TO THE COURT OF AVA. 
329 
sequently vest me with powers to enter upon a 
a negotiation, the object of which would be to 
cancel some of the chief stipulations of a solemn 
treaty, concluded not more than four months 
previous to the date of the orders which sent 
me hither. I came here by virtue of the privi¬ 
lege given by the treaty to both parties, to 
maintain accredited agents at the seat of each 
other’s Government, as well as to conclude a 
commercial arrangement, which, as you know, 
is also stipulated for by treaty. It is my duty, 
therefore, to inform you, that I am vested with 
no power to remit the payment of the money 
due, or to restore territory solemnly ceded by 
treaty. Notwithstanding this, whatever the 
Burmese Government has to say upon these 
questions, I will listen to attentively, and duly 
report for the consideration of my Government. 
“ With respect to the period of paying the 
money which is due by you, although I am by 
no means authorized to remit any part of it, 
I am willing to take upon myself the responsi¬ 
bility of prolonging, for a moderate time, the 
period of payment stipulated for in the treaty, 
provided you show good and sufficient grounds 
which shall warrant me for taking this step; 
and that a commercial treaty, conformable to 
the spirit of the stipulation to this effect, made 
