Mr. Williams to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to send you a translation of an edict which appeared recently in the Peking Gazette, that more fully sets forth the sense of the stipulations in the recent treaties, respecting the propagation of Christianity in the empire, as held by the imperial government, than anything it has issued since those treaties were signed. The wording of the edict does not confine the admission as to the right to disseminate their doctrines to the Roman Catholics; it is likewise applicable to Protestants, to Greeks, and all branches of the Catholic church. On these grounds, as well as exhibiting the feelings of this government, its perusal cannot fail to interest you.
The occurrences referred to in the memorial have been briefly narrated to me by M. Bellonet, the French chargé d’affaires, and serve to render the admissions made in the edict more significant. About a year ago the Christians residing in the small prefecture of Yu-yang, lying in the southeastern part of Szchuen province, along the northern bank of the Yangtse river, were much disturbed by their pagan countrymen. It does not clearly appear what causes led to this opposition; but it is alleged, among other things, that the latter were incited by an officer of rank, who had been degraded in the adjoining province of Kweichau for having been concerned in the death of a French missionary three years ago. (See Diplomatic Correspondence for 1863, p. 939.) It is said now that, instead of being really sent away, he had been allowed to tarry on his journey, and had remained in this region, where he had prejudiced the gentry against the Christians.
However, the excitement ran so high against them in November last that their chapel was burned, the sacristan killed, and the missionary, M. Errol, fled to a native friend in another village, who sheltered him for a few days. Being traced to this place, he then applied to a military officer for protection; but the friendly villager who had received him was killed by the pursuers. He finally got away when the excitement subsided, and the Christians were unmolested for several months.
Last summer the French bishop of this part of Szchuen sent another priest, named M. Mabilean, to Yu-yang-chau; but no sooner had his arrival there become known than the opposition revived, and in an endeavor to appease the evil-disposed [Page 485] natives, and defend some of his own converts, he lost his life, and his body was treated with indignity.
The tone of this edict and the circumstances attending its publication indicate a desire on the part of the imperial government to restrain such acts of violence against the converts; but how far it will be able to punish criminals and preserve the peace depends much on the behavior of the Christians, the disposition of the local authorities, and other causes which cannot be immediately controlled. In this region no ill-will is apparent against the native Christians of any sect; and it is difficult to decide, with the imperfect knowledge I have of this affair in Szchuen, what views to take of the bearings of it.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.