510 Mr. Blaine to Mr. Denby- Mar. 24 Continued.
517 Same to same................
consul at Ningpo and the taotai, described in a
dispatch from the former dated the 12th ultimo,
nor allow an adverse judgment of so doubtful
a character to stand.
Apr. 12 Complaint of the American Presbyterian Mission
at Chi-nan-fu: Instructs him to assist the mis-
sionaries in obtaining another town lot in place
of the original one.
Apr. 18 Claim of Louis McCaslin: Instructs him to pre-
sent the claim to the Chinese Government de
novo, and to request a reopening of it.
Same subject: Incloses a copy of his note to the
yamén, asking for a joint investigation of the
1113 Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine... May 5
523 Mr. Blaine to Mr. Denby... May 6 Passports and travel certificates for Americans
1114 Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine.... May 10
530 Mr. Blaine to Mr. Denby.... May 17
in China: Gives instructions with regard to
the same and incloses a copy of Department
circular to the United States consular officers
in China, dated May 1, 1890, on the subject.
Transit passes for goods exported from China:
Incloses a copy of a note of this date from the
yamên, and of a note of the 9th instantfrom the
German minister to his colleagues, with regard
to fixing limits for the duration of transit
passes.
Access to the United States for Dr. Alvin F.
Howe: Incloses a copy of a letter of the 14th
instant from the Secretary of the Treasury,
stating that the taotai's certificate, properly
viséed by the United States minister or consul,
would enable Dr. Howe to land in the United
States:
Claim of Louis McCaslin: Approves Mr. Denby's
note of the 5th ultimo to the yamên on the sub-
ject.
June 27 Transit passes for goods exported from China:
The period of their validity should be deter-
mined by agreement between the authorities
and the consular representatives of the treaty
powers.
Chinese exclusion bill: Incloses a translation of
a note of the 16th ultimo from the yamên, dis-
cussing the same and protesting against it as a
violation of existing treaties, and a copy of his
reply of the 26th instant acknowledging its re-
ceipt. Chinese enumeration bill: Incloses a
translation of a note of the 17th ultimo from the
yamên, protesting against the same, and a copy
of his reply of the 20th instant acknowledging
its receipt.
1123 Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine.... July 25
July 26 Complaint of the American Presbyterian Mission
at Chi-nan-fu: Incloses a copy of his letter of
the 25th instant to Rev. Gilbert Reid, embody-
ing the substance of Department's No. 512 of
April 12, 1890.
July 26 Claim of Louis McCaslin: Incloses a copy of his
note to the yamên, transmitting a translation
of Department's No. 517 of April 18, 1890.
Will seek an oral interview with the yamên.
Aug. 4 Hydrographic surveys of the ports of China: In-
closes a copy of his note of this date to the
yamên, maintaining the right of foreign men-of-
war to make such surveys.
Aug. 11 Complaint of the American Presbyterian mission
at Chi-nan-fu: Incloses a copy of his note to
the yamên, notifying them of the willingness
of the missionaries to accept another city lot
in place of the original one. Claim of Rev.
Gilbert Reid vs. China: In the same note Mr.
Denby requests the yamên to have a public
example made of the ringleaders of the riot in
which Mr. Reid was injured, and to indemnify
him for his injuries.
553 Mr.Wharton to Mr. Denby. Sept. 24 Segregation of the Chinese in San Francisco:
Approves his note of July 26 to the yamên on
the subject.
Sept. 25 Hydrographic surveys of the ports of China: Ap-
proves his note of August 4 to the yamên on
the subject.
1150 Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine... Aug. 16
1151 Same to same........
Marriages between Americans in China: Reports
his recent action on a question as to the mode of
solemnizing such marriages. The minister is
not authorized to perform the ceremony, nor to
witness it officially, and can not give a marriage
certificate, but a consul can do all three.
Aug. 20 Claim of Rev. Gilbert Reid: Incloses a transla-
tion of a note of the 17th instant from the yamên,
reiterating its refusal to pay any indemnity to
Mr. Reid. Complaint of the American Presby-
terian mission at Chi-nan-fu. In the same note
the yamên states that the missionaries must
accept the country tract in place of the city lot.
If they press the matter, the populace may cause
trouble.
Aug. 21 Navigation of the Yang-tee River: Incloses a
copy of the recent Chun-Khing convention, al-
lowing English sailing vessels to ascend the
Yang tse River as far as Chun-Khing and mak-
ing Chun-Khing an open port.
Sze-chuen: Gives a sketch of the history, geog.
raphy, agriculture, and commerce of the prov-
ince of Sze-chuen.
Silver: Gives statistics with regard to silver
currency in China, and the rise in the value of
silver caused by the passage of the "silver
bill" by Congress. Describes the new Chinese
silver coinage.
Sept. 26 Silver coinage: A proclamation has been issued
making the new Chinese silver coins a legal
tender in every part of China.
562 Mr. Blai to Mr. Denby... Oct. 11 Complaint of the American Presbyterian mission
at Chi-nan-fu: Instructs Mr. Denby to keep
the matter in sight and to endeavor, in all proper
ways, to further the reasonable desires of the
missionaries.
1181 Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine... Oct. 22 Chinese exclusion bill: Incloses a translation of
a note of the 19th instant from the yamên, com.
plaining that Mr. Blaine had made no reply to
the communications of the Chinese minister at
Washington on the subject, and a copy of his
reply of the 22d instant, explaining the silence
of the Secretary of State.
Nov. 7 Complaint of the American Presbyterian mission
at Chi-nan-fu: Incloses a copy of his note of
the 1st instant to the yamên, stating that the
missionaries are willing to surrender the coun
try tract if they can obtain a suitable lot in the
city. Claim of Rev. Gilbert Reid. In the same
note of November 1 to the yamên, Mr. Denby
states that he does not waive or compromise
Mr. Reid's claim for indemnity for injuries done
him by the rioters, but considers it still pend-
ing and unsettled.
571 Mr. Blaine to Mr. Denby... Dec. 16 Marriages of Americans in China: Approves
Mr. Denby's views as to the proper mode of
performing the marriage ceremony. Cites the
law on the subject.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LEGATION OF CHINA AT WASHINGTON.
Mr. Blaine to Mr. Tsui..............
Transit of Chinese laborers through the United
States: It appears by a le'ter of the 28th instant
from the Treasury Department that the South-
ern Pacific Company, which is said to control a
large share of the Chinese transit business, is
about to execute the bond provided for by the
amendment to the Treasury Department's cir-
cular of September 28, 1889, so that the Chinese
laborers carried by that company will not be
required to give a special bond.
Mr. Tsui to Mr. Blaine..... Feb. 27 Same subject: The opening of one line across the
continent to Chinese laborers is not a compli-
ance with the existing treaty stipulations that
entitle Chinese subjects to the same privileges
of free transit through the territory of the
United States as the subjects of the most fa-
vored nation. The facts and reasons set forth
in his notes of November 5 and December 16,
1889, remain uncontroverted.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LEGATION OF CHINA AT WASHINGTON-Continued.
Mr. Blaine to Mr. Tsui......
Mr. Tsui to Mr. Blaine....
Same subject: Has referred Mr. Tsui's note of
February 27 to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Chinese exclusion bill: Describes the injustice
done by the said bill to Chinese subjects who
had left the United States with return certifi-
cates in their possession, and who, on their re-
turn, were denied permission to land, although
they displayed their certificates, many of them
having their families and their property in the
United States; complains of the difficulties
placed in the way of the transit of Chinese la-
borers, and the interference of the customs offi.
cials with the business of Chinese merchants
in the United States; contrasts this treatment
with the fidelity with which the Chinese Gov-
ernment has recognized and enforced its treaty
stipulations towards American merchants and
missionaries; cites decisions of the United
States Supreme Court, showing that the bill is
a violation of existing treaties; asks for infor
mation as to the President's views on the sub-
ject.
Mr. Pung to Mr. Blaine..... May 23 Segregation of Chinese subjects in San Francisco:
Mr. Blaine to Mr. Pung..... May 27
Mr.Pung to Mr. Blaine..... June 7
Incioses a copy of an order of the board of su-
pervisors of San Francisco, dated February 17,
1890, prohibiting Chinese, under penalty of im.
prisonment, from residing or carrying on busi-
ness in the city and county of San Francisco,
except within a certain specified district; com-
plains that a large number of Chinese have
been arrested for failure to comply with the
provisions of the said order; asks that imme-
diate steps be taken to remedy the injury done
to Chinese subjects by the order in violation of
the third article of the treaty of 1880.
Same subject: Has referred his note of the 23d
instant to the Attorney-General; meanwhile
the Chinese who have been arrested can obtain
relief in the courts.
Same subject: Under the treaty of 1880, China
consented to surrender certain treaty rights as
to immigration upon the express condition and
assurance that Chinese subjects in the United
States should receive special protection, and
that assurance was embodied in article 3.
They already possessed the right of appeal to
the courts; when Americans in China are
threatened with ill treatment at the hands of
the local authorities the American minister is
prompt to demand the active interposition of
the Imperial Government, and the latter has
never replied that the American residents must,
alone and unsupported by the Imperial power
and influence, carry on their contest with the
local authorities, but has always promptly in-
terfered to secure to them their treaty rights.
June 14 Segregation of Chinese subjects in San Francisco:
Construes article 3 of the treaty of 1880 to mean
that, where existing measures or remedies were
found to be insufficient, the United States Gov-
ernment would try to devise others to supply
the defect. The American minister in China,
when invoking the direct intervention of the
Imperial Government for the protection of
American citizens in China, has merely followed
the course marked out in the treaties in accord-
ance with the system of government prevailing
in China. This is no evidence that the said
article 3 contemplated that the same course
would be pursued in the United States, where
the organization of the Government is different.
The Attorney-General, in a letter of the 9th in-
stant, expresses the opinion that the ordinance
complained of is within the prohibition of the
fourteenth amendment to the Constitution, and
is also a violation of the treaty stipulations of
the United States with China, and it is there-
fore void. He advises that the proper mode of
determining authoritatively that the ordinance
has no validity is by application to the United
States courts.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LEGATION OF CHINA AT WASHINGTON-Continued.
Mr. Pung to Mr. Blaine ..
Segregation of Chinese subjects in San Francisco:
Acknowledges the receipt of Mr. Blaine's note
of the 14th instant; regrets the variance of
their views with regard to the duty imposed
upon the United States Government by the
third article of the treaty of 1880.
Mr. Tsui to Mr. Blaine...... Sept. 14 Expulsion of Chinese subjects from Aberdeen,
Washington: Has received a telegram from the
Chinese consul-general at San Francisco, stat-
ing that the Chinese residents of Aberdeen had
been notified by the citizens that they must
leave the town at once; asks that such meas-
ures may be taken by telegraph as will secure
the Chinese subjects at Aberdeen the protec
tion to which they are entitled under existing
Mr. Wharton to Mr. Tsui... Sept. 16 Same subject: Acknowledges note of 14th instant
and telegram of 15th instant; has wired the
governor of Washington, stating facts and ask-
ing him to prevent any disturbance of order or
violation of the rights of the Chinese residing
at Aberdeen.
Sept. 19 Expulsion of Chinese subjects from Aberdeen,
Washington: Has received a telegram from the
governor of Washington, saying that he will use
every means in his power to prevent any viola-
tion of law at Aberdeen.
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Chinese exclusion bill: Is surprised not to have
received any reply to his note of March 26, 1890.
Has been instructed to ask again that early at-
tention be given to that and to previous notes
of the legation on the subject. The losses and
injuries now being suffered by thousands of his
countrymen, owing to the rigorous enforcement
of the bill, impel him to redouble his efforts to
secure redress. Appeals to the American code
of international law for the settlement of the
difficulties between China and the United
States. His Government requests that he be
informed as promptly as possible of the views
of the United States Government.
Chinese exclusion bill: The questions presented
in the legation's notes have been, and are now,
the subject of careful consideration on the part
of the United States Government. Hopes to
convey to him at an early day, in an ample and
formal manner, the President's views in the
matter.
Same subject: Is instructed by his Government
to convey to Mr. Blaine its disappointment at
the adjournment of Congress without having
taken any action looking to the repeal or modi-
fication of the bill, and to express the hope that
during the present session it will take such
steps as will assure the Chinese Government
of the desire of that of the United States to
maintain in full force and vigor the treaties en-
tered into between the two nations.
Estate of Mrs. S. H. Smith, an American citizen,
who died at Colon: The United States consul
has requested his good offices in the settlement
of the said estate. Recites the facts in the case,
the legal questions involved, and the opinion of
counsel. Incloses a copy of a letter, dated No-
vember 7, 1889, detailing the circumstances,
from the United States consul at Colon, and
accompaniments, and translations of two let-
ters, dated respectively December 11 and De-
cember 12, 1889, from Gutierrez & Escobar, law-
yers, of Bogota, giving their legal opinion of
the case.
Seizure of American vessels on the San Blas
coast for alleged violation of the customs laws
of Colombia: Cabled him on the 8th instant to
make a full report on the subject.
54 Mr. Abbott to Mr. Blaine... Jan. 11 Same subject: The Colombian Government dis
claims any knowledge of any seizures except
that of the British schooner Pearl and that of a
schooner flying the Dominican flag. There are
three classes of ports, viz, free ports, ports
"habilitados," and ports not "habilitados."
Importations are only permitted into the free
ports and the ports "habilitados." Commerce
between free ports and ports not "habilitados"
is expressly prohibited. Coast trade between
ports habilitados" and ports not "habili-
tados is permitted to all vessels carrying
merchandise of the country, or foreign mer.
chandise on which the duties have been paid in
some port "habilitado." The San Blas coast
lies between the free port of Colon and the
"habilitado" port of Carthagena. None of its
ports are either free or "habilitado," and all
direct importations are prohibited and clearly
illegal. The vessel making them is subject to
confiscation, with its cargo. Consuls certifying
to invoices to those ports are liable to fine.
Notwithstanding this, the Colombian consul at
New York has granted the usual papers to
vessels clearing from New York for San Blas
ports and other ports not "habilitados," proba-
bly with the cognizance of the Colombian
Government. Consul has been recently or
dered to issue no more such papers.
Same subject; The New York papers state that
the American schooners Willie and Julian,
whose owners had, by the advice of the Colom-
bian consul at New York, obtained a special
permit to trade on the San Blas coast from the
authorities at Colon, have been seized by the
Colombian cruiser La Popa for infringement of
the customs laws, and taken to Carthagena.
Can find no provision of law authorizing such
a permit. The minister of foreign affairs says
that there is no such law or custom. There
seems to be no disposition to confiscate these
schooners. They will be allowed to trade on
the San Blas coast on payment of the regular
customs dues at Carthagena.
Feb. 1 Same subject: No change in the situation. Noth-
ing known about the reported seizure of the
Julian and the Willie. Gives a statement of the
laws of Colombia relative to importations. In-
closes translations of the most important pro-
48 Mr. Blaine to Mr. Abbott... Mar. 3
Feb. 6 Same subject: Calls attention to the distinction
between the free coast and the San Blas coast.
Nothing has been heard of the Julian and Willie.
The Whitford has arrived at Colon, and was
told by the authorities there that she must go
to Carthagena and pay her duties in order to
obtain permission to trade on the San Blas coast.
Incloses translations of decrees relating to the
free ports and to frauds on the revenue.
Same subject: A report of the consul at Colon
agrees with the results of Mr. Abbott's investi-
gations as to trade on the San Blas coast. In-
structs him to see that no American vessel, ap.
pearing to have acted in good faith, is subjected
to any unnecessary inconvenience or restraint,
and to impress upon the Colombian Govern-
ment the necessity of making its requirements
clearly known. Incloses a copy of a letter of
the 3d instant from the Department to Foster
& Co., the complainants in the case of the
Julian, and a translation of the Colombian laws
regulating commerce in Colombian waters.
Same subject: The Pearl and the Julian, which
latter is said to have sailed under the Domini-
can flag, are believed to have been released.
71 Mr. Abbott to Mr. Blaine.... Mar. 7
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