Benj. P. Avery to His Imperial Highness Prince Kung , Chief, June 12, 1875

No. 162. Mr. Avery to Mr. Fish.

Sir: The attention of the Chinese government has lately been called by the discussion, of Cuban coolieism, growing out of the pending issue with Spain, to the necessity of adopting careful port-regulations with reference to emigration.

Being questioned by the Tsungli Yamen as to the character of American laws on the subject, I made some general statements verbally, embodying information which subsequently, at the request of the ministers, I wrote out more in detail, accompanying it with translations of portions of our statutes controlling the transportation of passengers, and prohibiting the coolie traffic.

The Yamen received the information thus afforded with expressions of gratitude. Copies of the correspondence on the subject are inclosed.

In my letter to the Yamen, besides giving the facts they desired, I aimed to show the exceptionally liberal treatment of Chinese subjects in the United States as an indirect incentive to more liberality toward our citizens in China, and to strengthen the disposition of the Government to insist upon the principle of free emigration in all further passenger commerce from the ports of the empire. I find the ministers of the Yamen all very anxious to prevent the revival of coolieism either openly or covertly, and have fully explained to them the position of our Government on this subject, with which they are in hearty smypathy.

I have, &c.,