230


FOREIGN RELATIONS.


prosecuting their inquiries. If the moral support and experience of the
consuls of the five powers be honestly enlisted on their side, it will do
much to effect an untrammeled examination, and neutralize the jealousy
or intimidation which the rulers or the planters in Cuba might otherwise
show.   The first proposal of M. Otin to appoint two Spanish assessors,
and make up a mixed commission, composed of Chinese, Spanish, and
consular members, would have crippled all fair inquiry; and the Yamun
was right in rejecting the proposal.    But 1 am afraid, after all, that
the
Cuban authorities will endeavor in some way to make the inquiry par-
tial, and keep the coolies out of the reach of their countrymen, or
frighten them from telling the truth; and herein the foreign consuls,
especially the American and British, can, it appears to me, help them
materially.
  Now that this government, after much urging and hesitation, has or-
ganized a commission of inquiry into the condition of its subjects abroad,
it is very desirable that what is good in the effort may, by its success,
so
far justify the wisdom which planned it as to lead to further similar
designs and attempts.
       I have, &c.,
                                              S. WELLS WILLIAMS.


                         fInclosure 1 in No. 12.-'Translation. I
                                       9th moon, 18th day. (November 7, 1873.)
  Prince Kung presents his compliments.
  In relation to the commission about to be sent to inquire into the condition
of the
coolies in Cuba, it now appears that there has been a difference of views
between us in
some particulars, but there is a way in which the affair can now be arranged
without
difficulty.
  The commissioners now appointed shall conduct their investigation uncontrolled
by
any one, but they shall confer with all the foreign ministers in Peking before
leaving,
as to the mode of procedure. When the commission returns it will present
a clear re-
port to the foreign office, which, after it has been carefully examined in
all its details
and verbal explanations, will be submitted to the body of resident ministers
for their
discussion. The manner of settling the affair between China and Spain must
then
come up for their careful consideration, for which we shall have to be further
in-
debted.
  As I write to inform you of this, I also beg to wish you happiness, and
inclose my
card.
                                                    Card of PRINCE KUNG.


                         [Inclosure "2 in No. 12.-Translation.]

                         Foreign office to Mr. Williams.
                                           9th moon, 23d day. (November 12.)
  The members of the foreign office present their compliments.
  We have lately received a dispatch from Mr. Otin, Spanish charg6 d'affaires,
in
which he says:* The points of disagreement between the foreign office and
myself have
now all been submitted to the dean of the diplomatic body in Peking, who
has care-
fully examined them and brought about an honorable and fair accord upon theni
all. In
consequence of this, I have resumed the post and duties of acting minister
of Spain.
  We have replied to Mr. Otin in the same sense, -acknowledging him as chargd
d'af-
faires for Spain, and beg now, by this note, particularly to thank you, sir,
for the
trouble which you Jbave taken in this affair.
  Wishing you daily happiness as we write, we inclose our cards.
                                               ,Cards of PAO-YUM,
                                                       MAO CHANG-HI,
                                                     and five other ministers.
  His Excellency S. WELLS WILLAMS,
              United States Chargd d'A0ffaires.