Mr. Denby to Mr. Uhl.
Peking, June 4, 1895. (Received July 11.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that extensive riots have within the last few days taken place at Chengtu, the capital of the Province of Szechuan. The Catholic mission buildings and those of the China Inland and Canadian missions were destroyed. No foreigner was injured except the Catholic bishop, and he not seriously.
No news has reached me officially as to this occurrence. I know of but one American who is at Chengtu. His name is Virgil C. Hart, and he is connected with the Canadian mission.
Strong measures have been taken by the Government of China to prevent the spread of this riotous spirit to the Yangtze towns. Chengtu is situated on the river Min. Its population is supposed to approach 1,000,000. It has great wealth and political importance, and as far back as the time of Marco Polo was noted for its beauty. It is the home of a viceroy.
I have, etc.,