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charge of misappropriation against Chou, who was appointed Minister to Belgium by an Imperial Decree of September 4th, 1905, and no charge was made against him until after this, and the order was not attached until the beginning of October.
For what reason then would Feng in February conspire with Chou to prevent its confiscation in October?
It is evident that the Viceroy is mistaken in this matter, that the coal is really the property of Feng, that he had a perfect right to mortgage it to the Bank, and that he mortgaged it in the ordinary course of business and long before there was any question of the confiscation of Chou's property.
His Majesty's Consul-General has made repeated representations to the Viceroy in this matter under instructions from Yamen, but apparently without success, and I am now informed that His Excellency has issued a notice that the coal will be sold forthwith.
I have the honour to request Your Highness to send telegraphic instructions to the Viceroy to withdraw this notice