George F. Seward to Wm. M. Evarts, January 29, 1880

No. 148. Mr. Seward to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: I have the honor to recur to my dispatch, No. 557, and to hand to you, herewith, translations of two imperial decrees which have relation to it and to the charge against Chung How.

It is not positively known whether the tenor of the discussions which have been going forward are favorable to the ratification of the treaty or the reverse, but it is persistently rumored that the tone of the larger part of the official class in Peking is very hostile to the treaty, and credence is given to this by the fact that Chung How is being dealt with very harshly.

What the fate of this well-known officer is to be, cannot now be told. It is believed, however, that his estates will be confiscated, and that he will be banished to a remote part of the empire.

The very greatest sympathy is felt for him by the foreign representatives, and they would not hesitate to speak in his behalf if they could see the way to do him any good whatever.

I have, &c.,

an imperial decree.

The board of civil office memorializes us, in obedience to our command, that they take the matter into grave consideration, and request that Chung How, ex-senior member of the censorate, be removed from office, in accordance with the statutes, for the violation of the regulations.

Chung How, in obedience to our command, went as our envoy abroad, and, without awaiting the Imperial will, ventured of his own motion to return to this capital. The nature of his offense is very grave, and a simple removal from office is not sufficient to cover it.

Let Chung How first be deprived of rank, arrested, examined, and handed over to the board of punishment to be dealt with for his offense.

Respect this!