369
On being put into possession of the facts by the represon-
tative of the British and Chinese Corporation here, I
thought it inadvisable to make representatione to the Cen-
tral Government before exhausting all the resources of
local action by the Consulate General. ky telegrans to
Mr.Fox, instructing him to approach the Viceroy, reached
the Consulate General onthe same day as the first con-
plaint which Hr.Fox received from the British Enginner-in-
Chief,
Vr.Grove. It is much to be regretted that Mr.Grove
did not put the facts before 'r.Pox ard invoke his assiete
tance at an earlier stage. I understand that the Engineer»
in-Chief has always been reluctant to impart to "r.Fox in-
formation as to the progress of the railway, and in these
circumstances > mere rumours which reached the Consulate
General regarding attacks on engineers were not sufficient
to warrant Er.Fox taking action on his own initiative.
I am glad to say, however, that the Viceroy on being
approached, showed himself appreciative of the gravity of
the situation and has taken steps, by the despatch of
soldiers