Mr. Denby to Mr.
Gresham.
Legation of the United States,
Peking
,
October 8,
1894
.
No. 1992.]
Sir: In my dispatch, No. 1986, of the 30th
ultimo, I had the honor to inform you of the steps taken to impress upon
the Yamên their responsibility for the protection of foreigners in
Peking and the acceptance of this responsibility by them.
I have the honor to state that the proclamations which they promised to
issue have now appeared. These proclamations, a translation of which is
inclosed, are couched in language most calculated to have a beneficial
influence on the populace. They are of enormous size and are stamped
with the seal of the commandant of the gendarmerie. One or more copies
have been posted on the walls of every missionary establishment, every
legation, and every foreign residence in the city.
I inclose herewith a translation of a note from the ministers in which
they forward me a copy of the proclamation. In this note they refer to
the punishment which has been inflicted on the assailant of two American
missionaries in a street disturbance, which it was recently necessary to
bring to their attention.
A copy of a note, expressing the gratitude of this legation for the
Yamên’s action in these matters, is inclosed.
I have, etc.,
Chas. Denby, Jr.,
Chargé d’Affaires ad
interim.
[Page 132]
[Inclosure 1 in No.
1992.]
Proclamation issued by the Yamên of the general
commandant of the gendarmerie for general
information.
Whereas since the treaties of commerce between China and foreign
countries were entered into peace has long continued to reign, the
reigning dynasty has regarded all foreigners with equal kindness,
making no discrimination against any.
The Japanese, however, have now abrogated their treaty and commenced
hostilities. They are employing their forces on our coasts. This,
however, is a matter that does not involve foreigners of other
nationalities. It is China’s duty to take special care in giving
protection to missionaries and their churches in Peking. But there
have been loafers who have circulated rumors for the purpose of
creating trouble in the vicinity of the Erh Tiao lane, inside the
Anting gate, where there is an American missionary establishment.
There has been much improper talking, which has put the missionaries
in a state of apprehension and fear, and has decidedly affected the
friendly relations existing. If such things occur in this locality
other localities will not be free from similar rumors, and it is
necessary that proclamations be issued strenuously warning the
soldiery and people that they must continue to live quietly and
peacefully, to attend to their own affairs, and not foolishly listen
to wild and unfounded stories, thus taking part in their
circulation.
If there be rowdies who outrage all propriety, and have no respect
for anyone, and stir up a row and excite people to creating a
disturbance at any missionary establishment, the police authorities
of the places concerned are hereby ordered to suppress them. Any who
dare to act in disobedience of orders issued are at once to be put
into fetters and brought to the gendarmerie to be rigorously
punished. No leniency whatever will be shown.
Strenuous instructions were issued to the police authorities for the
arrest of the rowdies who insulted and attacked the Reverend Mr.
Headland and wife outside the Chi Hua Gate. The vagabond who
committed the outrage, Wang Tao-erh, has been arrested, and the
Yamên will administer to him vigorous punishment for the offense
committed.
Let this official notice be given to all, in the hope that a state of
peace and mutual good feeling may continue to prevail. The police
authorities of all the wards are to take action in earnest and to
zealously investigate all cases. If any dare to be idle or remiss in
their duty and connive at offenses committed, on ascertaining such
to be the case, they will be reported for impeachment.
Let all tremblingly obey and not disregard this special
proclamation.
Kuang Hsii 20 year 9 month
6 day. (October 4, 1894.)
[Inclosure 2 in No.
1992.]
The Tsung-li-Yamên to Mr. Denby
.
Sir: Some time since we had the honor to
receive your note with reference to the assault made upon the
Reverend Mr. Headland and wife outside the Chi Hua Gate, wherein you
stated that the Yamên had promised to cause the arrest and
punishment of the leader in the affair, and also to put out
proclamations, but that, up to the present time, you had not been
informed what had been done, and you requested that the gendarmerie
be urged to take action in these matters.
The Yamên were about to address the gendarmerie, urging that these
matters be dealt with, when the minister received a communication
from that office stating that, in regard to the assault made upon
the Reverend Mr. Headland and wife by rowdies outside the Chi Hua
Gate, and the rumors that had been circulated around the missionary
establishment at the Erh Tias Hu-tung, whereupon the issuance of
proclamations has been requested, the police officers, in obedience
to instructions, had apprehended one Wang Tao-erh, a rowdy, who had
assaulted the missionary, and he has been severely punished and
ordered to wear the cangue so that his offenses may be made known to
the public. Proclamations also have been cue and issued and sent to
the local authorities concerned, with instructions to have them
posted at the foreign legations and the missionary residences as a
means of repressing evil doers.
The man Wang Tao-erh, above referred to, is an inexperienced, stupid
fellow, and the severe punishment, besides being cangued, meted out
to him by the gendarmerie should be sufficient warning to other
foolish men like himself, and cause the laws to be respected.
The posting of proclamations at the various missionary establishments
and other places should be sufficient to cause the people to know
that they should observe the [Page 133] injunctions therein contained, as well as to remove all doubts
and misgivings and prevent the circulation of all false rumors.
The action taken we regard as very satisfactory and proper.
We inclose herewith a copy in Chinese of the proclamation, and
request you to transmit it for the perusal and information of the
foreign representatives at Peking.
Cards of ministers inclosed.
[Inclosure 3 in No.
1992.]
Mr. Denby to
the Tsung-li-Yamên.
Your Highness and Your Excellencies: I have
the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 6th instant
inclosing a copy of a proclamation posted by the general commandant
of the gendarmerie at the various American missionary establishments
and at other places in this city.
This legation is deeply grateful for the efforts of your highness and
your excellencies to prevent any trouble befalling the citizens of
the United States who are under your protection, and for the
punishment of the rowdies who recently made an attack upon them.
A translation of your note and of the proclamation inclosed has been
sent to the honorable Secretary of State for his information.
I have, etc.,
Chas. Denby, Jr.,
Chargé d’affaires ad
interim.