Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine.
Peking, June 10, 1891. (Received July 23.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that news of riots against foreigners reach me every day. To this date there have been riots at Vanyang, Wuhu, Nanking, Yanking, Yangchou, Wusueh, and Kiukiang.
This morning news reached Peking that the important Catholic mission at Woosih, situated 80 miles northwest of Shanghai on the Grand Canal was completely destroyed on the 7th instant. We have no missionaries there.
Vanyang is about 20 miles from Chingkiang. The Catholics had an [Page 406] ancient establishment there dating from the previous dynasty. They had a great many converts. There were a church, residence, and two schools. All the buildings were burnt, but nobody was hurt.
At Nanking means have already been provided by the authorities to rebuild the Methodist Girls’ School building, and the repairs are nearly completed.
So far the destruction of this school is the only actual outrage that has been committed against Americans. At Kiukiang, where the Methodists have an important mission, the riot was suppressed before any injury was done. Still, the ladies and children all left and went to Hankow.
The ladies and children also left Tessfield, which is an American Episcopalian college and orphanage, about 3 miles from Shanghai.
The Chinese Government is now thoroughly alarmed. The yamên realizes its error in not procuring an imperial edict to be issued as soon as the first riot occurred, and now agrees to memorialize the Emperor to issue an edict immediately. Such an edict will define the relation of the missionaries to China and will enjoin their protection. It will probably do good, but there is no foreseeing what harm may be done before it is circulated.
It seems at present that the Catholic establishments in the valley of the Yangtse away from great centers are doomed.
I have, etc.,