William H. Seward to ( Note .—For text of inclosure No. 1, being the introductory note of the foreign, December 4, 1879

No. 136. Mr. Seward to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: I had the honor to hand to you with my dispatch No. 510, a copy of an introductory note to the Tsung-li Yamên by the foreign representatives at this capital at the close of their recent conference in regard to the condition of trade, justice, and intercourse, and intended to pave the way for the special representations to follow. I now inclose another copy of the note for your convenience in referring to it, and a copy of the response made by the prince and ministers.

You will notice upon reference to the latter paper that the Yamên declares its readiness to receive and consider such representations as may be put forward by us, but that this statement is accompanied by remarks of a half moral, half philosophical sort upon the relationship of host and guest.

It is not easy to say what the Yamên has intended to indicate in these remarks. They may look to an assertion that we should not ask for more in China than we are prepared to give in our own lands, or they may have been dictated by the idea, ever present to the Chinese mind, that it is not becoming on our part, as the guests of the empire, to demand too much from our host, the government. It would be a mistake probably to consider them as glittering generalities only.

The Yamên has followed up this note by a second one, with which a copy has been sent to us of its circular of last year to its representatives abroad (see my dispatch No. 510), and an intimation that it contains a declaration of their understanding of the treaties.

The earlier note from the Yamên called for no reply, but the second could not be passed by. It is, in effect, an invitation to us to enter upon a discussion of the treaties apart from the grievances which we have set up, and this, of course, would lead to nothing.

My colleagues and I have thought it well, therefore, to respond to this note, saying only that we have received it, and that we were already acquainted with its contents, meaning, of course, to imply that our representations had been made in full view of it.

The views of the diplomatic body in regard to the matters which require attention at the moment in connection with the administration of justice have been fully made known to the Yamên by letter. Those relating to intercourse are to be explained personally and not by correspondence, at least at the outset. The more serious questions, those occurring in the course of trading relations, have been presented in outline only in correspondence, and their presentation must be supplemented by the production of evidence and by personal explanations of its bearing. I shall hope at an early day to report the progress which has been made in the directions so indicated.

I have, &c., &c., &c.,