Mr. Seward to Mr. Van Valkenburgh
Sir: Your despatch No. 25, of the 18th of May last, accompanied by correspondence on the subject of the Simonoseki indemnity, has been received. In reply to your request for authority to grant the application which had been [Page 46] made to you for a postponement of the payment of the balance of that indemnity for a definite period of two years, I have to state that this department has no right to grant that authority. The convention by which Japan engaged to make the payment was submitted to and approved by the Senate. The consent of that body to a change in its terms would consequently be indispensable. The President, however, is not indisposed to consult the Senate as to its views of the expediency of the desired change.
This may best be done upon the occasion of submitting an additional article to the convention extending the time for the payment as desired by the Japanese authorities. A power authorizing you to conclude such an article is herewith transmitted. When concluded, it may be forwarded hither to be laid before the Senate. It is expected, however, that the other parties to the treaty will also consent to the postponement.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Esq., &c., &c., &c.