Mr. Denby to Mr.
Olney.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, August 14, 1895.
(Received Sept. 26.)
No. 2309.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation
of a communication received from the Tsung-li Yamên relating to the
riots in Fuhkien.
The Yamên consents that our consul at Foochow may go to Kutien to
investigate the horrible massacre at that place. I have wired him that
if he thought it desirable and necessary he could go, and he could
exercise his judgment whether to go alone or with the British
consul.
I have, etc.,
[Page 108]
[Inclosure in No. 2309.]
The Tsung-li Yamên to
Mr. Denby.
Your Excellency: We have had the honor to
receive your excellency’s note wherein you inquired if you should
depute the United States consul at Foochow to proceed to Kutien to
investigate the question of the riots there, whether the Chinese
Government would render him all due aid and protection. Your
excellency asked for an early answer with regard to the riots at
Kutien caused by revolutionists. We may state that it was entirely
unexpected. Your excellency proposes to depute the United States
consul to proceed thither, and we may say, How can China refuse to
protect him? The British consul proposes to go there for the purpose
of holding an investigation, and the Yamên telegraphed the Foochow
authorities ordering that a military escort be furnished him; but as
the rioters are in a state of wrath and fury it would not be right
for the consul to expose himself to danger. We have written Sir
Nicholas O’Conor to telegraph the British consul at Foochow to
confer with the military officers appointed, and to consider the
situation before proceeding there. The circumstances attending the
United States consul going to Kutien are the same. The Yamên has
telegraphed the Foochow authorities to select a proper military
escort to protect the United States consul in going to Kutien, and
beg your excellency to telegraph that officer to confer with the
military officers appointed as to the condition of affairs, and to
be careful in proceeding there and not run any risk of danger.
