Russell Young to Memorandum. —The British, August 30, 1883

No. 85. Mr. Young to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose certain correspondence with the consul at Canton in reference to a recent disturbance in that city arising: out of the folly of some Europeans, which unhappily led to loss of life.

The Department will not fail to note the forbearance shown by the Chinese authorities, and the promptitude with which the viceroy intervened to preserve order and secure the interests and safety of the foreign settlement.

I have, &c.,

Tseng, acting viceroy, in reply.

I, the viceroy, have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a joint dispatch on 13th August, 1883 (here the consuls’ joint dispatch quoted in full).

Upon examination the viceroy would state that he has just received a communication from the acting English consul, Hance, concerning the same subject. Consequently the viceroy has already sent instructions to the poon yü (magistrate) and the kwang hi (the colonel) to dispatch some soldiers and police to proceed to Honan and to properly preserve order and to disperse the crowd.

Now, upon receipt of the foregoing dispatch, the viceroy has to repeat his order, with instruction that these officials should pay strict attention to maintain order, disperse the crowd, and not to allow any persons to avail themselves of this occurrence to create disturbance. The viceroy has also instructed the provincial judge to inquire, upon a compliance therewith.

It is proper that the viceroy should send this reply to the information of their honors the consuls.