chang Chih-tung, grand councilor and member of the grand secretariat, shall assume absolute control of the Canton-Hankow Railway.

I have, etc.,

W. W. Rockhill.
[Inclosure—Translation.]

Imperial edict, July 18, 1908.

canton-hankow railway.

Ch’en Ch’i-tai (governor of Kiangsu) memorializes to the effect that the Canton-Hankow Railway should be carried through under the direction of a single policy and requests that a high official of probity and intelligence be appointed to have supreme control of the affairs of the line.

The Canton-Hankow Railway is of vital importance in that it affects so intimately the means of communication between the north and the south. Chang Chih-tung was in charge of the negotiations at the time of the redemption of this line and was untiring in his efforts at that juncture. But during the last few years the divergent policies advocated by officials, gentry, and financier? have prevented any substantial accomplishments. If this state of affairs continues, the consequent loss and delay in the progress of the road will be great. It is necessary, therefore, that we appoint an official who shall have supreme control of the affairs of the railway, so that they may be brought to a successful conclusion. We command that Chang Chih-tung, grand councilor and member of the grand secretariat, shall assume, in addition to his other duties, absolute control of the Canton-Hankow Railway. Let him act in consultation with the viceroys and governors of the three Provinces. Let him see that the officials, gentry, and financiers connected with the enterprise fulfill their [Page 209] duties with integrity. The said official may at all times come to such decisions as shall seem to him best in view of the circumstances of the three Provinces. Let all dissentions now be terminated and unity of purpose prevail to the end that useless expenditures and delays to the vital interests of transportation may be prevented.

Respect this.