486
F
the Legation during the recent troubles, and the latter is
under obligations to Great Britain for having taken the
lead in the matter of recognition of the now Administration,
Under these ciros ances I cast about for some
way of turning these favourable sentiments to account. I
could not, I thought, expect to obtain any special favours
in regard to claims for losses during the revolution, as
any favour granted to me would, at once, establish a prece-
dent which would be olted by my colleagues in any similar
cases in which they might be interested.
The claims of the China Commercial Steamship Com-
pany were not, however, open to this objection, and it co-
curred to me that it might be worth while to attempt a set-
tlement by negotiation, whilst reserving the right to re-
vert to the proposal for arbitration should my efforts
prove unsuccessful.
I have the honour to be with the highest reapoct,
sir,
your most obedient
humble servant,
Francis Sherige
;