Mr. Dun to Mr.
Gresham.
No. 90.]
Legation of the
United States,
Tokyo,
Japan, January 7, 1895. (Received
January 29.)
Sir: Referring to my dispatch of date December 20,
1894, relative to the Port Arthur affair, I have the honor to inclose
herewith an extract from a personal letter to me from Lieut. M. J. O’Brien,
military attaché of this legation, Kin-chou, China, December 28, 1894,
giving an account of the unfortunate circumstances attending the capture of
Port Arthur by the Japanese forces.
Lieutenant O’Brien’s statement corresponds with a statement made by Colonel
de Wogack, Russian military agent to Japan and China; also with that of Mr.
George W. Conner, an American in command of a Japanese transport, who was
present at the taking of Port Arthur.
From the statements of these gentlemen it appears to be clear that
[Page 89]
there was a slaughter of Chinese
soldiers at Port Arthur on the 21st of November, 1894, but that the horrors
reported by Mr. Creelman in his communication to the New York World as
having taken place subsequent to that date are not true, and that the
impression Mr. Creelman’s reports are prone to convey is a gross
exaggeration of the truth.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 90.]
Kin-Chou, Liau-Tung Province,
China,
December 28,
1894.
Dear Mr. Dun: As to the unfortunate
circumstances at Port Arthur I can only say what I saw of it, of course;
but I am sorry to say that even that little is such as to lay the army
open to the most severe censure, especially as it was quite different
from what one should have expected from Marshal Oyama’s proclamation. I
have seen myself a number of cases of the killing of men who not only
could have been made prisoners without resistance, but who were plainly
unarmed and in a position of most humble surrender. I have also seen a
number of bodies whose hands were tied behind their backs. I have seen
bodies very much mutilated and bearing wounds indicating that they were
killed with the bayonet, when I know beyond question that where they lie
there was no resistance. I have seen these things, not as a result of
going around for the purpose of seeing horrors, but in the ordinary
course of my observation of the battle and of trips to the forts and
main points of interest. I heard talk here among the correspondents of
atrocities committed on the 22d and 23d of November. Of these I know
nothing whatever. I did not see any atrocities on those days. I heard
some firing in the hills around the town, but saw no act of violence on
either of those days. I was about the town most of the 22d and during
the afternoon of the 23d, but saw no new acts of war or pillage, except
the looting of the houses and stores. That went on until there was
really nothing much left to loot.
I find some excuse for the acts of the 21st in the barbarities committed
by the Chinese. The mutilated heads of some Japanese captives were hung
on some small trees at the entrance of the town, and this sight must
have enraged the troops. Again, I doubt if the Japanese for a moment
thought they were going to have such an easy task in taking the town and
sea forts. When they advanced through the town it is my belief that they
were momentarily looking for resistance, and with such an idea began to
clear the way, with the result that the troops soon got out of hand and
made an unnecessary slaughter. I do not think this excuse sufficient,
but it ought to be borne in mind that such occurrences happen in all
armies and it is hardly fair to expect miracles of the Japanese. At the
same time such acts have always met with censure, and so must this
case.
To anybody who has—as I have since I joined this army—seen the kindness,
courtesy, and gentle ways of the Japanese the recollection of Port
Arthur is especially unpleasant. Up to that time the behavior of the
army toward the poor people of this country was all that anybody could
have wished. Since that time sacli has also been the case as far as I
know. Here at Kin-chou the Japanese have treated the Chinese in the most
kind and fair way. Everything that could be done has been done to quiet
the Chinese and to insure a just and fair treatment
[Page 90]
to them. Markets have been opened and fair
prices have always been paid. There is no lawlessness and no signs of
ill treatment. In truth I think these Chinese are now better off than
they have ever been in their lives, and I think they appreciate the
fact.
In view of these facts I can not but feel that the acts of this army at
Port Arthur ought not to be remembered and its acts at other times
forgotten. There may have been special causes leading up to the affair
at Port Arthur of which I am not aware. I have no doubt that exaggerated
reports have been sent, but not having seen them I am not able to make
any criticism of them. I have not up to this time made any report of
this phase of the battle, and do so now only because I judge from your
letter that reports of it have come to your ears and you may desire more
solid foundation for any expression of view which might become necessary
hereafter.
I have been very kindly and courteously treated by all the Japanese
officers I have met. To Field Marshal Oyama and his staff I am indebted
for many comforts, all the more appreciated because of the especially
friendly spirit in which they have been extended. To General Kawakami
and his subordinates at Hiroshima I am also under many obligations. In
fact, I cheerfully bear testimony to the fact that such general kindness
and thoughtfulness is more than I could fairly have expected from any
army in the world.
Yours, very truly,
