Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 1, 1873
No. 46.
Mr. Low to Mr. Fish.
Peking, October 23, 1872. (Received December 26.)
Sir: About two months ago a covert hostility on the part of the officials to missionary operations appeared at Hangchow, the capital of the province of Chekiang. That city being nearer to Ningpo than any other port, the missionaries reported their troubles to Mr. Consul Lord, and asked his assistance. The consul, in company with the interpreter of the British consulate, proceeded to Hangchow without delay to look into the matter.
The letters of the missionaries to the consul and the dispatches of the latter to me, copies of which are inclosed, will put you in possession of all the information in my possession as to the cause of the trouble, the action taken by the consuls, and the results so far as known.
It is to be hoped that the local officials, finding that notice was promptly taken of their action by the consular representatives of England and the United States, will cease their opposition and refrain from further acts of indirect hostility. Of this, however, I am by no means certain.
This case affords a striking illustration of the difficulty, if not practical impossibility, of affording “protection” to missionaries when residing inland; it also shows the unusual and cruel devices to which Chinese officials will resort to accomplish their purposes, and at the same time avoid transgressing the letter of treaty obligations.
A perusal of the inclosed correspondence can hardly fail to impress you with the utter lack of good faith on the part of Chinese officials, [Page 119] which renders the settlement of questions such as this, which are constantly cropping up, a matter of extreme difficulty.
I have approved and commended all that Mr. Consul Lord has done, and have instructed him to use all reasonable and proper efforts to save from harm the missionaries at Hangchow, and obviate if possible the necessity of their removal.
It should be stated in this connection that the city where this trouble arose is about one hundred and forty miles from Ningpo, the nearest port.
In responding to Mr. Lord’s request for instructions as to the rights of the missionaries and his duty in the premises, I have sent him a copy of my No. 40 to the Department, and the reply approving of my views.
But while my opinion is clear and decided that missionaries have no right to reside permanently away from the open ports, it should, on the other hand, be stated that for some years after the treaties of 1860 were ratified a contrary opinion generally prevailed; nor do the Chinese openly question the right of residence in the interior now, as will be seen from the consul’s letters to me.
A retrograde movement on the part of the missionaries would be impolitic now, hence I shall do what I can to keep them where they are in safety. But while doing this I shall not fail to impress upon them that neither treaty right nor good policy will sanction the extension of old or the establishment of new missions in the interior.
The slender compensation which the fees afford the consul at Ningpo hardly warrants him in undertaking long and expensive journeys into the interior on public business. Mr. Lord’s trip to Hangchow may properly be considered an extraordinary duty, which was promptly and ably performed. I would therefore suggest that a suitable allowance be made him to cover extraordinary expenditures of the kind alluded to. It is proper that I should say in this connection that this suggestion is made on my own motion, and does not come from any request of Mr. Lord.
I have, &c.,
Mr. Lord to Mr. Low.
Ningpo, September 7, 1872.
Sir: Intelligence of disturbance at Hangchow, the capital of this province, has just reached us. It seems that the magistrates there have arrested, or are arresting, many or all the persons who have sold or leased property to foreigners; and the state of things in consequence seems to be very unquiet. All the natives connected with foreigners, and even foreigners themselves, seem quite alarmed. The British consul has consulted with me on the subject. His health not permitting him to go himself, he has proposed to send his interpreter up, and I have concluded to go with him to look into the matter, and see what, if anything, needs to be done.
I write this on Saturday night. We shall probably start by the earliest tide tomorrow.
I do not apprehend that any violence will be used toward our countrymen, yet one can never tell at such times of excitement how far the rabble will be carried away by it. I suppose I shall necessarily be absent a week or ten days. I shall write you further on my return.
I have, &c.,
Mr. Lord to Mr. Low.
Ningpo, September 21, 1872.
Sir: I wrote you hurriedly on the evening of the 7th instant, just before starting for Hangchow, stating that I, in company with Mr. Lolbe, representing the British consul here, was going up to look into, and, if possible, allay, the excitement there, growing out of the arrest of and punishment of natives connected with the transfer of lands on which the dwellings, school-houses, and chapels of the English and American missionaries are erected. I beg now to report to you the result of our expedition.
We left Ningpo on the 8th, and arrived in Hangchow on the forenoon of the 11th. Immediately on our arrival, and meeting with a couple of the missionaries, we requested them to call a meeting of all the English and American missionaries in the city at as early an hour as convenient, as we desired to learn in the briefest and most reliable way all we could relating to the present difficulty. These gentlemen readily complied with our request. At 3 o’clock p.m. we met at the house of the Rev. Mr. Lyon all the English and American missionaries residing in Hangchow, excepting one who was ill, and two who were in the country. We asked them to give us all the information they had relating to the origin and history of the present movement. They did so. But I need not repeat their statements here, as they were much the same as those contained in the accompanying letters, which they had written to us before our arrival, but which had not all reached us at that time.
The statements that had reached us before leaving home, supplemented by those made to us now, left no doubt in our minds that the present movement, though not officially so announced, was deliberately directed against foreigners; and that the object aimed at was to get rid of them sooner or later, by making it difficult for them to retain their present places, and impossible to obtain others. We were of course aware that the question has been raised as to whether missionaries have any treaty right to secure dwellings and reside in places other than the open ports. But missionaries were here, and they had been here for many years. No objection had been made to their coming or remaining, either by native or foreign officials. Moreover, they came with the impression that they had this right; for at first such was the popular, if not the official, interpretation of the treaties; and such has always been, and still is, the interpretation of them here by the Chinese officials. Under these circumstances it seemed proper to use our official influence to protect our countrymen, as far as possible, from danger and annoyance while inoffensively pursuing their benevolent work.
Before leaving home I had thought of applying (if application were needed) directly to the footai. But on reaching Hangchow and becoming more fully acquainted with the matter before us, it appeared to me, and Mr. Lolbe likewise, that it would be better for us to put ourselves in connection with the district magistrates—there are two each presiding over a different portion of the city. They had direct jurisdiction in the matter; and our access to them would perhaps be less guarded and less difficult. Moreover, with the principal of the two district magistrates I was personally acquainted, as he had formerly filled that office for a year or two at Ningpo.
It is true he had been regarded there as an officer of bad temper and bad conduct, yet nothing had occurred to bring him and myself into unfriendly relations. So I might hope to meet him on better terms than if we were entire strangers.
Having decided on the course to pursue, we sent in our cards toward evening on the day of our arrival, asking permission to call the next day at 10 o’clock. They replied that they would receive us at 11 o’clock—they had engagements until that time, it being one of the days set for calling on the footai, (governor.) It occurred to us that they suspected our business, and desired to consult with the footai as to the course to be pursued toward us. This at first was only a suspicion; it subsequently became a conviction.
At the hour appointed we repaired to the district magistrates. Their yamêns were located in the same compound. We called first on Tiao Kwang yeu, (Chinese characters,) the magistrate of the Jin-ho (Chinese characters) district. After a little waiting in the reception-room he met us courteously and invited us to our seats. After the usual compliments and small talk, Mr. Lolbe, whom I had requested to act as interpreter, said that we had called on him on a matter of business; and he then proceeded to state that we had been informed that all the persons known to have rented or sold, or aided in renting or selling, places to foreigners in Hangchow had been ordered to be arrested; that a number of them had been arrested, and that two or three had been severely punished. Before Mr. Lolbe had finished his remarks the magistrate interrupted him with the reply that the arrest and punishment of the persons referred to had no connection with foreigners. This remark was made in such a way as to indicate that our attack had been anticipated, and this had been determined on as their method of defense. [Page 121] The magistrate went on to remark that the missionaries had long lived in Hangchow, and that it was well understood that they lived there by treaty right, and there was no objection to their securing lots and building houses and chapels. We replied, that if the arrest and punishment of these persons had really no connection with our countrymen, we, of course, had no wish to interfere; but the circumstances were such as to make it very difficult for us to see how the matter did not really and seriously concern them, since proceedings of this kind were calculated to disquiet and alarm them, and, if persisted in, must sooner or later end in driving them away. The magistrate repeated the statement that the arrest and punishment of these men had no connection with foreigners. We replied that it was commonly reported and commonly believed that their arrest and punishment were for having sold, or aided in selling, lots to foreigners. If this report was incorrect it might serve to relieve our misapprehension and quiet the minds of our countrymen, if he would kindly inform us what was really their crime. He replied, “Pick yau pun fun,” (Chinese characters,) an expression which means not quietly performing their duty, or a want of good conduct. As we did not seem satisfied with this vague answer, he said something about their having made irregular transfers of land. When pressed to state wherein these transfers were irregular he seemed embarrassed, and said that they had demanded exorbitant prices, which was contrary to the treaties. We replied, that so long as the buyer was satisfied, and there was no complaint made of unreasonable demands, it would seem extra-judicial to institute proceedings against them. The ground was then taken that these transfers of the land spoken of as irregular had been made to natives and not to the foreigners; hence they concerned natives and not foreign officials.
It is necessary to remark here that it has been a common custom of the missionaries at Hangchow in securing places to have the deed of conveyance made out, not in their own name, but in the name of some friendly native. And this course, I believe, has been recommended to the English missionaries by Mr. Wade, through the British consul at Ningpo. No official advice, I believe, has been given to our missionaries on the subject, but it has been always my opinion that the lease or deed of conveyance should be made to the person who really owns the property. This is a straightforward way of doing things, and one less liable to objection in many ways; and I have given this advice in a friendly way when my advice has been asked. Had the transfers of property in Hangchow been made direct to foreigners, it is my opinion that the present difficulty would not have occurred, and if it had occurred it could have been more easily met.
We tried to explain as well as we could that these transfers had been made in this way for purposes of convenience; but it was known to all parties, and to the native officials, that, foreigners were the real owners of the property which they occupied, though held in the name of natives; and that it was the common opinion that the arrest and punishment of the persons referred to was for conveying property to foreigners, or for conveying it to natives to be used by foreigners, which amounted to the same thing. We thought, therefore, that as they acknowledged the right of the missionaries to reside in Hangchow, and to rent, purchase, or build houses, these men should be released; and that a proclamation, already asked for by the missionaries and promised by the magistrates, should be issued, calculated to quiet the present excitement. After a long and tedious discussion, the magistrate, seeing that we fully understood the matter, and that we were not satisfied with his explanations, leaned over the table, (for we were now at tiffin,) and, speaking in a whisper, apparently so as not to be heard by his attendants, said, that though the matter did not really concern foreigners, yet as we had made a friendly request, as a matter of friendship he would grant it so far as to issue a proclamation, and in a day or two (literally, to-morrow of next day) he would find some excuse to release the men. The proclamation he said he had already prepared, and an attendant brought and showed it to us. There was nothing objectionable in the proclamation, yet it seemed to us too vague to answer the purpose. We suggested this to the magistrate. He said he bad at first prepared a fuller form, but he had finally chosen this. He showed us his first draught. We liked the form of that better, but still asked permission to suggest two or three alterations. He readily gave permission, and adopted our alterations.
It was now late, and we left to make our call on the other magistrate, who has jurisdiction over the Tseen T’hang (Chinese characters) district. This magistrate took the same position that had been taken by the other. But it was not necessary to go into the matter so fully with him, as he said he would do whatever his colleague did, as in all such matters they acted together. We had now obtained in promise all that we could expect reasonably. The want of sincerity which these officials had manifested did not, of course, afford us the strongest guarantee for their fidelity. However, in their promise they seemed to be sincere, and we left them in the hope that their promise would be fulfilled. Still we chose to remain in the place a few days longer and see.
Our interview with the magistrates occurred on Thursday the 12th. On Saturday, the 14th, we sent our Chinese writers with our cards to request an interview with the magistrates, and ascertain what, if anything, had been done in the matter. They had an interview with the principal magistrate, who told them that nothing could be done [Page 122] until the consuls had returned home. This was a new issue, and one not at all calculated to assure us. Our writers also reported that the magistrate had told them that the cause of the present movement was the foreign houses built on the hill over against the fantais (Chinese characters) yamên. The fantai had recently lost a son and a wife, and on consulting with the geomancers they told him that thefung shuey had been disturbed by said houses. The fantai complained of the matter to the footai, (governor,) who gave orders to the district magistrates to arrest and punish all who had been engaged in the transfer of lands to foreigners. He said they had replied that they could not arrest those who had acted as agents for foreigners, as they were Christians, but they could arrest the sellers and the middle-men employed by the sellers. And this was what had been undertaken. The magistrate, however, requested our writers not to mention this circumstance to the consuls. Our writers replied that the consuls were fully aware of all this before they left Ningpo.
After this report, made to us by our writers, we determined to have another interview ourselves with the magistrates. So we sent in our cards, saying we would be glad to see them either at their place or ours on the next day. They returned us word that they had engagements for the next day, but they would call on us at our place the day after at 9 o’clock in the morning. So we were obliged to remain and await their convenience.
At the hour appointed we were in attendance. They came an hour late, and, as we soon discovered, in no mood to facilitate our work. They said they had promised us to release the men; they would do so in five days after we left for home; they could not release them so long as we remained. We reminded them of their promise, made to us five days before. They said that at that time they supposed we were going to leave, and what they said then was the language of friendly parting. We tried to impress upon them the idea that promises among officials ought to be held sacred.
There was now much talk on both sides, but with very little progress toward any agreement. They maintained, as they had on the former occasion, that the matter had no connection with foreigners, flatly denying what they had stated to our writers. We maintained that it had a very important and very serious connection with them, as was evident from the present excitement. At any rate, the excitement existed, and we saw no way to allay it and prevent future disturbance but to release the men, as they had at first promised, who, according to the confession made to our writers, were suffering for having done only what was admitted they had a right to do. At last, Yaou, the principal of the two magistrates, lost his temper, and declared that they would not release the men while we remained, if we remained a month or a year, at the same time rudely starting up to leave the hall. He was reminded that we were officers discussing serious matters, and it was important that we should preserve calmness and decorum. He at once became more calm and courteous. He then said, speaking in a whisper, to avoid being overheard by attendants and others crowding about, that they could not release the men while we remained, as it would injure their influence with the people, but if we would leave the men should be released in three days. We did not feel quite satisfied with this arrangement. They had not fulfilled their first promise; what guarantee had we that they would fulfill this? However, there seemed nothing else to do, unless we brought the matter before the foutai; and that, under the circumstances, seemed to us more likely to hinder than facilitate our object. We concluded, therefore, to leave for home, hoping that what was promised would, though perhaps somewhat tardily, be fulfilled.
We left immediately for Ningpo and reached here on the 19th.
I inclose herewith copies of the letters above referred to, calling our attention to the state of things at Hangchow previous to our leaving for that place.
I have, &c.,
Messrs. Houston and Helm to Mr. Lord.
Sir: We, the undersigned, missionaries of the Presbyterian Church (South) in the United States, would respectfully beg leave to ask your attention to some facts which have just occurred in this city, which we deem of interest to ourselves as to other foreign residents here.
The main substance of the facts of which we speak is that proceedings have been instituted by the Chinese officials in this city against natives who have been concerned in disposing of landed property to foreigners. On Sunday, the 1st instant, according to native accounts, a warrant was issued, at the instigation of the fantai, for the [Page 123] arrest of eight persons who had at one time been engaged in transactions of this kind with foreigners. Of these eight four are known to have been apprehended, viz, three men who were engaged about six months since in conveying a piece of land to the mission with which we are connected, and one man who sold land about three years since to the American Baptist Mission. The remaining men, whose names are said to have been on the warrant, were concerned at different times in disposing of property to the other missions, American and English, which are represented in this city. Of the three men who were engaged in conveying land to this mission we have had some personal acquaintance with two. One of these is a master stone-mason, named Ouq, doing a good business here, and the other a physician named Be. Both of them are regarded by natives as very respectable men. They are not Christians. They are now confined in the prisons attached to the yamêns of the hsien, (district magistrate.) The warrant ordering their arrest is said to have contained the statement that they were to be examined in regard to their being engaged in practices injurious to the people. The man Ouq was decoyed from his house on a false pretext, and arrested in a neighboring tea-shop. He is said to be suffering at present from a severe attack of sickness, and his family have sent to us a request to do all in our power to procure his release.
The immediate cause of the present action of the officials is represented by the natives to be as follows: The property held by the mission of which we are members is situated on the side of a hill facing the yamên of the fantai, (treasurer.) About a month since this official lost one of his children by death, and soon after his wife also died. On inquiring of the soothsayers as to the cause of his misfortunes, he was told that the fung shui had been disturbed by the foreign buildings opposite. Upon this he issued orders for the arrest of all persons engaged in selling property on which foreign houses had been erected. We speak of this only as the immediate cause, for we suppose that none here doubt that the general cause is to be found in the old-seated aversion of the upper classes of the Chinese to the presence of foreigners, an aversion which found expression here in the month of May last in the posting of a great number of hand-hills calling on the people to rise and punish any one found engaged in selling property to foreigners. A specimen of those was, we believe, furnished you at the time of their appearance. As to the demeanor of the people in general toward us, it has been everything we could have hoped for. Indeed, it has been a matter of comment among us within the past year how much the bearing of the people here toward foreigners has improved. Thus far there has not been the least sign of any disturbance coming from them.
We have deemed it proper to advise you of the facts above stated, both because they seem to be the beginning of a course of action against the foreign residents here, which may be extended further, and because we have hoped that you might feel at liberty either now, or after further developments, to take some action looking to the relief of the unfortunate men, whose only crime seems to be that they gave help and comfort to the foreigner. These men have not yet been examined by the magistrate and it is not known, of course, what judgment will be taken against them.
As regards the property which is said to have given offense to the present fantai, it may be proper to say that the larger portion of it was acquired by the mission about three years ago, and that a foreign residence was built on it just a year since.
Neither at the time the land was acquired, nor at the time the house was built, was any objection raised against our course in the matter from any quarter.
In September of last year the hsien, in whose jurisdiction we reside, (Ch’untang-hsien,) sent a request that he might see the title-deed by which we held the property. His request was complied with at once, and a copy of the deed was taken in the yarn en in the presence of a member of the mission. Since then we have heard nothing in regard to the matter. On another occasion, just before this, when our place was disturbed by some soldiers, who climbed over the wall of the compound in the absence of the foreigners, the hsien sent a man from his yamên, without any request or representation from us, to assure us that we would be protected from annoyance on our property here. We mention these facts as showing the recognition by the officials here both directly and indirectly of our claim to this property. Indeed, no one here, as far as we know, has ever questioned our right in the matter, nor are we aware of any intention to raise such a question now. We deem it prudent, however, to inform you at present of these facts, as it is not certain that they may not have some bearing on our case here in the future. We will endeavor to keep you advised as anything of further interest may be developed.
Begging leave to offer you assurances of our very high esteem, we remain,
Very, &c.,
- M. H. HOUSTON.
- BEN. HELM.
P. S.—Since writing the above we have received from Rev. G. E. Moule a copy of the order of arrest which is herewith inclosed. It will be seen that there are ten names included instead of eight. Those marked 0 have already been arrested; the others [Page 124] are said to be absent from, the city or in concealment. Mr. Moule states that the list includes the former owners of all the property now held by foreigners in the hsien (district) in which he lives, embracing the property held by the American Baptist Mission, American Presbyterian Mission, (North,) and the English Church Mission.
We beg leave to inclose with this a note from Mr. Moule, which he has requested might be forwarded with this.
Note.—The copy of the order of arrest, being little more than the names of the accused, is not sent to the Department.
Mr. Moule to Mr. Lord.
My Dear Sir: Last evening I met, informally, all the American missionaries at present in Hangchow to confer on the recent action of the mandarins, of which you will, no doubt, receive detailed accounts from Mr. Houston and others, in suddenly arresting certain Chinese who have been engaged in selling or mortgaging* land to foreign missionaries.
We are unanimous in thinking the case a most serious one; and, although it is possible that one single mission has, inadvertently, specially excited the hostility of the mandarins, the arrests, which have either been made or threatened, include persons who have sold property to all or nearly all of the others.
For our own (the C. M. S.) mission I propose to make a representation to the British consul as soon as I have explicit information of the actual arrest of persons who have sold property to us.
Meantime, as it is thought desirable that you should be assured of our unanimity in viewing the present emergency as critical for us all, I have asked Mr. Houston to be good enough to inclose these few lines with his communication to you.
I am, &c.,
C. M. S.
P. S.—The only mission in connection with which I hear of proscriptions is Mr. McCarthy’s. I believe he has purchased no property.
Mr. Lyon to Mr. Lord.
Sir: I suppose you have already received letters from the Southern Presbyterian missionaries in regard to the arrest of certain natives concerned in selling property to foreigners. I write you to-day to add my testimony and to beg you to take such measures as the case may, in your judgment, require. * * * * *
There seems to be no doubt but that it is another attempt to at least hinder all further selling of property to foreigners, and may be the entering wedge to the persecution of all natives who have any connection with us, and thus to make it so bitter that we shall be compelled to leave.
The natives are a good deal excited, and the rumors are said to be bad outside. It seems a threatening matter. I ask you to do what you can.
I remain, &c.,
Mr. Lyon to Mr. Lord.
Sir: I write to inform you further in regard to the difficulties mentioned in my former. Fearing lest longer delay might increase the troubles, after consulting with [Page 125] the other foreigners, we went together to the yamêns of the Tsien-tang and Jinhoynen’s, and though denied admittance, succeeded in presenting a memorial, a copy of which I herewith forward for your inspection. An answer is due to-day at 3 p.m., which we hope will be favorable, though we cannot tell.
Two of the middle-men of the Kwun-Mis-san property* are now wearing the cangue at the yamên gate. Three friends report that they were beaten with one thousand stripes. On the cangue are written the four characters (Chinese characters). They say they were asked three questions: “What is your name?” “Did you act as middlemen, in selling property to foreigners?” Reply: “Yes.” “Didn’t you know it was against imperial law?” Answer: “No.” “Then we will make you know it.”
The landlord of the old Bi’s property, whose name is (Chinese characters), is still in prison. His friends have been to us for help.
It is a very great misfortune, as we all think, that the affair has gone so far, as it not only affects Hangchow, but all the inland cities of the province.
I speak the mind and desire of all American citizens here when I again earnestly beg you to make the strongest possible representation of the matter to the proper authorities. Meanwhile we wait the reply of the local magistrates with no little anxiety, of which I will inform you.
I remain. &c.,
Note.—The copy of the missionaries’ petition or memorial to the magistrates is in Chinese, and I have not time to have a translation made.
Mr. Helm to Mr. Lord.
Sir: Doubtless you have been fully informed respecting the troubles in which the natives, who were instrumental in securing property for the foreign residents at Hang-, chow, have been involved by the tyrannical action of the native officials. If it may not be too late to express my view, I would briefly state what seems to me to be the true issue.
As we generally hear and believe, the officials have, since last winter, desired to have some action taken, because of the foreign houses built here. But, until the 1st of September, nothing of importance transpired, and we only knew of the state of feeling among them by rumors from natives. Of the anonymous placard posted all over Hangchow in one night last spring, you have also been informed, I believe. We did not much believe it was done by any official, and hence took no notice of it. But the present action appears in a different aspect. You know of the arrest and beating of the two middle-men concerned in the securing of our two places. One of these places was secured for sixty years, using in the transfer the character (Chinese character), (I think this is the character,) which Mr. Inslee told us you had suggested to him as the most appropriate. We have held undisturbed possession now over two years, and no objection was made to our securing it, or since as to our possessing, as far as any public or official act is concerned. The other piece we secured last winter, and no open opposition was made. We only heard that other parties were trying to purchase it to secure the erection of a temple. I do not mean by these statements to say that the treaty gives us an explicit right to buy and to build, but while there is nothing, as far as I know, prohibiting it, neither we nor the natives violated any law of the land, or even acted in the face of any official proclamation.
I observe the treaty guarantees us liberty to be in the interior for twelve months and to preach the gospel. And to stay here with comfort and safety, other than native houses are necessary; hence we have built. The piece of property acquired last winter was bought in the name of a native Christian woman, and hence the middle-man did not act for foreigners in the strict and literal sense. But he was the middle-man in securing the other piece, and was beaten for this as well. Their sufferings are very great. One of the men is over sixty years of age; is an opium-smoker, (although a well-to-do stone-mason,) and his constitution is feeble. He swooned away under the beating. The cangue was put on for three months, and the natives say he cannot survive the treatment, for he is furthermore sick.
Since we last wrote you all the parties in the securing of Mr. Lyon’s property have, as far as possible, been arrested.
[Page 126]We heard this morning that while the officials promised on last Saturday to issue the proclamation we asked, (and I do not think it at all covered the grounds of the case,) they proceeded to yet further extremities and put the cangue on Be-sien-sang, who sold the land I am now on, to the native Christian woman. His head is all swollen up from the treatment. When the cangue was put on, the official said he would “do it to the death,” and sealed it himself. This we learned by one brick-mason, Li, who has acted for us also in securing the above-mentioned land. He learned it from Be-sien-sang’s family. He is shut up in the yamên, and cannot be seen; but a relation of his, who is in the official quarters, told his family. Be-sien-sang is a scholar, and our teachers think it cannot be true, as he would have first to be degraded. But the news comes from his own family, and I give it as probably true. The whole course of action is outside of the law, and the people, we learn, sympathize with the oppressed. I am no alarmist, and I do not expect any immediate overt act against our persons or property, but it seems to me that unless stopped, we cannot expect either to again find any one willing to assist us in securing any property, or to remain long in undisturbed possession of what we have. The object seems to be, eventually, to get us out, and if out of Hangchow, why not every other inland city?
Besides, humanity calls on us to do all we can to secure the release and redress the wrongs of the poor innocent men who are suffering for us, in so far as it is possible. Therefore, the case seems to me of general importance and of some urgency.
Hoping you will pardon me for trespassing so much upon your time, I beg to subscribe myself,
Respectfully, &c.,
P. S.—The reason we have not written oftener is because we heard that Mr. Lyon wrote daily.
Mr. Lyon to Mr. Lord.
Sir: I write to inform you of the arrest of the landlord of the Fong-loh-Gyao property,* and the son of one of the middle-men.
In answer to our petition, the magistrates both promised to issue proclamations to be posted in our several chapels, schools, and hospitals. But while on the one hand, with all due politeness, they grant what we ask, on the other hand they continue to persecute the landlords and middle-men. I know if we press them to the point they will say, “We are not punishing these men because of their connection with you, but for other offenses.” But how could it happen that just the persons who were concerned in renting or leasing us property should all become transgressors at once? Then there is the testimony of the men who have been punished, that they were tried for assisting foreigners in getting property, no other charge being made. Then there is public opinion, which is unanimous in ascribing it to their connection with us.
It is the most complete piece of underhanded management that I have known in China. 1st. The people are arrested on an anonymous charge. 2d. They arrest only either the landlords or the middle-men on the landlords’ side; the middle-men on our side, who are either native Christians or personal teachers, have thus far all escaped. 3d. The heavy punishments all fall on those connected with the “hill” property.
Mr. Houston has just been in to say that a man by the name of (Chinese character,) landlord of the property on which their school stands, a physician, and sun-dzai, was yesterday put under a very heavy cangue, sealed by the magistrate, who said he should wear it till he died.
We are thinking of going before the footai (governor) and stating that it is known all over the city that these people are suffering on account of the connection with disposing of property to us; that if they did wrong, we are also identified with them in the wrong, and ask their immediate release.
Could you come up and help us through this difficulty?
Meanwhile, we must do what we can for ourselves.
The whole affair seems to have two ends in view: first, if possible, to arouse such a hatred for foreigners as will make it impossible for us to remain here; or, if that cannot be done, secondly, frighten people from having anything to do with us.
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Lord to Mr. Low.
Ningpo, September 30, 1872.
Sir: My last letter to you, dated the 21st instant, with its several in closures, gave you an account of the matters at Hangchow so far as known to me at that date. Since then several letters have come to hand from our friends there, and I have written one or two in reply. I now forward you copies of these, from which you will learn what has been done, and what is the present state of things there so far as is known to me at the present time.
I have only to express my regret that the Chinese officials there have done so little of what they promised to do, and that that little has been done in such bad faith. They are evidently personally hostile to foreigners, and are willing to do all they dare to incommode and embarrass them. They regard missionaries as living there by treaty-right; otherwise I am sure it would not be possible for the missionaries to live there. With their understanding of the treaties they are unquestionably treaty-breakers. It is not for me to say whether missionaries are to be protected away from the treaty-ports. But, if they are, it seems to me that the recent and present conduct of the officials at Hangchow should be made the subject of very serious consideration at Peking; while, if they are not to be protected, they should be so informed.
But whatever view may be taken of this matter, there can be no question but that the officials with whom we had intercourse in this matter were singularly wanting in that fairness which we showed them and which we had a right to expect from them.
I beg to inclose herewith copies of six letters received from friends in Hangchow and two copies of letters written to them in reply.
I have, &c.,
Mr. Houston to Mr. Lord.
My Dear Sir: I have just received a note from Mr. Moule, in which he states, that as you were about to leave for Ningpo, you used an expression which seemed to show that you had not fully understood the position which the mission of which I am a member holds here on the Chinghwang Hill. Your remark was, that you supposed the hill was a kind of sacred place reserved for temples, &c. Mr. Moule tells me he assured you that it was not exclusively so, and that, in particular, he believed that the house of this mission stood on the site of an old family house, which had been surrounded formerly on every side by residences. Mr. Moule thought, however, that it would be well for me to write to you and give you an explicit statement on this point. I would beg leave, therefore, to say to you that Mr. Moule was correct in his opinion. The property which we hold on the hill is what is known here as the “people’s land,” and, as far as we know, no temple or other public building ever stood on it.
At the time the city was sacked by the Taipings, the whole face of the hill on which our mission-buildings now stand was occupied by private residences.
Our foreign residence now stands on the site of the former residence of a family named Wang, and our ground, as well as the ground on every side of ns, was never supposed by the natives at any time to have a sacred character. As far, then, as the mere effect of a private residence on the “fêng shui” is concerned, those mysterious influences have been liable to disturbance from this cause as far back as the history of the city extends, and we violated no precedent in erecting dwellings here.
Renewing my thanks for the patience and resolution with which you attended to our interests while you were here, I am, &c.,
Mr. Lyon to Mr. Lord.
Dear Sir: I herewith inclose a copy of the proclamation which came to our several chapels and schools to-day a.m. Up to 11 o’clock this forenoon none of the prisoners had been released, and the two men still wore the “cangue” at the yamên gate.
[Page 128]Whether the proclamation is what you agreed should be issued or not, of course you are the proper one to decide, as we had not the opportunity of knowing of that matter. I may say, however, that the natives connected with us all regard it as very good, and if only the poor men who are suffering were set at liberty, we should all rejoice that a fair settlement of the difficulty had been made; and until that is done we must still feel anxious.
We have had our chapels open for preaching both yesterday and to-day, and experienced no disturbance. I hope I may be able to add a postscript to-morrow forenoon stating that the men are released, but for the present have no more facts to communicate than what I have already mentioned.
I am, &c.,
P. S.—I have no more encouraging news to communicate. One of the prisoners, U-zeo-peh, has sent a note to our native pastor, asking him to come and visit him at the prison. I believe he and another native expect to go this forenoon.
Mr. Helm to Mr. Lord.
Sir: According to the request you made when leaving, I write to say that yesterday the proclamations were issued Copies were stuck up at the door of our street chapel and at Mr. Houston’s. None were posted at my place; I suppose it was because the property on the hill was all one. There may be other reasons. We knew nothing about it till we saw it on the wall. At all the other missions they were taken in and given to the missionaries. I know of no cause for the difference, and it may be of no consequence.
Up to yesterday noon, I know certainly that the men had not been released. If they bad since been released, I should almost certainly have known it. Be-sien-sen, who sold us the lot I occupy, was up this morning to say that the officials still demanded that he should redeem this place. He said he did not wish to do it, and admitted that he could not do it, as we had expended over $1,400 on it.
Mr. Houston proposed to him on our part that if he were willing we would make out new papers. Instead of buying in the native’s name, we would “tien” in our own name, say for sixty or eighty years, destroying the deed of purchase and send in this paper for the official seal. If he agrees to this we may do it.
Should you reply please let me have your advice.
Since these troubles we hear the “Yiang Kwets” more than ever; but otherwise there is little change in the people.
Respectfully, &c.,
Mr. Lyon to Mr. Lord.
Dear Sir: I write to inform you of the result of Tsiang and Yi’s (the natives referred to in his previous letter) visit to the prisoner.
They saw but one of the prisoners, U-zeo-peh, who was confined in the “pau vong” with five other prisoners. U-zeo-peh told them that the official sent word to him yesterday forenoon that if he could produce bail he might now be set at liberty. The same offer was said to have been made to Kwang-zuy-seng, the landlord of my property. It is evidently the policy of the officials to come off with “flying colors,” and to avoid every possible appearance of having in the least yielded to the pressure from the consuls.
I think that if the men have still to give bail for their good conduct, then we have gained nothing by negotiation.
I suppose Mr. Houston has already informed you of the way the proclamations were posted on the wall outside his gate, and the important parts mutilated the same night.
In the Jin-ho district the proclamations were all brought to us and left with us to [Page 129] post in our chapel. In this way the issuing of the proclamations is a mere nominal compliance of the officials with your request, while in the eye of the people the consuls have been sent home in disgrace.
Then there seems to be a general understanding between officials and people, so that I am quite sure, should any disturbance occur, the disturbers would be rewarded instead of punished.
It is apparent to the people that the officials are displeased with our presence here, and this emboldens them to do what they would not dare to do under other circumstances.
I have nothing further at present to suggest, but trust you may have the blessing and guidance of God in your action in regard to the affair.
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Helm to Mr. Lord.
Dear Sir: I understand that the dzen ho jien, yesterday, set free all the men he had under arrest. Those in the dzien dang jien have not yet been set free. It was rumored that Oug-s wu was to be let out on bail, but as yet he is still in “durance vile.”
Mr. Houston and I sent a note to the yamên to inquire why no proclamation had been sent us. (None was brought in, and none even posted at my place, which they dislike.) They replied they had none; they had been already sent to Kwin mi sau. I suppose it is of no importance, but all think the not posting a proclamation at my place is intentional.
Respectfully, &c.,
Mr. Lyon to Mr. Lord.
Dear Sir: I herewith notify you that the Yin-ho magistrate has released the prisoners on their having procured bail, but under very humiliating conditions. As prerequisite to release they were all required to sign a promissory note, a copy of which I send you, the price of freedom varying in different cases. The same note was required of the men who went security for them. The copy I send you was given in from memory by the landlord of Dr. Galt’s property. He says the official said to him, in substance, as follows: “On these conditions I let you off for the present offense; but if ever you have anything more to do with foreigners I will cut your head off.”
To-day, U-zeo-peh comes to us and reports that he was required to sign a promise to pay in 400,000 cash by the end of the tenth month. He reports that Kwan Zuy sêng, landlord of my property, is also released, and required to pay the round sum of $500. They were all subjected to the same terms and the same threat, differing only in the amount to be paid.
The Kwun Mi San men are still, I understand, wearing the cangue. According to the promise made to you they should have been unconditionally released on last Thursday, five days ago, while, in fact, those of the Jin-ho district were released only yesterday, and that after being compelled to make the above most humiliating promise and receiving the threat of decapitation if ever found engaged in dealings with foreigners. Words cannot express the monstrosity of such measures.
As to the treatment of the poor men in the Dzien Dang district, and the contempt shown to the foreigners on the hill, I suppose Mr. Helm or Houston will keep you posted.
I hope you may be able to bring some influence from Peking, or from some other source, to bear upon these Hangchow mandarins, which will teach them that consuls representing, two great nationalities may not be snubbed with impunity, and that the underhanded violation of acknowledged treaty-rights, especially by such brutish treatment of innocent men, cannot go unpunished.
I remain, &c.,
Mr. Lord to Mr. Helm.
Ningpo, September 27, 1872.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communications, dated the 20th and 23d instant; also of Mr. Houston’s note of the 17th.
The matter you mention about the proclamation, I should not be inclined to think of much importance. It may have happened from your proclamations being sent from one office, and the others from the other, or it may have been a mere difference in the way of doing things by the different runners. I am sorry not to hear of the release of the men in your district. I think they will be released, though tardily, and perhaps riot without much apparent injustice. I much regret that I am not able to prevent this.
The matter of changing the title-deed of your lot you must decide for yourselves. It has always been my opinion that property owned by foreigners should be held in their own name. But the British minister seems to have a different opinion, and possibly our minister may have, also. So, at present, I should not like to give you any positive advice.
Hoping soon to hear of the release of all the men suffering on account of their connection with the sale of lands to foreigners,
I remain, &c.,
Mr. Lord to Mr. Lyon.
Ningpo, September 27, 1872.
Sir: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your several communications dated the 19th, 21st, and 24th instant. I am glad to hear that the proclamation has been issued, and that any of the men have been released, though sorry that their release should be coupled with extortionate demands for money. This, however, you must know, is no new thing in China. It always, or nearly always, happens when, for any cause, just or unjust, persons who have money or friends fail into the hands of mandarins.
I shall, of course, lay the matter you mention, with all others of the case, before our minister at Peking; but I have little hope that anything will or can be done to remedy the evil of which you complain. It might be difficult to set wrongs of this kind right, even at the open ports; to do it in the interior—where the right of foreigners to reside at all will at present not be insisted, I presume, by the English and American governments—would be doubly difficult. You must not lose sight of the fact that your residence in Hangchow is at present but a precarious one. While you are there I shall do what I can to protect you from violence and wrong. But you must know that consuls are not armed with power to do always what they think ought to be done; and they always find it especially difficult to protect natives, even when suffering on our account. It is easy enough to quote the treaty on this point, but then we are always met with the plea that the matter has no connection with foreigners.
This, of course, would be the plea in the present case.
I am, &c.,