Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine.
Peking, June 4, 1892. (Received July 14.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that on the 26th day of May, last, I received from the tsung-li yamên a very long report relating to the case of Chou Han, who was accused of publishing antiforeign pamphlets and placards in Hunan. The imperial decree touching this case appeared in the Peking Gazette, the 21st ultimo, and a translation thereof was forwarded to you inclosed in my dispatch No. 1535 of May 23.
The following is an abstract of the report above mentioned:
The prince and minister received from the grand council, on the 11th ultimo, a copy of the report from the Viceroy Chang Chi Tung of the investigation of commissioners into the question of the publication of placards in Hunan, and the counterfeiting of public dispatches. The inquiry developed the fact that Chou Han suffered from a disease of the mind akin to madness. The testimony before the commission showed that Chou Han had been an expectant taotai; that he had distinguished himself in the wars and was promoted to be a taotai, and was employed in Shensi, which province he left and went to Hunan. He has lately suffered from a brain disorder which causes him to have hallucinations, and in the paroxysms of his illness his utterances have been those of a madman. He did not publish any placards nor circulate any. Full testimony on this point was had.
Stringent search was made for the blocks on which the placards were printed, and twenty-five boards for thirty-one pictures and placards were seized. These had already been defaced. Two publishers were arrested, but they refused to confess, though torture was applied to them. Chou Han is still insane. He believes in spirits, and practices divination. Nevertheless some punishment should be meted out to him. The two publishers should be punished with eighty blows of the bamboo, and made to wear the cangue, or wooden collar, for the period of three months. The printing establishment has been closed. Stringent instructions have been given to arrest and punish all persons who spread false rumors or circulate placards calculated to excite the minds of the people. Chou Han should be stripped of his rank and be kept under surveillance at his native place. If his hallucinations increase and he still causes trouble, he should be exemplarily punished.
The imperial decree above referred to has executed the recommendations of the commissioners. I have to remark that the treatment of Chou Han, as viewed by foreigners, is lenient. Much faith is not put [Page 118] in the plea of insanity, which in China constitutes no defense to punishment of crime.
The acquittal of Chou Han of the charge of circulating vile placards is surprising in view of the notoriety that he has attained. It is believed that the Imperial Government did not punish him severely, for fear of trouble in Hunan. Still, the disposition of the case is calculated to deter others from committing like crimes, and is a concession to foreign wishes.
I have, etc.,