123 Ward, Angus I.: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:45 a. m.]
1856. ReContels 1838, October 27 and 1853, October 29.21 Believe it necessary, in light developments, take into consideration possibility efforts will be made demand court action against Ward and others, against whom 35 petitioners will presumably give evidence touching aspects their activities unrelated charge of assault, to show other allegedly evil aspects American consular administration such as espionage (see Contel 1039, June 19).
Letter of October 26 received by British Consul from his Mukden colleague Steventon22 reports latter on 26th renewed his request local authorities see Ward. First request appears have been made on or about 19th. Steventon notes regarding matter regular presence strong guards outside Consulate and understood presence such guards inside [Page 993] building as well, which fact would seem make unlikely occurrence any major altercation involving Chinese staff. He reports further local press 26th carried no further publicity on subject but more cartoons showing wild animal labeled “US” being caged.