Mr. Denby to Mr.
Olney.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, August 21, 1895.
(Received Oct. 8.)
No. 2317.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation
of a communication from the Tsung-li Yamên relating to the Kutien
massacres.
The Yamên states that the British and American consuls started for Kutien
on the 13th instant; that a steam launch and escort had been furnished
them, and orders given for their protection $ also, that the leader of
the riots and twenty-one men had been captured and would be
punished.
I have, etc.,
[Page 113]
[Inclosure in No. 2317]
The Tsung-li Yamên to
Mr. Denby.
Your Excellency: In the matter of the
Kutien affair, some time ago the prince and ministers had the honor
to receive a communication from the minister of the United States
stating that he proposed to depute the United States consul at
Foochow to proceed to Kutien to investigate into the matter of the
riots, and asked that a military escort be furnished. The Yamên at
the time telegraphed the viceroy at Foochow, and on the 14th August
received a reply from that officer and others to the effect that the
British and American consuls on the 13th instant, between 3 and 5
o’clock in the afternoon, started for Kutien; that a steam launch
had been provided for the journey, and Mr. Prefect Chu, of the board
of foreign affairs, and Col. Chu Pi-cheng, with a contingent of
soldiers, had been deputed to accompany them from Foochow.
Instructions have been issued that the military forces en route
should be careful to see that they are escorted in safety.
As to the Yung-fu missionary case the magistrate has reported that
everything is quiet there and no trouble.
During the past few days reports have been received from the civil
and military officer at Kutien that the leader of the riots, one
Hsieh Kuo-sung, had been captured with others—in all, twenty-one
men; and rigorous instructions have been issued pressing for speedy
action in the premises.
