To George F. Seward to Hamilton Fish, November 29, 1876

No. 60. Mr. Seward to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a copy of articles made between Mr. Mayers, Chinese secretary of the British legation, and delegates of the Chinese Government, in regard to the Woosung Railway. By these articles the Chinese agree to take over the line at a price to be named by arbitrators. The concluding payment will be made at the end of a year from the date of the agreement, and meanwhile the company will operate the road. This result will be an eminently satisfactory one, if the Chinese will work the road after they come into possession of it.

You are aware that my conception of the policy to pursue in regard to the line has been to represent to the Chinese the usefulness of railroads, the insignificance of this particular road, and the unwisdom of declaring to the world a disposition to look unfavorably upon an enterprise of the sort. I have never held that the foreigners concerned had the right to undertake the enterprise.

I propose now to use such exertions as may be appropriate to induce the government to operate the line, or to let their countrymen operate it, after they come into possession. I think that my colleagues will do the same.

I have, &c.,