The trade committee to United States consul, June 15, 1874

The trade committee to United States consul.

a direct reply.

We have received and read your letter embodying the request of the Great Northern Telegraph Company, which has deliberated and settled on three propositions or proposed conditions for building a telegraph-line from Foo-chow to Amoy. Your honor the consul regards the second of these as very proper (or trustworthy) and you request us to lay the subject before the viceroy for his consideration, and return answer.

It appears that you, on a former occasion, applied to us for permission to construct a line of telegraph from the city and from Nantai to the Pagoda anchorage, and that that matter has already been initiated and settled.

Also, we have received the consent of the imperial commissioner, Shen, to establish a line between Tai-wan-foo and Foo-chow. Now primarily, (of itself considered,) the erection of a line between Foo-chow and Amoy can be effected, but the distance is great, and it is feared it will be difficult to afford full protection, in accordance with the circumstances, (in accordance with your request,) we have petitioned the viceroy, the provincial governor, and the Tartar general to investigate the matter.

On receiving their instructions we will at once inform you. This is our special reply; please examine it.

We add our respectful salutations.