Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894, Appendix I, Chinese-Japanese War, Enforcement of Regulation Respective to Fur Seals, Mosquito Territory, Affairs at Bluefields, Claim of Antonio Maximo Mora, Import Duties on Certain Products of Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela, Affairs in the Samoan Islands

Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham.

No. 52.]

Legation of the United States,
Peking, September 18, 1894. (Received October 31.)

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a translation of a decree which appeared in the manuscript Peking Gazette of last night.

This decree is an expression of the Emperor’s dissatisfaction at/the Viceroy Li’s conduct of the war. It states that he alone was responsible for the military affairs of China, and that he has failed to acquit himself properly of his duties. It is ordered that he be deprived of the “three-eyed peacock feather,” granted him last Chinese new year as a mark of imperial favor, and of the “yellow riding jacket.”

These decorations, strange as their designations sound to us, are only bestowed as marks of the utmost favor of the Emperor. They are conferred in recognition of exemplary services. The “three-eyed peacock feather” is granted only to princes of the blood and in compensation for military achievements. It is the highest decoration that a military career can obtain. The withdrawal of these decorations involves disgrace in proportion to the honor conferred in bestowing them.

This decree is the last of a long series of indignities put upon Li Hung-chang by his imperial master. His enemies have bitterly attacked him, and, unfortunately for China, these attacks have received a favorable hearing. The viceroy has received peremptory and insulting messages from the throne. He has been accused of nepotism. His son-in-law, Chang Pei-lun, has been ordered out of the viceregal Yamên. His nephew, Chang, of the armory department, has been dismissed from office and is reported to have committed suicide. The fact that his son, Li Ching-fang, was minister to Japan some time ago, was also urged against him.

Many friends, whose careers the viceroy has made, have turned upon him. Attacking him they hope to save themselves. He remains, however, defiant, spiritedly defending himself. He explains the charge of nepotism by asserting that appointments in war are not governed by the same principle as those made in peace, that in confidential positions he must have men upon whom he can rely.

It is certain that the viceroy, during his long exercise of a great and almost arbitrary power, has made many enemies. These are now coming forward against him. Some of them are to be found in the Tsung-li-Yamên, which body has been treated by him, on many occasions, with scant courtesy. It is asserted, also, that he has offended the Emperor by encroaching on the imperial prerogatives.

This conflict between the throne and the foremost statesman of China may be fraught with the gravest consequences. There seems no one in this Empire capable of conducting the war except Li Hung-chang. Should the Emperor allow him to be crushed, it would be impossible to fill his place. To him alone it is due that China has even the semblance of a modern army and navy to oppose the forces of Japan. Should, on the other hand, the viceroy adopt an attitude of defiance and maintain himself against the Emperor and his enemies, great encouragement would be afforded to the countless elements of unrest among the Chinese people ever latently hostile to the Manchu rule.

Whatever the result of the Emperor’s attack maybe, the time of making it is most inopportune. The present crisis should be met by a Government free from all danger of internal dissension.

In view of the importance of this subject, I telegraphed you this date as follows:

Imperial decree published here last night reproaches Viceroy Li’s misconduct of the war. Emperor deprives him of his two chief decorations and threatens further punishment.

I have, etc.,

Chas. Denby, Jr.

[Inclosure in No. 52.]

A decree issued by His Majesty the Emperor, published in the Manuscript Gazette of September 17, 1894.

The Japanese revoked the treaty existing between the two countries and commenced hostilities and forced their way into Korea. Entertaining a kindly feeling toward our vassal state, we, therefore, dispatched our forces to Korea to punish our foe.

Li Hung-chang, minister superintendent of northern trade, was appointed general director in the management of our military affairs and he should have given thorough consideration of the general interests at stake, made the best possible arrangements, and satisfied all necessary requirements. He alone was responsible for the trust imposed upon him. But he has not been prompt in the dispatch of troops at opportune times, and a long period has elapsed without successful achievements. He has failed to properly discharge the duties of his office.

Let him, therefore, be deprived of the “three-eyed peacock feather” and the “yellow riding jacket” as a light form of punishment. He must, however, make an effort and earnestly awake to action and give orders urging the officers in command of our forces in the various places in Korea to exert themselves, pursue and join battle with the enemy as an atonement for the errors committed.