To George F. Seward to Evarts, May 8, 1877

No. 69. Mr. Seward to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: The chamber of commerce at Shanghai, as I have heretofore-informed the Department, are taking much interest in the proposal to establish a mint in this country, and for the last year a committee of their body has been engaged in the collection of information, and in-studying the question of the unit of coinage which could be most conveniently adopted. With a feeling, however, that the government may not be willing to hear their representations, they have hesitated to send up the data which they have collected, and a statement of their views-on the points mentioned and the general subject, until they have assured themselves that a disposition exists to look upon the project with favor. They accordingly addressed a note to the foreign ministers here, on the 12th of March, asking for information whether the scheme in question, is likely to be entertained. I inclose a copy of their note. Upon the receipt of this, the several representatives addressed an identical note to the foreign office, which has been courteously responded to. I inclose copies of the note and answer, and also a copy of a letter which Mr. Butzow, as dean of the diplomatic corps, has addressed to the chamber of commerce in response to their letter.

The reference of the subject to the northern and southern superintendents of trade was made nearly ten months ago, and I have already informed the department that their responses were favorable. The-early carrying out of the proposal will depend primarily upon the submission, by one or the other of them, or by Mr. Hart, of a detailed scheme, with estimates of expenditures, &c, the demonstration to be then made of the advantages to be derived, and, thereafter, upon the general disposition of the officials and boards to whom the details indicated may be submitted.

The members of the foreign office are so powerful in the government, however, that the adhesion which they have apparently given to the proposal goes a long way to assure me that it will not be many years before China will be provided with the means of coining money.

I have, &c.,