Mr. Denby to Mr.
Sherman.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, January 18,
1898.
No. 2857.]Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation
of a decree issued by the Emperor of China, on the 16th instant,
ordering that Li Ping Heng, late governor of Shantung, be handed over to
the proper board for the determination of a penalty, in consequence of
the murder of two German missionaries some time since in Chu Yeh Hsien,
Shantung. This officer is practically retired into private life, as he
has been deprived of the viceroyship of Szechuan, to which office he was
promoted some time previous to the Shantung riot.
Other officers, as you will observe by the decree, are to be punished for
being relax in the discharge of their duties so far as missionaries are
concerned.
The decree, it is believed, will have a beneficial effect, as its
promulgation through the Peking Gazette will no doubt be a severe
warning to the officials and people against further missionary
attacks.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 2857.]
Translation of decree published in Peking Gazette,
January 17, 1898.
On account of the murder of some missionaries at Chu Yeh Hsien, in
Shantung, capital punishment has already been inflicted on the
murderers.
Li Ping Heng, formerly governor of Shantung and appointed viceroy of
Szechuan, which latter office he has been deprived of, failed to
assume the responsibility confided in him and take precautionary
measures, hence a serious affair occurred. Let him be handed over to
the proper board for the determination of a penalty. The Taotai, Hsi
Liang, of the Yen, I Tsao and Chi circuit, Wan Pen-hua, brigade
general of Tsaochao and Shao Chenchao, prefect of Tsao Chao, are
also ordered to be handed over to the proper board for the
determination of a penalty.
Hsu Ting-jen, magistrate of Chu Yeh Hsien, was very lax in arresting
the murderers and reporting the matter to his superior officers. Let
him at once be degraded. Robberies have occurred at the missionary
chapels in Shou-Chang Hsien. Let the governor investigate into the
conduct of the magistrate, Chuang Wei-lieh and report him to the
Throne for impeachment. Trouble has occurred between the Christians
and non-Christians at Chi Ting, Ho Che, Shan Hsien, and Cheng Wu.
Let the magistrates either be removed from office or transferred to
other posts.
Shantung is a State famous for carrying out the observances of
civilization. Her scholars and high ministers of state have
practiced the principles of Confucianism and have always understood
the meaning of “self-respect.”
But the ignorant people of the rustic districts, not knowing the
underlying principles of matters, have beaten and insulted the
missionaries and destroyed their churches. This condition of affairs
can not, on any account, be allowed to continue. Let the authorities
of Shantung take action in good earnest to suppress such acts and
use every endeavor to protect the missionaries.
Let all the Tartar generals, viceroys and governors of the various
provinces take heed that whenever the people assemble together for
the purpose of causing trouble to the missionaries they must take
action in the matter as commanded by imperial decree of July, 1891.
Should there be any further procrastination or idleness shown in the
discharge of their duties, the negligent officials will be severely
punished and not the least leniency will be shown them.
