No. 227.
Mr. F. F. Low to Mr. Fish.
No. 22.]
Legation of the United
States, Pekin, August 18, 1870. (Received October
24)
Sir: The alarm which the Tien-tsin tragedy
produced does not subside. On the contrary, the feeling of insecurity
and peril among foreigners seems to increase.
The Protestant missionaries in Tien-tsin have been gathering the
testimony of native Christians, and upon this they base opinions and
publish them, which, though honest, are for from being true, judged by
the testimony, direct and corroborative, that comes to me from all
sources.
As a sample of the letters which are given to the public through the
newspapers, I send herewith (inclosure A) one from Rev. Mr. Stanley, of
Tien-tsin, to me, which he thought of sufficient importance to publish
in Shanghai papers. In it, you will observe, he gives it as his opinion
that the riot at Tien-tsin was a part of a grand plot to massacre or
drive out all foreigners residing in China, and not a local uprising
against one nationality and one religious creed. With the original of
this letter Mr. Stanley sent me the affidavits or statements of a number
of native Christians.
* * * * * * *
One of the witnesses deposed that he was arrested by the mob as a
“Christian,” taken to a building or a prison, and detained until
evening; when examined he was able to prove that he was a Protestant and
a member of an American church, when he was immediately released and
safely conducted to the foreign settlement. If this statement be true
(and it is corroborated by the other testimony) it goes to show that Mr.
Stanley’s opinions are erroneous, arid that the fury of the mob was
directed against the Roman Catholics alone.
Rumors of threatened attack are almost daily put in circulation, which,
upon investigation, usually prove to be without foundation other than
the belief of some native Christian. These stories always increase in
size and intensity in the relating, and are finally embodied in
communications to the Shanghai newspapers for publication, and by this
means gain a large circulation. From the newspapers the stories are
translated and told to the Chinese, and by them related to one another
in the
[Page 372]
remote parts of the
empire. All this is calculated to excite alarm among foreigners, and
this alarm leads the ignorant natives to believe that they are really
powerful enough to expel all foreigners.
* * * * * * * *
To-day I received a copy of a letter written by Mr. Stanley to Commander
Taylor, of the United States steamer Ashuelot, now lying at Tien-tsin,
which I inclose, (inclosure B.) This you will observe is based on the
opinions of “native Christians” alone. A copy of the letter was sent by
Mr. Stanley to Pekin and circulated among the missionaries, which, as a
matter of course, created much alarm. A portion of the statement I know
to be incorrect, and I hope the balance has no foundation in fact. This
paper is sent merely as a sample of the reports that gain currency
almost daily, in which foreigners place more or less reliance, and serve
to keep up excitement and create alarm as to their personal safety.
An inspection of the Protestant chapels discloses the fact that the
damage is much greater than I was led to believe was the case by the
first reports. The local officials at Tien-tsin appear to be desirous of
affording reparation promptly—either to rebuild the chapels or pay
equitable damages; and I instructed the vice-consul to see the
missionaries, ascertain the cost of the buildings and the damages
sustained, to the end that prompt reparation might be made by the
Chinese.
A large amount of correspondence ensued between the missionaries, the
consul, and myself, copies of which are hardly necessary to send you;
nor is it possible, were it desirable, with the inadequate clerical
force attached to this legation. I inclose, however a printed slip, from
a newspaper, (inclosure C,) which contains the reply of the English
missionaries to her Majesty’s consul, upon the same subject. The ideas
embodied in the letters of the American missionaries are about the same
as the English, but the duties of foreign nations and their
representatives in China are elaborated and defined with greater
particularity by the former. They close their communication to me by
saying that until it is known what reparation France will demand they
are not prepared to agree upon a settlement.
Both the American and English missionaries appear to be impressed with
the belief that they are somehow specially charged with diplomatic
functions by their governments, in addition to their self-imposed task
of taking care of the spiritual welfare of the Chinese; and, according
to their diplomatic judgment, a war between France and China must first
take place before it is proper to adjust any claims for property
destroyed in the late riot at Tien-tsin. I have notified them that when
they are ready for a settlement I shall be prepared to present and urge
the payment of a just claim for damages, but until they signify their
willingness to act I shall take no further steps in the matter.
A. From Shanghai Courier, July 22, 1870.
Sir: As strenuous efforts are being made by
the Chinese authorities and some others to invest the recent
occurrences at Tien-tsin with the nature of a popular outbreak and
as directed against the Catholics alone, I desire to lay before you
some evidence indicating that such is not the case.
It is well known that the rumors at first pointed more especially to
the Catholics, particularly to the Sisters of Charity.
[Page 373]
It is equally well known that these rumors soon referred to the
entire foreign population of Tien-tsin, and that a day was fixed and
arrangements made for an attack on the French consulate,
Tien-chu-tang,* Jên-tsz-tang, and other
places in and near the city, viz., the 21st of June, (23d of the 5th
moon.) and that the following Friday, June 24, was fixed as the day
for attacking the foreign settlement.
Being absent on a mission tour at the time, I found indefinite rumors
of an intended attack on the foreign residents of Tien-tsin in
circulation about the 25th ultimo at Têh Chow, a city 500 li distant
from Tien-tsin. Mr. Hodge, of the English Methodist mission, heard
the same at Lau-ling, about 400 li distant, and that the 21st and
24th of June were the days fixed on for the attack. In both cases
the event was spoken of as future, and no distinction in the
nationality of foreigners was made.
On the morning of the tragic day the Taotai, Futai, and Chih-hsien
visited the Tien-chu-tang, and were shown over the entire premises.
They made no effort to disperse the great crowd that had followed
them and collected in front of the place nor to assure the people
that they found no evidence of the foul deeds charged upon the
Romanists. It is certain that very soon after their departure the
fire-gongs sounded and the attack commenced; that the military
officer, Chên-ta-swai, (or Kwo-kui,) arrived with some soldiers and
closed the bridge of boats, (which had been opened by order of
Chung-ta-jên, to prevent the mob from crossing,) and aided the
rabble in its work.
At the sound of the gongs—the usual fire signal—all the fire guilds
rushed to arms, instead of seizing their buckets, as ordinarily, and
hastened toward the French consulate and Tien-chu-tang. From first
to last the members of these fire guilds were among the most active
in the work of destruction and death.
The first attack was made on the French consulate, and had actually
commenced before the consul went to Chung’s Yamên. Some or all of
its inmates—including Mr. Thommasin, secretary of French legation,
and wife, just arrived—were murdered before he left the Yamên, and
he was murdered on his way back to the consulate in charge of
Chung’s escort.
No sooner had the destruction of the French consulate and the
Tien-chu-tang been completed than the crowd rushed off to the
Jên-tsz tang, where ten Sisters of Charity were subjected to the
most horrible death, and their premises burned.
A portion of the mob then made for the Protestant chapels, all of
which, eight in number, were despoiled of everything valuable and
their walls, in many cases, torn down. A portion of the mob, yelling
with rage, started for the foreign settlement, with the avowed
purpose of killing all foreigners and sacking the place. We know not
what prevented their coming, unless it be that their numbers seemed
too few and they would violate the original plan. Three Russians,
fleeing from the city, were killed while begging for mercy on the
plea, “We are not French!” “No matter, we will kill all foreigners!”
was the reply.
An attempt was also made to fire the steeple of the settlement
church—a signal, doubtless, for the descent of the mob.
From the first the ruffians have asserted their expectation of aid
from the governor general’s army, and it is positively known that
soldiers from the Chên-tai Yamên were among the most active in the
destruction of the French consulate, Tien-chu-tang, and one of the
chapels of the American board; and, as above indicated, that the mob
was encouraged, if not directly led, in the attack on the former
places, by a military mandarin named Chen. His language, on passing
the bridge, was, “Go on, my boys, and burn” (them.)
There is no evidence that the rumor concerning the employment of men
by the Sisters to kidnap children for unholy purposes, viz., to get
their eyes, hearts, and brains for medicine, is true; nor is there
evidence that the consul fired a gun or revolver in Chung’s Yamên.
Circumstantial evidence is against both rumors. Probably the exact
truth cannot now be ascertained.
I would call attention to the testimony of Yong ü, concerning a visit
paid to the burial-place of coffins said to have been brought from
the Jên-tsz-t’ang. Others visited the place, and hear a similar
testimony. Only one or two were new coffins. They saw, at most, only
bones and a little hair, and utterly repudiate the idea of their
being recent interments.
Also to the testimony of Yü-chü-lei, concerning the effect on the
crowd, as witnessed by himself, when the bugle sounded in the
Chen-tai Yarnên. Taken in connection (and only when so taken) with
the fact that the soldiers took an active part in pulling down and
plundering my chapel, as seen by him and Yang-sien-sêng, and their
reported activity in the destruction and murders at other places,
this is a significant fact.
I would also direct attention to the incendiary nature of the
proclamation, a copy of which I inclosed.†
1. The names “swan,” to hind, and “kwai,” to kidnap, are such as no
Chinaman would be likely to select as a cognomen, and give an
apocryphal look to the persons.
[Page 374]
2. The phrase “commissioned by persons” is exceedingly objectionable,
and unbecoming an official in its indefiniteness. The people at once
said he referred to the Catholics. He could have hardly put it more
ingeniously, considering the state of feeling among the people, in
order to excite the populace.
It should be remembered that each fire guild has a head or chief, who
is a literary man, and whose name is enrolled in the Yamên. The
members of these guilds dare not arm, or participate in any
uprising, as in this case, without the knowledge and consent of
their chief. Would they dare countenance any such demonstration as
this, contrary to the known wishes of the mandarin, or without his
knowledge?
The volunteer force “twan lien,” organized years ago, in rebel times,
has also a literary man for its chief, whose name is in the Yamên
roll. The same may be asked concerning him. Yet the “twan lien” were
engaged in the horrid affair.
Little companies of firemen and Yamên retainers had been observed
frequently, during the few previous days, collecting here and there,
and unpleasant demonstrations made toward native Christians and
foreigners. I may instance the case of Mrs. Stanley, the peering
into her face, jostling of the crowd against her, and the insulting
language used, as early as June 5, Sabbath. Also the case of Mr. and
Mrs. Turnock, on Sabbath, 19th June, on their way to one of the
chapels. In passing such a group, collected on the steps of a
temple, insulting language was used, a thing formerly very rare
here, and brickbats picked up, though none were thrown.
Do not these gatherings explain the universality and speed with which
the firemen flew to arms when the fire signal sounded, and from all
quarters proceeded to the French consulate ?
If those connected with the Tun-cliu-chian—especially the Sisters of
Charity—were the only objects of popular hatred, why was the
consulate the first object of attack? Why was a French merchant and
wife, living a mile away from the Tien-chu-t’ang, among the first
victims? Or if the feeling extended to their coreligionists and
fellow-countrymen only, why were the Russians brutally cut down
while begging for mercy, and known not to be French, with the cry,
“Death to all foreigners?”
Why was diligent search made for the Protestant missionaries in their
chapels, for the purpose (avowed) of killing them, and all (8) their
chapels destroyed? Why were our converts beaten, robbed, driven from
their homes, dragged before the magistrates, and why still subjected
to a bitter malice? Why did the mob start for the settlement with
purposes of blood and plunder?
If simply popular movement, why, in the already excited state of
feeling, did the magistrates issue those incendiary proclamations?
Why did they not seek of the consuls a thorough investigation of the
matter, and take all necessary means to allay the excitement?
Why did they not issue counter-proclamations, as desired by Mr. Lees
of the London. Mission Society? Why did they allow a large crowd to
follow them and collect at the French consulate, and go away without
an effort to disperse it, or correct the erroneous charges and views
of the people? Why have the people from the first claimed the
officials as siding with them, if they had no reason for so
doing?
Why did the soldiers and firemen render such efficient aid in the
work of destruction, if their chiefs, the officials, were opposed to
it?
At a place 50 li from this, where I spent the night of July 1, the
frequent remark in the street was, “All the foreigners at Tien-tsin
are dead—we might as well kill this one and end them.” The
impression if not the expression is significant.
Notwithstanding proclamations forbidding to carry or manufacture
arms, both have been done openly to the present time; and at the
five quarters, and other places, arms are exposed ready for use.
Until the present time no attempt has been made, so far as we can
hear, to apprehend any of the rioters. Some of them are as loud as
ever in their threats of an attack on the settlement.
In conclusion, I would enter my solemn protest against the efforts of
some to show—1st. That the feeling was and is only against the
Catholics. Evidence to the contrary is too strong. Even admitting
it, humanity cries out against such heartless and unchristian
assumptions as that they brought upon themselves a deserved fate.
Justice even to bitterest enemies. 2d. That the mob partook of the
nature of a public excitement merely. Evidence is abundant that, but
for official encouragement, such a tragedy could not have been
enacted. The history of these mobs against foreigners, within the
last few years, would be full of interest.
And may I express the hope that such a settlement of this affair will
be made as to render the repetition of such barbarous deeds all but
impossible? I am no advocate of cruel or retaliative measures. But
justice and humanity alike demand a firm and decided action in the
fear of God.
Let the conduct of these officials be thoroughly investigated and
their actions sifted. Let them know that where evidence is so strong
they cannot cast the blame on an innocent people, or pay a few
dollars and wipe out the stain of bloodshed and cruelties too
horrible and heartrending to mention.
[Page 375]
America has lost no children; but others have, and we should stand by
them in demanding a full investigation, impartial justice, and
determined punishment of the guilty.
Let this be done; then let them make good the losses of their own
people, contrary to treaty stipulations, simply for being followers
of the Saviour; let them replace our chapels with their own hands,
or pay their full value, as we may prefer, which I believe to be but
just in the circumstances, and I think the ends of peace and safety
will be gained, and the way opened for the more speedy extension of
the truth.
I have the honor to be, sir, yours, obediently,
C. A. STANLEY, Missionary American
Board, Tien-tsin.
Hon. F. F. Low, United States Minister,
Pekin.
B.
American Boards’ Mission,
Tien-tsin, August 12. 1670.
Dear Sir: Among the many reports now in
circulation, one came to my knowledge, a day or two ago, which seems
to me worthy of attention. My informant, I may say, is an
intelligent person, who formerly occupied the position of city
magistrate in Spansi. For some months back he has been attending my
chapels in the city, and expressed a conviction of the truth of what
we teach some time previous to the recent outbreak. He is in no way
connected with us, however, and still visits, as before, among his
former official friends, and may be supposed to know something of
their views and feelings. His manner impressed me from the first as
being that of an honest Chinaman, and I have reason to believe he
expressed his honest convictions, and desires our welfare. Time will
show whether his views are just. He confirms a statement I heard, a
few days since, that Li-Hung-Chang is on his way here with some
13,000 troops; the van of this army has arrived already. Li is
simply a military mandarin, and his presence is only wanted where
there is, or is to be, fighting. So say others. He says, further,
that the government does not wish to go to war; that it is willing
to execute any number of the “roughs,” and
banish the officials whose heads have been demanded by his
excellency Count Rochechouart; but they cannot be executed according
to Chinese law: hence, as a last resort, in view of this demand, war
is determined on. The people demand it, without a thought of the
final result, They think they can easily expel or kill the few
foreigners in China, especially in the north, and their work is
done. Hence, an imperial decree has gone forth for preparations for
a general rising against foreigners. He firmly believes it will take
place; at any rate, he knows of extensive preparations making here,
which will burst upon us as suddenly as the events of the 21st of
June. No reference is made to the French, as
such, but to foreigners. He is earnest in pressing his
advice that the missionaries leave at once,
as the danger is increasing daily, and the crisis is near at hand,
viz., August 21 and 22. He expresses great surprise at the apparent
indifference of foreigners, when such a crisis is on us, in not
collecting a large force of troops here. He says the Chinese force
numbers some 40,000 or 50,000 troops, and that the preparations are
very extensive; these complete, and the attack begins without
warning.
All the above is confirmed by a school teacher, who came to see me
last evening, to give warning and offer any assistance in his power.
He has been a frequent attendant at my chapel for months. He also
speaks of one Ting I (or Jim) Chang, brother of the present Toutai
of Tien-tsin, who is on his way here, with a large body of men, from
Kiang Su. This is confirmed by a native Christian, just in from the
country, who reported the same to me this morning. He also urges us
to leave. As regards preparations, the suddenness of the attack, the
time, and the universality as regards foreigners, all accounts
agree.
Remembering the skepticism with which all reports were received
previous to the massacre, reports even less definite than we are now
receiving, and the final result, I would suggest, if I may be so
bold, the propriety of a constant watch being kept at points exposed
and good for observation. Precautionary measures are never out of
place, and may save foreigners’ lives.
I have the honor, &c., &c.,
Captain B. B. Taylor,
Commanding United States Steamer
Ashuelot.
[Page 376]
C.
From
Shanghai Courier, July 29, 1870.
THE TIEN-TSIN MASSACRE.
The following correspondence has passed between her Britannic
Majesty’s consul and Messrs. Lees and Hall, regarding the damage
done to Protestant mission property during the recent outbreak:
Her Britannic Majesty’s
Consulate,
Tien-tsin, 20th July,
1870.
Sir: I have been requested by her Britannic
Majesty’s chargé d’affaires to ascertain the amount of damage
sustained by British subjects during the late unfortunate
troubles.
As I am aware that many of your chapels were destroyed, and much
valuable property lost, I have to request you, if you see fit, to
have estimates made of the losses, and send them to me, in order
that they may be forwarded to the Chinese authorities.
Your obedient servant,
W. H. LAY, Acting
Consul.
Tien-tsin, 21st
July, 1870.
Sir: We have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your official letter to us, dated the 20th instant,
touching the losses sustained by missions we represent during the
recent outrages.
We cannot but express our surprise, not only that, at this early
stage, we should be required to state the amount of those losses,
but that, prior to the settlement of the more important questions
which are still pending, the subject of monetary compensation should
be entertained at all.
Apart altogether from the fact that we are yet uncertain as to the
action which will be taken at the present crisis almost certainly by
the French, and, possibly, even by our own government—action which
it might be as useless as it would be impolitic for us to forestall,
by consenting to any unsatisfactory condonation of the crimes which
have been committed; it can hardly be necessary to remind you that,
until peace has been definitely secured, there are various items of
loss for which we should feel it to be our duty to claim
compensation, the limits of which can hardly yet have been reached,
Such is the utter disorganization of this city and neighborhood that
all mission work must, in all likelihood, be suspended for months to
come. Our respective staffs are thus thrown upon our hands. Our
country converts, both in this province and in Shantung, are every
where expecting new outbreaks in their various districts. Native
Christians in the city continue to be daily exposed to spoliation
and personal injury, while there is every reason to fear that our
own appearance in the streets would still be fraught with
danger.
With respect to our chapels, we fear that, however willing we might
be to meet the wishes of his excellency, it is not possible for us
to do so. Our converts hardly dare linger in the neighborhood of the
ruins; what hope can there be, then, that we can visit them in
safety, or procure builders’ estimates as to the cost of reërection,
not to speak of any actual attempt at restoration? Our deliberate
conviction is that such an attempt would only end in their renewed
destruction, even if workmen could be found brave enough to
undertake the task.
Will you forgive our expressing an anxious desire not to be separated
from our suffering French brethren in any settlement of these
unhappy troubles? This is not a mere question of sentiment. We
cannot but feel that the interests of our country are involved in
what has occurred. We are British subjects, resident here under the
protection of treaties, and engaged in the prudent prosecution of
our lawful calling. Our lives have been sought, our property has
been destroyed, our converts grievously injured, and our characters
assailed. Moreover, there seems good reason to believe that at
least, one of the murdered Sisters was a British subject. There
cannot be the slightest doubt upon the mind of any one who has been
brought much info converse with the people during the last few
weeks, that the original design was to treat all nationalities
alike. It is easy to understand why the mandarins are now anxious to
produce a different impression. But just as the excuses, which
unhappily served them so well in regard to the outrages at Formosa,
Yang-chow, and elsewhere, fail them now, so should the evident
falsity of their present professions of special friendship with
ourselves fail to separate us from those allies with whose interests
our own are so evidently bound up.
We beg you will not mistake us. We are not crying for war and
vengeance, but we do claim justice, and we hold most firmly to the
belief that the path of safety and of honor, no less for individual
Englishmen than for our government, is to stand by our
fellow-sufferers in the hour of trial. Nay, more, we believe this,
for obvious reasons, to be the most merciful line of action in
reference to the Chinese themselves.
We scarcely know whether we ought to apologize for venturing to
express such
[Page 377]
views, for we
hope that they find an echo in your own and every other heart. We
have only, therefore, respectfully to assure you that we shall
strive to meet, as soon as possible, the wishes of her Britannic
Majesty’s chargé d’affaires, and to request you to represent to him
our difficulties in the matter.
We are, sir, your most obedient servants,
JONATHAN LEES, London Mission
Society.
WILLIAM N. HALL, Methodist Mission
Society.
W. H. Lay, Esq., Her
Britannic Majesty’s Consul.
