[Inclosure in No. 2377.]
Instructions to the American commission.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, September 30, 1895.
Messrs. Read and Cheshire,
Members of
the Szechuan Investigating Commission.
Gentlemen: Your commission was organized by
the direct orders of the honorable Secretary of State for the
purpose of securing a report of facts to serve as a basis for
demands to be hereafter made by the Government of the United States.
The Secretary of State may give you specific instructions. Should
none reach you, you are directed, until further instructed, to act
on the views herein set forth.
You are to proceed to Chengtu and inquire into the cause and origin
of the antiforeign riots which occurred there and elsewhere in the
province of Szechuan the latter part of last May. You are to find
the facts and to determine from them whether the provincial
authorities took adequate or any measures to prevent disorders or to
suppress riots after they broke out. You are to report by name and
rank the officials who foiled to do their duty in the protection of
foreigners, and if you find that any official did exert himself to
protect foreigners, you will so state.
You are to examine witnesses, both foreign and native, and secure
evidence in all legal modes. You will hear proof of damages done to
Americans or their property, should any American desire to present
such proof, and you will assess damages.
In connection with your report you may submit, if you see proper to
do so, any general views on the subject of antiforeign riots in
China.
You are not clothed with either judicial or diplomatic functions.
Your particular and more important duty will be to investigate the
conduct of the officials, and make a report on which the Government
of the United States can predicate any demand it may choose to
make.
You will report to this legation from time to time by mail or
telegraph, as may be necessary, facts of importance. Should you
require any assistance at my hands it will be cheerfully
furnished.
The Department has designated Mr. Cheshire as secretary of the
commission, with the rank of member, but without voice.
Your action, as I am at present advised, will be independent, and
without further instructions you will not amalgamate with any other
commission. What courtesies you may extend to or accept from the
representatives of other nations, should there be any other
commission organized, is left to your own judgment.
It is expected that China will designate an official of suitable rank
to cooperate with you. I will notify you of the appointment of the
official selected, and should you discover any valid objection to
his serving, I will expect you to notify me thereof.
The Department of State has indicated that perhaps the presence of
the ex-Viceroy Liu may prove objectionable at Chengtu. If, in your
opinion, there be any foundation for apprehension on this score, you
will notify me.
The Chinese Government has consented to furnish you with a suitable
escort, and has issued orders to the various local officials en
route to insure your protection. Passports also have been
furnished.
Commander Barber was designated as a member of the commission. As he
has applied to be relieved from this duty, I have left a blank place
in these instructions which may be filled by the name of his
successor.
Your obedient servant,
