Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine.
Peking, June 29, 1891. (Received August 17.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that a riot occurred at Wu Ney Chen the 12th instant, during which the American Foreign Christian Missionary Society’s house was destroyed.
This place is situated in the province of Nganhui; distant 90 li (30 miles) from Wuhu. It is an inland town and is within Consul Jones’s consular district. The missionaries left the place and went to Wuhu. None were injured.
Consul Jones has advised the viceroy at Nanking of the circumstances, and will immediately proceed to secure compensation for the injuries done and the return of the missionaries.
It is painfully apparent that the local authorities are unable or unwilling to prevent these riots. They are afraid of the secret societies and the people. Much good, however, is hoped from the operation of the recent imperial edict which issued the 15th instant.
I have, etc.,