George F. Seward to George F. Seward, January 23, 1880

No. 147. Mr. Seward to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: I had the honor to transmit to you on the 18th of November last, with my dispatch No. 505, the conclusions of the conference of foreign representatives, held in this city in the months of September, October, and November, in regard to certain questions affecting the administration of justice which had attracted their attention. Recurring to that dispatch and its inclosures, and more particularly to the joint note addressed by the representatives to the foreign office in regard to the mixed court at Shanghai, I have now to place before you the response which has been sent to us by the Yamên.

You will see that it is entirely courteous in tone and substance; that it states that the subject has been referred to the southern superintendent of trade for a report, and that a further letter will be addressed to us upon the receipt of his response.

As that officer will undoubtedly refer the matter to the officials at Shanghai, it may be some time before his report will be received.

I have, &c.,