from three to five minutes, during which time the town was completely destroyed; not a house was left standing; fifteen thousand persons, out of a population of twenty thousand inhabitants, were instantly buried beneath the ruins of the fallen buildings. For the next two years most of the living went either into the country or some other town or city. After this period, many of the old inhabitants commenced to return and to rebuild, and were rapidly joined by others, so that now Mendosa is a thriving place of nearly or quite twelve thousand inhabitants. The new town is mainly built adjacent to the old one, which still lies in crumbling ruins, with only here and there an old residence rebuilt. Hundreds of skulls and other human bones, especially in the neighborhood of churches, lie scattered around in careless and apparently unnoticed condition. Those in the vicinity of churches were evidently the remains of women and children, who at that hour were attending vespers. The men in these Catholic countries, I have noticed, are not as punctilious in their observances of church demands as the females. Most of the buildings in the city were made of adobe. The oldest church, (the church of San Francisco,) built by the Spaniards, was one of the strongest pieces of brick masonry I have ever seen, with walls from ten to fifteen feet thick, yet this edifice was shattered as though made of the most brittle material. Perhaps, as part excuse for allowing such an apparent neglect of the dead to appear, it should be remembered that the dead outnumbered the living as three to one. Many who were not instantly killed were burned alive by fires which raged in different parts of the city. Though multitudes have been extricated and buried, it is supposed that at the present time there are about six thousand bodies lying just as the sad catastrophe overtook them. Perhaps I may be pardoned for suggesting a theory for the destruction of this place, and if true it may throw light upon similarly situated cities which have been destroyed. Mendosa, from all information obtained, was the center or nearly so of this earthquake; a few miles from the city upon a level plain, at the time of the disaster, the earth opened with great power and violence, and threw each way, in a lateral direction, for the distance of several hundred feet, immense quantities of earth, making an elevation of the surface thereof at the present time nearly thirty feet high. At the same time large quantities of water were thrown forth, and from that to the present time about fifty springs have been in lively operation, from which flows a large supply of cool and slightly mineral water, so much so, that several small buildings have been erected near, and this place has become a great resort for public bathing. My theory is that a reservoir of water, far up the Andes, suddenly opened into one of the subterranean water-courses leading from those vast heights, beneath the surface of the earth, under the plains, and in the vicinity of Mendosa, and that by mere hydraulic pressure the earth was forced up, and when this pressure was relieved, as was done when the earth was burst asunder and the earth and water poured forth where the springs now are, the earth fell back to its original position, causing the terrible shock with its consequences. In this view a similar "shake" may occur at any time to any place situated on a vast plain at the base of exceedingly high mountains. I found that the force of the shock gradually diminished in every direction from the vicinity of these springs. Neither fire nor smoke was known to issue from the earth in any direction at this time. The above ideas have at least the merit of pure originality with me, never having known of their being suggested previously from any quarter, but with all these facts before me I am fully satisfied of the correctness of my theory.

After two days in Mendosa, we commenced our return by the Potillo Pass, situated about sixty miles south of the Nspullata route, on reaching which we marched two days across the pampas, often being reminded of the prairies of the West, though far from being as fertile. Much of the distance was quite sandy and barren. A few guanacas and ostriches were seen, and some smaller game. More rain falls on the eastern than the western slope of the Andes, so that there is considerable verdure in places even without irrigation, which is rarely true of the west side of the mountains. On this route there are two distinct ridges or passes, with a valley between, occupying a day's march. Both of these passes or cumbres are much higher than the Nspullata cumbre, and have a faint resemblance thereto, each, however, being much narrower. I attempted to light a fire for the purpose of ascertaining at what degrees water would boil at the summit, but was doomed to utter failure, notwithstanding I had all the necessary appliances, as I supposed. My matches would only fuse an instant and then go out. The dryest paper and pine shavings would not ignite. The brandy of one of the company would not burn. Unfortunately my alcohol lamp I had left behind. The rarefied air was not sufficiently filled with oxygen for my experiment. The thermometer at 10 a. m. stood at 31°. The next day, after passing through the eastern portion of the valley, we passed the west Potillo Pass at 7 a. m. This pass is much higher than the latter; thermometer 29°. A frosty mist encircled us as we passed the cumbre. From the last Potillo we obtained a good view of Tapungato, lying a few miles north of us, 22,450 feet high, the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere. Aconcagua, 22,296 feet high and sixty miles northward, is not visible on this route. The west Potillo is the highest of these passes, being nearly fifteen thousand feet above the sea. All these summits should be passed as early in the day as possible for fear of the wind, which toward night is often very strong and dangerous. Soon after passing our last cumbre a violent snow-storm commenced, which continued, as we subsequently learned, for several days, making the summit impassable for a time, and preventing several thousand head of cattle from continuing their march from the Argentine Republic to Chili, thereby causing great loss of stock; vast numbers of these starved and frozen animals becoming food for the thousands of hage condors that seem to be alone the living inhabitants of these lofty solitudes, among, in, and above the clouds. I ought to state that in very many places on both routes we saw sure indications of great mineral wealth, and several copper and silver mines were in successful operation. Just three weeks from our departure we safely arrived in Santiago. On our entire route, though avoiding as much as possible any appearance of display or official show, we were treated with marked kindness and distinguished courtesy, and everywhere found the United States recognized as the great nation of the world, whose sympathies were especially extended to all sister republics.

I beg pardon for so long a report which, however, might easily have been greatly extended, with perhaps more interesting details than those here hurriedly given.

I have, &c.,

J. P. ROOT.

No. 35.]

CHINA.

No. 20.

Mr. Low to Mr. Fish.

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,

Peking, October 25, 1870. (Received December 28.) SIR: In my No. 31, of the 26th of September, you were informed that the chargé d'affaires of France had called his colleagues together and made known to them the punishment which this government proposed to inflict upon those who were engaged in the massacre at Tien-tsin. He also stated that, at the time the communication was made he was asked, in rather an imperious manner, if the proposition was satisfactory. His reply, as stated to his colleagues, was that in the present disturbed condition of his country he did not feel at liberty to speak for the government of France on so grave a matter, and that, as the punishment of the guilty had such a direct bearing upon the security of all foreign residents, it seemed in every respect desirable for him to assemble his colleagues and solicit their opinions before making any reply to the question submitted.

The manner in which the propositions were made, and the fact that M. Rochechouart had unwisely, as I thought, made known to the officials in advance his intention of submitting the question to his colleagues, left no other course open for them to pursue, except to express their ap proval or disapproval without qualification or explanation. In view of these considerations it was deemed advisable for the representatives of Great Britain, Russia, Prussia, and the United States to address a joint note to Prince Kung, expressing their dissent from the conclusions to which the government had arrived as to the proper measure of punishment which was necessary to inflict for such a crime, leaving it to the Chinese to decide what, if any, further action it might be proper and expedient for them to take. A copy of the joint note is herewith inclosed, (inclosure A.)

To this Prince Kung replied, (inclosure B,) intimating that the inves tigation and trials were closed, and that as soon as the sentences were formally pronounced, the result would be officially communicated to all the legations. He also begged to assure us that ample protection would be afforded to all foreign residents.

The two imperial decrees (inclosures C and D,) confirming the sentences of the criminals and ordering them to be carried into effect immediately, and my reply acknowledging their receipt, (inclosure E,) also accompany this.

As a measure of precaution against a recurrence of trouble at Tientsin during the approaching winter, the governor general has been ordered by the Emperor (inclosure F) to remain there until further orders; and I learn, unofficially, of the contemplated removal of the capital of the province from Paoting-fu to Tien-tsin, so that the chief magistrate of the province will be more accessible in case of real or apprehended trouble, and thus be able to preserve a better understanding between natives and foreigners.

The report of the acting French consul at Tien-tsin, of which the chargé d'affaires has kindly allowed me to take a copy, (inclosure G,) will furnish you with full particulars of the execution of sixteen criminals, and the state of feeling resulting from it.

He also gives his opinion as to the effect which these convictions and executions are likely to produce upon the people generally, which, I regret to say, differ widely from what I had hoped.

I trust the effect will be better than he anticipates. But whatever may be the result in Tientsin and in its immediate vicinity, I am persuaded that the knowledge that these criminals have been punished will add to the security of foreigners in places more remote from the scene of their trial and execution.

The remaining four under sentence of death were convicted of the murder of three Russians. Their execution is, I am informed, delayed at the special request of the Russian consul general, in the hope that their testimony may be useful in the conviction of others charged with complicity in the massacre.

A careful review of all that has transpired in connection with this af fair-the timidity and vacillation of the officials; the delay and uncertainty attending the arrest and trial of the offenders; the fear of trouble and riotous proceedings at their execution; the extreme caution exereised in the preparation for and the secrecy of the execution-illustrates most painfully the weakness of the government when called upon to perform a duty in opposition to public opinion, and enables somewhat of a just estimate to be made of the embarrassments which surround the prince and his associates in their dealings with foreign nations.

The natural result of this is, I am led to view their action, or rather inaction, with more leniency than those do who know less of the difficulties with which the members of the Foreign Office have to contend.

Chunghow, who was some time since appointed ambassador to France, for the purpose of offering a suitable apology, and affording such reparation as might be reasonably demanded, is making preparations for his departure. Before he leaves I expect to be placed in possession of a copy of his instructions and the substance of the proposi tions which he will be authorized to make to the government of France in satisfaction for the outrages committed at Tien-tsin, which will be forwarded in a future dispatch.

I have, &c.,

FREDERICK F. LOW.

A.

PEKING, September 24, 1870.

SIR: The undersigned, representatives of the United States, Great Britain, Prussia, and Russia, have the honor to inform your Imperial Highness that M. de Rochechouart, as he sent yesterday to the Yamen to state was his intention, has assembled us, his colleagues, for the purpose of communicating to us the measures of punishment which your Imperial Highness has apprised him the government is about to award to the mandarins and people engaged in or connected with massacre at Tientsin.

We conceive it to be our dnty without loss of time to state to your Imperial Highness that we regard the decision arrived at, after three months' delay, as utterly unsatisfactory, whether with reference to the atrocity of the 21st June in particular, or the general question of security in which all foreigners in China are interested. The undersigned seize with eagerness this occasion to renew to your Imperial Highness the assurances of our respectful consideration.

REHFUES,

Minister for North Germany. FREDERICK F. LOW,

Minister for United States.

EUG. BUTZOW,

Chargé d'Affaires for Russia. THOMAS FRANCIS WADE,

Chargé d'Affaires for Great Britain.

B.

TUNGCHI, 9th year, 9th moon, 3d day, (September 27, 1870.)

Prince Kung, chief secretary for foreign affairs, herewith sends a reply.

I had the honor to receive the joint note of the 24th instant addressed to me by your excellencies, in which you state that Mr. Rochechouart, chargé d'affaires of France, had informed you at a meeting, which he had called for general consultation, of the decision which had been come to in regard to the punishment of the murderers in June last of the French officials and subjects at Tientsin; and that you consider this decision, reached three months after the events, as entirely unsatisfactory and very far from giving that assurance of general security to all foreigners living in China, which they require.

You are already aware that His Majesty appointed Tsang Kwohfan, then governor general of this province, and others with him, to secretly search out and arrest the persons concerned in the riot, and execute those who had been tried and found guilty of murder; and also to take the depositions of the prefect and magistrate of Tien-tsin, who were so remiss in their duty, with all the evidence that could be obtained, and send it with the prisoners to the board of punishments, where they would be tried and sentenced. All this surely is proof that he wishes to act with strict justice in the

matter.

The safety of foreigners residing in China will also be assured, for the people everywhere will notice how the murderers at Tien-tsin have been dealt with, and will not be desirous to experience the last penalty of the law on their own bodies, while local officials in every place will mark how those at Tientsin have been arrested and punished for their remissness in duty, and take warning to prevent like excesses.

When their cases and all relating to this affair are settled, His Majesty will issue a general mandate to all the high provincial cicers to strictly enjoin on every local magistrate to protect the foreigners, so that hereafter it is to be hoped that they and the natives can live together peaceably. As soon as the cases of the prisoners are concluded, and I have received the commands of the Emperor, I will again communicate with your excellencies.

BARON REHFUES, Minister of the North German Confederation; Hon. FREDERICK F. Low, Minister of the United States; EUG. BUTZOW, Russian Chargé d'Affaires; THOMAS F. WADE, C. B., British Chargé d'Affaires.

C.

TUNGCHI, 9th year, 9th moon, 11th day, (October 5, 1870.) Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communi

cation.

The following imperial decree has this day been received:

When the quarrel arose at Tien-tsin between the citizens and the Roman Catholics, the prefect, Chang Kwang-tsao, and the district magistrate, Liu Kieh, neither took any precautionary measures to guard against the outbreak, nor exerted themselves after it occurred to speedily arrest the guilty persons concerned in it, in consequence of which orders were then transmitted to degrade them both, and deliver them to the board of punishments for trial and condemnation. Subsequent to this Tsang Kwoh-fan and his colleagues having taken their depositions in full, sent them to the custody of that board at Peking. The officers in this tribunal have now reported upon their case, saying: The statutes provide that when seditious people stir up a riot, the civil officers who cannot suppress it and allay the discontent, are to be degraded; if their offense is aggravated, they are to be banished to the army, and subjected to hard labor. As the circumstances of this case are very serious the board requests particular orders as to the increased sentence to be inflicted upon them.

Seeing that these two magistrates were intrusted with the government of the city of Tientsin, and when the people gathered in crowds ready for a riot they were inefficient in taking any measures to restrain them, so that the mob seized their opportunity to set fire to houses and kill and wound many people, and afterwards did nothing efficient to immediately seize the guilty actors, their criminality under all the circumstances is exceedingly great. Furthermore, after their degradation, and when they knew that the decree delivering them to the board of punishments for meting out their doom had been issued, the prefect Chang had the presumption to skulk off to Shunteh, (in the south of the province,) and the district magistrate, Liu, to slip away to Mihyun, (near the great wall,) both thereby intending to prolong the matter, and making their contemptuous effrontery more manifest. Let both of them be banished to (Tsitsiharin) the region of the Amoor River, there to expiate their crimes by hard labor, as a signal warning to law-breakers.