Prince Kung to Wells Williams, June 30, 1874

Prince Kung to Mr. Williams.

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication.

In relation to the quarrel which occurred at Chi-mi, in Shantung between the people and the Christians, I have already informed your excellency that frequent orders were sent to the governor of that province to direct the proper officers to inquire into the affair with a view to its just settlement.

A dispatch has now been received from the northern superintendent of trade, inclosing the report of the intendant of circuit at Chefoo, wherein he slates that, in the case of this riot between the people and Christians in Chi-mi, the parties have all been summoned before him and all the witnesses examined. In conjunction with the United States consul, the affair has been publicly investigated in the fullest manner and decided, the guilty punished, and the case finished. “I therefore respectfully make known the details,” he concludes, “that you may report for information in the proper quarter that the case is settled.”

I have accordingly had a copy made of the superintendent’s dispatch upon the case, and beg to inclose it herewith for your excellency’s information.

His Excellency S. Wells Williams, United States Chargé d’Affaires.