From the Executive Mansion, I proceeded to the Chinese Legation, where I talked over the matter with the minister, Sir Chentung Liang.  He was not surprised at the attitude of the President.  He said the state of feeling towards China in Congress and in the entire country is improving, but that, in his opinion, it will require ten years to bring about the repeal of the Exclusion Laws.

The present hitch in negotiations comes in part from Peking, but he hoped a temporary settlement would soon be arrived at.

The papers referred to above are here appended.

  LETTERS REQUESTING GOOD OFFICES
  (Translation)

“To the Hon. Dr. Martin.

“Sir: 

“During the last three years we have often exchanged views on the subject of education and other topics of the day; and to me it is a joy to reflect that no discordant note has ever marred our intercourse.

“In view of your learning and your long residence of forty years at our capital, besides fifteen years in other parts of China, you are regarded by us with profound respect.  When we hear your words we ponder them and treasure them up as things not to be forgotten.  It is by your scholarship and by your personal character that you have been able to associate with the officers and scholars of the Central Empire in harmony like this.

“Now, sir, there is a matter which we wish to bring to your attention—­a matter that calls for the efforts of wise men like yourself.  I refer to the exclusion of Chinese labourers.  It affects our mercantile as well as our labouring population very deeply.

[Page 253] “We beg you to bear in mind your fifty-five years’ sojourn in China and to speak a good word on our behalf to the President of the United States so as to secure the welfare of both classes.

“If through your persuasion the prohibitory regulations should be withdrawn the gratitude of our Chinese people will know no bounds; your fifty-five years of devotion to the good of China will have a fitting consummation in one day’s achievement; and your name will be handed down to coming generations.

“Being old friends, I write as frankly as if we were speaking face to face.

      “(Signed) LIANG TING FEN,
  “Director of the Normal College for the Two Lake
    “Provinces, Intendant of Circuit (Taotai), etc. etc. 
“Wuchang, July 8, 1905.”

The foregoing translation was made by me, and the original is attached to the copy presented to the President, for the satisfaction of any official interpreter who may desire to see it.

This letter may be regarded as expressing the sentiments of the higher officials of the Chinese Empire.  It was written on the eve of my embarkation for home by a man who more than any other has a right to be looked on as spokesman for Viceroy Chang; and the following day the request was repeated by the viceroy himself.  These circumstances make it a document of more than ordinary importance.