Mr. Bendy, chargé, to
Mr. Gresham.
No. 47.]
Legation of the
United States,
Peking, September 6, 1894.
(Received October 27.)
Sir: I have the honor to inclose, herewith, a
translation of a proclamation issued by the governor of Formosa, offering
prizes for the sinking of Japanese ships and small boats and for the taking
of Japanese heads, as follows:
For the sinking of a large Japanese war vessel, 6,000 taels; for the sinking
of a small war vessel, 2,000 taels; for the sinking of a man-of-war’s boat
containing one or two men, 400 taels; for sinking a boat “full of men,” 800
taels; for the heads of Japanese officers, 200 taels each; for the head of a
distinguished officer, 400 taels, “and other rewards;” for the heads of
Japanese soldiers and sailors, 100 taels each.
The proclamation closes with an urgent admonition not to confuse Japanese
with other foreigners, who are to be well treated. It points out that “Japan
is a country by itself; it has nothing to do with western countries, and has
no interest in either the Roman Catholic or Protestant religions.”
This proclamation requires little comment. It is a direct invitation and
encouragement to indiscriminate slaughter, not by soldiers alone but by
“soldiers, people, and fishermen.” The wounded and prisoners and shipwrecked
will alike be slain. This proclamation has been copied in the three Chinese
daily papers at Canton, and in all the Chinese papers at Shanghai. It will
soon be known throughout the Empire and will incite the lawless elements
against Japanese residents wherever they may be.
A similar proclamation (published in the Shen pao, of Shanghai, August 27,
1894) has been issued by Lu Taotai, principal director of the Kiang-nan
arsenal, at Shanghai. This official, in addition to the rewards for sinking
ships and taking heads, offers further rewards for information as to
Japanese spies; 100 taels for the capture of a spy, 40 taels for information
as to the whereabouts of one.
In conversation with the ministers of the Yamên, on other subjects, some time
ago, I referred to the proclamation of the governor of Formosa. They
professed ignorance concerning it. To later representations from other
legations, they manifested irritation at being criticised in the matter, and
stated that such proclamations are in accordance with old custom, that their
provisions apply only to belligerents, and that the whole matter is of
little importance.
The Chinese ministers are well aware of the view which foreign Governments
take of such practices and, unless otherwise directed, I shall not refer
again to the matter.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 47.]
Proclamation issued by Shao, governor of
Formosa.
Whereas the Japanese commenced hostilities by opening fire on our vessels
off Ya-shan in Korea, let it be known that if any of their war vessels
should appear at any of the Formosan ports our forces are at once to
attack them.
Should any of the enemy’s small steamers be found about the small
ports-for the purpose of prying into our affairs, or if any of their men
should be found clandestinely on shore, our soldiers, people, and
fishermen, on seeing them, are to attack them and kill them at once.
For sinking a large Japanese war vessel, some time ago telegraphic
instructions fixed the reward at 3,000 taels. As the amount was regarded
too small, the question was reconsidered, and it has now been decided to
make it 6,000 taels.
[Page 58]
For sinking a small Japanese war vessel, some time ago telegraphic
instructions fixed the reward at 1,000 taels, but on reconsideration it
has been increased to 2,000 taels.
For sinking a man-of-war’s boat, the reward, by telegraphic instructions
was fixed at 400 taels, but it has now been decided after
reconsideration to make the following discrimination, viz: For sinking a
boat with one or two men in it a reward of 400 taels will be given; for
sinking a boat full of men a reward of 800 taels will be given.
For the head of Japanese officers a reward of 200 taels each will be
given; for the head of well-known or distinguished officers, 200 taels,
and, in addition, other rewards; for the head of each Japanese soldier
or sailor, 100 taels.
These rewards will be given after the military commanders and the local
officers have investigated and pronounced upon each case. Our promises
will be faithfully carried out, and in addition further marks of favor
will be granted. Compensation of an exceptional form will, according to
regulations, be made for our killed and wounded.
If any of the officers or men of our forces fail to stand by and do their
duty on the eve of battle and protect our military interests they will
be immediately decapitated. Japan is a country by itself; it has nothing
to do nor is it connected with western countries, and has no interest in
either the Roman Catholic or Protestant religions. Our soldiers and
people must know that China is at present at war with Japan alone, and
the reference made here to fighting and taking heads applies only to the
Japanese vessels and their officers and men.
Friendly relations still exist between China and all other foreign
countries. Therefore all foreign consuls, consulates, foreign merchants,
missionaries and their chapels should be treated in the same kind manner
and afforded due protection as heretofore.
Do not by mistake become involved or implicated in falsely disseminating
unfounded rumors, thereby unlawfully creating confusion and
disturbances. Those who disobey will suffer severe punishment, and no
leniency will be shown. The governor will truly reward and certainly
punish those deserving it.
This special proclamation is proclaimed for the information of our
soldiers and people, so that they may alike obey its injunctions.
