Geo. F. Seward to George F. Seward, April 27, 1875

No. 184. Mr. Seward to Mr. Cadwalader.

Sir: I have the honor to hand to you herewith a copy of a dispatch dated the 1st of March, which I have received from Mr. Avery. In this connection, I have to advise you that the Taotai at this port has directed his subordinate officers along both banks of the Yangtse River and the neighboring sea-board to issue appropriate proclamations regarding telegraph cables, and looking to their protection.

Owing to the shoaliness of the waters adjacent to the coasts of China, and the innumerable craft which navigate them, sea-cables in this part of the world will always be subject to interruption. But we may expect fewer interruptions than heretofore, and, doubtless, it will not be many years before the Chinese will construct or permit the construction of land-lines. These will be likely to supersede the sea-cables of the coast, and do away with the annoyances to which we are now subjected.

In this connection, I am glad to be able to state that the prospects of the settlement of the difficulty in regard to the Foo-chow-Amoy line are excellent. Mr. De Lano is acting there as the friend of both parties, and the chances of success are largely increased by his counsels.

I am, &c.,