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others was a vast and vital injury tho only way of rescue lay in determined resumption and so he did not dare to shun illwill or shrink from difficulties. By cypher telegrams he cooperated as opportunity offered with Liang Ch'eng, Minister to the United States of America, and argued the rights of the case.
For over a year the worry went on with frequent storms and a crop of side issues, ground being lost so soon as gained and agreement wearily attained being suddenly upset.
Honoured with the Imperial instructions he maintained his fixed view, Onlookers all said China's lost right was gone beyond hope like spilt water. Later after he had repelled the American merchant Bach's importunition the advocates of transferring from American to American disapproved more than ever of his proceedings; defamation was rife and every sort of obstacle was raised with the determination not to rest until this situation had been altered in their favour.
Fortunately Their Majesties' perspicacity and resolution gave support above; the popular feeling in the Three Provinces was united below. The American Government saw that China's purpose was resolute and steadfast, the Development Company's arguments would not stand: and by changing "cancellation" to "redemption" the question was reduced to a matter of business capable of calm solution without the least friction in our foreign relations. Then at last the Company came under control and in September the redemption compact was agreed on, quite contrary to the expectation of the pro-American gang whose hatred at having to let vast gain be lost to them was rancorous.
As they could not yap at the redemption of