Mr. Denby to Mr.
Olney.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, September 16,
1895. (Received Nov. 8.)
No. 2350.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a
copy of a telegram received by me on the 14th instant from Mr. Hixson,
United States consul at Foochow, now engaged in investigating the
murders at Kutien, and a copy of a dispatch thereupon sent by me to the
Tsung-li Yamên.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
2350.—Telegram.]
Messrs. Hixson and
Newell to Mr. Denby.
Hsü taotai here, but viceroy has given him verbal instructions which
practically supersede edict appointing him. Interviews with Hsü
plainly indicate that the carrying out of any sentence will be
delayed until assurances are given that all demands for Hwash an
outrage will be satisfied by the executions. If viceroy allowed to
dictate, no satisfactory result can be secured. Hsü said, “Tell me
how many heads are wanted and I will cut them off at once, provided
the case is thereby finally settled.”
We recommend peremptory instructions for summary punishments, since
same is vital to successful investigation. Mansfield wires Peking
viceroy’s version of edict, officially given us by Hsü, and under
which he claims to act. Suspect same has been altered since leaving
Peking, before Hsü arrived.
Proclamations and instructions associating Christians with
Vegetarians, discriminating against Christians and allowing
Vegetarians to join home guard, issued by local officials, have
caused trouble, as home guards have made many arrests. Have demanded
that Vegetarians shall not be allowed, at present, to join, and that
proclamation be revoked and new one issued by Hsü, not mentioning or
referring to Christians. No compliance as yet, and we have
doubts.
[Page 135]
[Inclosure 2 in No.
2350.]
Mr. Denby to
the Tsung-li Yamên.
September 14,
1895.
No. 29.]
Your Highnesses and Your Excellencies: I
have the honor to inform you that I have received a telegram from my
consul at Kutien, wherein he stated that the viceroy has given
instructions to Hsü taotai, which practically supersede the edict
appointing him.
It is stated that Hsü intimates that the carrying out of any sentence
will be delayed until assurances are given that all demands for
Hwashan outrage will be satisfied by the executions. If the viceroy
is allowed to dictate, no satisfactory result will be secured.
I request that you will issue peremptory instructions for summary
punishment in all cases in which guilt is proven.
Proclamations and instructions associating Christians with
Vegetarians, discriminating against Christians and allowing
Vegetarians to join the home guard, issued by local officials, have
caused trouble, as home guards have made many arrests. Vegetarians
should not be allowed at present to join home guard, and a new
proclamation should be issued, not mentioning or referring to
Christians.
Assurances will not be given that all demands for satisfaction for
the Kutien outrages will be satisfied by the executions. Proper
punishment must be awarded the guilty persons first. This is the
principal thing, and no demands will be made until after the
executions. It is not right that the proceedings should be
suspended.
