Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 5, 1898

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

Legation of the United States,
Peking, China, October 12, 1898.

No. 64.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation of a decree which appeared in the Peking Gazette of the 6th instant, in regard to the treatment of foreigners, especially missionaries, living in China.

I have, etc.,

E. H. Conger.

[Inclosure in No. 64.]

Translation of a decree of the Empress Dowager which appeared in the Peking Gazette of October 6, 1898.

From the opening of ports to foreign trade to the present time foreigners and Chinese have been as one family, with undivided interests, and since missionaries from foreign countries are living in the interior, we have decreed, not three or four times, but many times, that the local officials must protect them; that the gentry and people of all the provinces must sympathize with our desire for mutual benevolence; that they must treat them truthfully and honestly, without dislike or suspicion, with the hope of lasting peaceful relations.

Recently there have been disturbances in the provinces which it has been impossible to avoid. There have been several cases of riot in Szuchuan which have not been settled. The stupid and ignorant people who circulate rumors and stir up strife, proceeding from light to grave differences, are most truly to be detested. On the other hand, the officials, who have not been able at convenient seasons to properly instruct the people and prevent disturbances, can not be excused from censure.

We now especially decree again that all high provincial officials, wherever there are churches, shall distinctly instruct the local officials to most respectfully obey our several decrees, to truly recognize and protect the foreign missionaries as they go to and fro, and to treat them with all courtesy.

If lawsuits arise between Chinese and native Christians they must be conducted with justice and speedily concluded. Moreover, they must command and instruct the gentry and people to fulfill their duties, that there may be no quarrels or disagreements.

Wherever there are foreigners traveling from place to place, they must surely be protected and the extreme limit of our hospitality extended.

After the issue of this decree, if there is any lack of preparation, and disturbances should arise, the officials of that locality will be severely dealt with. Whether they be viceroys or governors, they shall be punished, and it will not avail to say “We have not informed you.”

Respectfully received.