Mr. Denby to Mr.
Blame.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, March 16, 1891.
(Received April 30.)
No. 1266.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a
translation of a proclamation, lately issued by the Fuchau prefect,
prohibiting slanders against foreign missionaries.
I recently received from the consul a number of most infamous pictures which
had been placarded in public places in Fuchau. I judged it best to leave the
matter to the local authorities.
The inclosed proclamation shows that the prefect has treated the subject
vigorously and properly.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 1266.—Translation.—From
the Chinese Times, February 28, 1891.]
Proclamation prohibiting slanders against foreign
missionaries.
The Fuchau prefect, Tang, the Min-hsien magistrate, Wong, and Hou Kuan
acting magistrate, Chen, jointly issued a stringent proclamation
enjoining their subjects not to slander missionaries, in accordance with
the applications of the different foreign representatives in the treaty
porta for the protection of the missionaries against slander, from which
serious troubles have arisen and consequent loss of property and money.
Since the riot in Wuchang his excellency the viceroy of Liang Hu, Chang
Chi Tung, has issued orders to district magistrates where missionaries
reside to issue special proclamations as a protection to those who
profess the religion of Jesu or T’ien-chu. The people are forbidden to
post placards or to assemble in crowds to bring about disturbances, or
in any way to interfere with the good works of Christians. Should any
disobey this, they are to be severely punished; for we want to keep on
friendly terms with those who come here as doers and teachers of good.
They are, as a rule, very orderly and peaceful people; therefore, we do
not want in any way to injure them. Recently some indecent and libelous
placards have been posted against missionaries, and the magistrates
desire to apprehend the authors to make an example of them. Let the
people take heed of this proclamation, for their religions contain all
that is good, and their desire is to convert the people from bad to
good. Their churches are places where they go to worship; therefore, all
that has been said of them is false. If anyone is caught slandering or
libeling in any way, he shall be relentlessly punished. Let no one
disobey the instructions herein contained. Respect this very important
and special proclamation.
