No. 96.]
Legation of the
United States,
Pelting, January 17, 1895.
(Received March 7.)
It will be seen that it is well calculated to produce an impression on the
Chinese populace.
[Inclosure in No. 96.]
Proclamation issued by the general commanding the
Japanese forces (near Newchwang).
Be it known that I have been appointed by my august sovereign, the
Emperor of Japan, to the command of the Japanese forces, cavalry and
infantry and artillery, with instructions to proceed to China, who dared
to violate the compact between the two countries, thus being guilty of
breaking off the intercourse existing between them.
The relation at present existing between China and Japan is a matter that
does not involve you people. Therefore those who will obey and not
oppose our forces
[Page 96]
will be
carefully protected. Everyone should obey the injunctions in the
proclamation and live quietly, and should not through fear and
apprehension flee to other parts.
The proclamation is issued for the information of you people, so that you
may know that I, the commander in chief, will treat you with the same
humane kindness and benevolence as I would my own people, and I would
not dare to cause injury to those who are free from crime or offense.
Further, Chinese soldiers who will lay down their arms and come to our
camp and surrender themselves, on no account whatever will they suffer
punishment by being executed, thus manifesting the divine purpose of
Heaven of exemplifying kindness toward humanity.
You people should not be foolish and go astray. Do not make a mistake and
willingly tread into the net of the law.
I, commander in chief, positively and peremptorily carry out the law, and
will do what I say. Let it not be said that fair warning was not given.
Let all tremble and obey the special proclamation issued in the
twenty-seventh year of Ming Chih (Meiji, i.e., 1894).
Posted in Chun Ta Liu Chin tao.
