Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine.
Peking, June 13, 1891. (Received July 23.)
Sir: I Have not found it necessary to continue to wire to you the accounts received here of the daily outbreaks in China against the missionaries, because you have been sufficiently informed of the general situation, and everything that is possible has been done by the diplomatic corps and the naval forces on this station. The imperial edict has not yet appeared. The following telegram was received yesterday from the consul-general of France by the chargé at Peking:
New outrages have taken place in the neighborhood of Kiukiang; the situation at Shanghai very serious; the Villars and the Aspic have arrived here; Admiral Besnard expected on Monday.
It is understood that the whole French squadron on this station has been ordered to China. I have heard that a dispatch came from Chang Chi Tung that trouble is anticipated at Hankow. It is very much to be feared that if these troubles are not checked there will be war between France and China. No American has been injured so far.
I have, etc.,