Peking, Dec. 16.
The latest reply from the Waichiaopu to Mr. Obata regarding the escape of Hsu Shu-tseng is a lengthy and forceful document. While hammering in the arguments already reported in previous Notes, it says:
"If Hsu Shu-tseng and the others who committed military and criminal offences, according to the law of my country, were able to get beyond the reach of the law on the pretext of finding asylum in your Legation, then lawless characters will certainly regard the Legations in Peking as a heaven of refuge, and this will constitute a great danger to the internal administration of China, and the maintenance of peace and order Pfsing, which I ani sure your Excellency, who has always respected law and: justice, does not wish.
"Again, a Minister in an accredited country should not in the performance of his duties cause any difficulties to the internal sdmi tration of that country. This is an international usage which is beyond doubt, and is, I am sure, within your Excellency's percep tion."
Cuina BraMetess FOR CONSEQUENCES.
The Note later goes on to say "Furthermore, Hsu Shu-tseng, being regarded as the most important and leading criminal, has been able to escape by taking advantage of the asylum afforded him. Hereafter, if any undesirable consequences, or hindrances to the maintenance of the peace and order of this country, or any damage to international trade, should be caused by his action, either in this country or outside, but within the sphere of influence of your country, it will be entirely due to the result of your Legation affording him asylum, and your not issuing instructions for stricter vigilance, but allowing him to escape.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.