Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Pekin, China, June 2,
1900.
(Received October 24, 1900.)
No. 383.]Sir: I have the honor to confirm on the
overleaf my telegrams of May 26, 28, and June 1, and Department’s
telegram of May 261, and
to say that Captain McCalla, of the U. S. S. Newark, arrived here last night at 8 o’clock with 50 marines
and an automatic gun.
There came also, on the same train, a Russian guard of 75 men, English,
75; French, 75; Italian, 40, and Japanese, 25. German and Austrian
contingents are expected tomorrow.
Since my despatch No. 376, of May 21 last, and in reply to the demand of
the diplomatie corps, copy of which was inclosed therein, the Tsungli
Yamen, on the 27th ultimo, complied with our request and reported the
required decree published and the necessary measures taken which it was
believed would suppress the Boxers. But, to the consternation of all, on
Monday, the 28th, word came that the railroad was attacked, two bridges
and two stations burned on the Paoting-fu
[Page 133]
line, and that all the foreigners connected with
the line had fled to Tientsin, or were besieged in their homes. Later in
the day it was learned that Fengtai, the second station on the Tientsin
line, only 10 miles from Pekin, and where are located the railroad
machine shops, was being burned, no trains were running between Tientsin
and Pekin, and the Boxers were reported marching on Pekin.
At 5 p.m. a hurried meeting of the diplomatic corps was called, and it
was decided to bring legation guards to the city without delay. The
Tsungli Yamen was notified of our determination, and requested to see to
it that proper transportation facilities were at hand.
The Tsungli Yamen begged that guards be not brought, at least for a few
days, and in the meantime it would demonstrate that they were not
needed, and it ordered the viceroy not to permit their departure from
Tientsin. We insisted on our determination, and learning that the guards
would be ready at Tientsin yesterday, we demanded on the evening of the
30th that orders to grant permission should be sent to the viceroy at
once. At 2 o’clock a.m. the 31st ultimo we were informed that such
orders had been sent, and at 8 o’clock the guards arrived, as stated
above.
The arrival of the guards has already given much confidence to
missionaries and native converts in Pekin, exerted a most quieting
effect on the Chinese generally, and inspired the Chinese Government to
apparently more vigorous efforts for the general security.
Admiral Kempff has acted most promptly and willingly, and it is a matter
of pride and congratulation for all of us that, headed by Captain
McCalla, the United States guards were the first to arrive at Tientsin
and the first here.
I beg you to give this information to the Secretary of the Navy, with an
expression of my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all
concerned.
On the 26th Dr. Davis, of the Methodist mission, reported that on the
25th instant, at Pachow, 60 miles to the southwest of Pekin, the Boxers
attacked and destroyed the houses of several of their converts and
murdered nine Christian women and children.
I immediately sent Mr. Cheshire to the Tsungli Yamen with the details,
and by appointment called myself the next day, and requested that an
immediate and thorough investigation be made, the perpetrators of the
horrible crime swiftly and adequately punished, and ample protection be
given to the surviving Christians, so that they may return to their
homes and remain there safe from further harm or persecution.
They promised that an immediate investigation should be had and needful
action taken. I left with them the note a copy of which I inclose. I
inclose copies of correspondence with the Tsungli Yamen concerning the
whole matter, memorandum of personal interview of the English, Russian,
French, and American ministers on behalf of the diplomatic corps; also
translations of three imperial decrees on the general subject. The copy
of summary of measures adopted, referred to in Tsungli Yamen’s note of
May 27 (inclosure No. 1), being very long and in great detail, is not
inclosed.
During to-day rumors of Boxer raids, persecution of Christians,
destruction of their homes, and threats against all foreigners have been
coming in from various localities, of which I will speak in a subsequent
dispatch if they are verified.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
[Page 134]
[Inclosure 1.]
A decree issued on the 17th of May,
1900.
[May 17,
1900]
The society called the “Fist of Righteous Harmony” having spread to
Pekin, we some time ago issued our instructions direct from the
palace to the office of the gen darmerie to take action in good
earnest to prohibit its operation.
We have now learned that wicked and malicious persons, under the name
of the Society of Boxers, have posted placards containing false
statements everywhere in the inner and outer cities of Pekin, the
object being to create suspicion and disturb the minds of the
people, which it is greatly to be feared will result in stirring up
trouble.
Let the office of the commandant of the gendarmerie, the governor of
Pekin, and the police censors of the Wu Cheng (or five divisions of
the city and suburbs of Pekin) confer together as to the best manner
of taking protective measures to search out and prohibit this
society and to decide upon some satisfactory rules to be put into
operation at once. The result of their deliberations, however, must
be first submitted to us in a memorial.
Let Yu Lu (viceroy of Chihli) in like manner take action to
stringently prohibit this society.
Note.—The above decree, in Chinese
text, was sent to Mr. Cheshire, privately, by secretaries Tung
Te-chang, and Jui Liang, of the Tsungli Yamen, May 21, 1900.
[Inclosure 2.]
A decree published in the manuscript Pekin
Gazette, May 29, 1900.
Lately, in the vicinity and neighborhood of our court, the villagers
and rustics have been practicing boxing and their physical strength.
There are the good and the evil-minded scattered together, and as we
entertained great fear that trouble would happen, we issued our
commands repeatedly to the various yamens, both inside and outside
of Pekin, to strictly prohibit them from practicing.
We have now learned that the Boxers are very numerous, and that there
are traces of disbanded soldiers and rebels being among them; that
they have recklessly created disturbances and brought about
disorder; and they have even extended their outrageous acts to
killing a military officer, burning and destroying the telegraph
poles and railway. We are grieved that they do not fear the law. And
what is the difference between them and the rebels?
Let the high military officers whom we have already deputed, together
with the local civil and military officials, act immediately, and
rigorously arrest the leaders and chiefs, and to disperse the
followers of the Boxers; and if any dare to oppose or resist the
soldiers, they should be destroyed (dealt with as a rebellion), in
order to manifest the rigor of the law. At present the feelings of
the people are moved and unsettled, and in the event of anything
happening they make mischief.
Wherever there are missionary chapels and native Christians, these
should all be energetically protected, so as to secure complete
peace and quiet, and to stop further calamities.
[Inclosure 3.]
Translation of a decree published in the
manuscript Pekin Gazette, on the 30th of May, 1900.
On account of the Boxer outlaws having created disturbances recently
we issued our decrees instructing various officials to take action
in the premises. There are the good and the bad scattered among the
ignorant and stupid country people, and there is no way of dealing
with the matter other than to stringently arrest the leaders or
chiefs of the Boxers and disperse those who follow them. Everywhere
in the province of Chihli and in the neighborhood and vicinity of
Pekin the feelings of the people are aroused and unsettled, and if
measures are not taken at once how is this evil of heretical and
magical teachings to be suppressed and the root of it
exterminated?
Let the yamen of the gendarmerie, the governor of Pekin, and the
police censors of the five divisions of the city and suburbs of
Pekin, and the viceroy of Chihli issue
[Page 135]
strenuous instructions to all the local
officers under their respective jurisdictions and to the military
commandants, that if among the Boxer banditti there are those who
really stir up and create trouble and voluntarily commit acts of
rebellion they should immediately, with united efforts, arrest and
severely punish them. They must not act in collusion and shirk their
responsibility. If there is any further procrastination or
shilly-shallying in the discharge of their duties we will hold Chung
Li and the other officers responsible, and on no account will
leniency be shown. Those who court the favor of the outlaws and
follow them, making a noise, but do not take an active part in
rioting, should have it clearly made known to them that they must at
once disperse, and not again of their own free will and accord take
part in originating a feud or committing acts of violence.
[Inclosure 4.]
The Tsungli Yamen to
the Dean of the Diplomatic
Corps.
On the 26th instant we received the following note from your
excellency:
“I have the honor to address your highness and your excellencies the
text of a resolution taken by the foreign representatives to-day.
The diplomatic corps maintain that the dispatch of the Tsungli Yamen
of the 24th instant does not reply to the question which the foreign
representatives presented in their note of the 21st. The tsungli
yamen declare that the measures adopted by the Imperial Government
for the suppression of the Boxers agree substantially with the ideas
expressed by the ministers accredited to Pekin. It does not say
whether or not it accepts these measures. The Tsungli Yamen adds
that it has requested a new decree ordering the viceroy of Chili, as
well as the various yamens charged with the administration of the
capital, to proceed immediately with measures which shall be
efficacious, and not expend themselves in mere words. This is not
yet published nor has it been communicated to the foreign ministers.
The diplomatic corps therefore demands that the measures which have
been taken according to the dispatch of the 21st instant shall be
immediately communicated as well as the edict aforesaid.”
Prior to this we had received the following imperial decree dated May
17, on the ubject of the Boxers:
“We have just learned that in and about Pekin evil-disposed persons
who call themselves Boxers have disturbed the peace of the people by
posting placards everywhere and circulating rumors. We deeply fear
that disorder will gradually follow. As to the measures which it is
necessary to take to reestablish order and for the suppression of
the Boxers, we direct the tsungli yamen, the military governor at
Pekin, the police censors of the five divisions of the city and
suburbs of Pekin to consult together and adopt the necesssry
measures, and also to immediately put them in force. We also order
the above-named officials to memorialize us on the action taken by
them. We also order Yu Lu to act and vigorously suppress these
disorders. Respect this.”
On the 21st May, on the receipt of the note of your excellency
communicating the resolution of the diplomatic corps, the tsungli
yamen again memorialized the Throne. On the 24th the following
imperial decree was published:
“Heretofore, owing to the placards and rumors published by the Boxers
disturbing the peace of the people, we have several times given
orders to the yamen having jurisdiction to adopt and immediately put
in force repressive measures. To-day a memorial of the tsungli yamen
informed us that the Boxers were spreading rumors everywhere,
endeavoring to stir up disorder and excite the people. The heart of
man is irresolute and uncertain. It is ready to stir up trouble. It
is of the greatest necessity that effective repressive measures be
found. We order the tsungli yamen, the military governor of Pekin,
the police censors of the five divisions, etc., and the viceroy of
Chili to deliberate together on the foregoing, and memorialize us in
reply. Respect this.”
On the 25th the viceroy of Chihli memorialized the Throne in regard
to the Boxers, and an imperial decree was issued as follows:
“The search for and arrest of the principal ringleaders, the
dispersion of the bands, are salutary proceedings. It is necessary
that the viceroy issue vigorous orders to officers, civil and
military, who, according to circumstances, will use severe or less
severe measures. Beware of the least negligence. Respect this.”
It is indeed time that the Chinese Government realizes the extreme
gravity of the question. It already approves of salutary measures
regulating it. The yamen now incloses for your excellency’s
information the measures adopted in compliance with
[Page 136]
the imperial decrees by the yamen, the
military governor, and the police censors of the five divisions,
etc.
We beg you to submit this summary to the foreign ministers accredited
to Pekin, in order that they may know that the formal demands made
by them in their note of the 21st are all included in the measures
adopted, and there has been a strict compliance with the wishes of
the representatives of the powers at Pekin.
We beg them to rest easy, and if in the future there is something
which is not entirely satisfactory, they should inform us of the
circumstances.
[Inclosure 5.]
The Tsungli Yamen to
the Dean of the Diplomatic
Corps.
Your Excellency: On the 21st of May we
received the dispatch in which your excellency communicated to us
the detailed text of a resolution taken On the 20th of May, on the
subject of the Boxers, in a meeting of the foreign representatives
accredited to Pekin.
You add that the diplomatic corps expect a satisfactory reply with as
little delay as possible.
Our yamen has taken cognizance of the communication in all its
details and is convinced of the importance attached to that question
by the ministers stationed at Pekin.
It appears that in this affair, before the arrival of your dispatch,
it had, on the 17th of May, received a decree ordering the yamen of
the military governor, the prefect of Pekin, and the censors of the
five cities to prepare some better regulations to insure a strict
suppression.
The system now adopted agrees substantially, in its main features,
with the ideas expressed in the dispatch which we have received from
your excellency.
Our yamen is asking again that a decree be issued ordering the
viceroy of Chihli, as well as the various yamens charged with the
administration of the capital, to immediately take some measures
which will prove more efficacious than mere empty words.
We think that the Society of Boxers will find itself dissolved
without delay and that it will not be the cause of further
trouble.
It is proper that we address this official response for your
excellency’s information, and by you to communicate it to the
foreign representatives accredited to Pekin.
[Inclosure 6.]
Dean of the Diplomatic
Corps to the Tsungli
Yamen.
Your Highness and Your Excellencies: I have
the honor to address your highness and your excellencies the text of
a resolution taken by the foreign representatives to-day.
The diplomatic corps maintain that the dispatch of the Tsungli Yamen
of the 24th nstant does not reply to the question which the foreign
representatives presented in their note of the 21st.
The Tsungli Yamen declare that the measures adopted by the Imperial
Government for the suppression of the Boxers agree substantially
with the ideas expressed by the ministers accredited to Pekin.
It does not say whether or not it accepts these measures.
The Tsungli Yamen adds that it has requested a new decree ordering
the viceroy of Chihli, as well as the various yamens charged with
the administration of the capital, to proceed immediately with
measures which shall be efficacious and not expend themselves in
mere words.
This is not yet published, nor has it been communicated to the
foreign ministers.
The diplomatic corps therefore demands that the measures which have
been taken, according to the dispatch of the 21st instant, shall be
immediately communicated, as well as the edict aforesaid.
[Page 137]
[Inclosure 7.]
Mr. Conger to
the Tsungli Yamen.
Legation of the United States,
Pekin, China, May
30, 1900.
Your Highness and Your Excellencies: On the
25th instant a most revolting and brutal murder of nine Christian
women and children was committed by Boxers at the village of
Shan-lai-ying, near Pa Chow, and their homes pillaged and
destroyed.
These women and children were all converts of the American Methodist
Mission, and it was for this alone that they were murdered.
This crime is the more outrageous and the responsibility therefor the
more direct because the Chinese Government has been repeatedly
informed of the presence and operation of the Boxers in that
vicinity. I have myself given earnest and timely warning to your
highness and your excellencies, and have insistently demanded
protection for these poor people against just exactly what has
happened.
The Chinese Government has not promptly sent soldiers, and many times
when they have tardily gone they have fraternized with the Boxers
instead of arresting them, thus evidencing on the part of the
Government a flagrant neglect of its treaty obligations which can
not be overlooked.
The Chinese Government will not, therefore, be permitted to escape
the fullest responsibility in this horrible affair.
Therefore, basing my demands upon the provisions of sacred treaties
and imperial edicts, I request that the fullest investigation be
immediately made, that the murderers be promptly arrested and
swiftly and adequately punished, and such unquestioned protection be
given to the surviving Christians as will enable them to return and
remain peaceably and safely at their homes without further
persecution.
These murders were so openly committed that there can be no
difficulty in finding the real criminals, and hence no excuse for
delay or miscarriage of justice.
The details of these inhuman and savage atrocities are fully set
forth in the memorandum left by Mr. Cheshire at your yamen
yesterday.
Requesting your highness and your excellencies to give me immediate
information of the action taken, I improve the opportunity to again
assure you of my highest consideration.
[Inclosure 8.]
The Dean of the Diplomatic
Corps to the Tsungli
Yamen.
Your Highness and Your Excellencies: I have
the honor to inform your highness and your excellencies that the
representatives of Germany, England, Austria-Hungary, United States,
France, Italy, Japan, and Russia have decided at a meeting of the
diplomatic corps to bring immediately some detachments of troops to
Pekin.
I am instructed to request of you, in the name of my colleagues, to
give the necessary instructions, that the detachments, whose arrival
is expected at once, may find at Tangku the trains to bring them to
this capital.
It goes without saying that this decision of the ministers does not
authorize the Chinese Government to avoid taking the measures, which
the ministers have demanded for so long a time, necessary to put an
end to the rebellion for which it is responsible and the continuance
of which can only aggravate the present situation in China.
Accept, etc.,
[Inclosure 9.]
The Tsungli Yamen to
the Dean of the Diplomatic
Corps.
On the 28th of May, 1900, we received from your excellency M. Doyen, the following dispatch:
“I have the honor to inform your highness and your excellencies that
the representatives of Germany, England, Austria-Hungary, United
States, France, Italy, Japan, and Russia have decided, at a meeting
of the diplomatic corps, to bring immediately some detachments of
troops to Pekin.
[Page 138]
“I am instructed to request of you, in the name of my colleagues, to
give the necessary instructions, that the detachments, whose arrival
is expected at once, may find at Tangku the trains to bring them to
this capital.
“It goes without saying that this decision of the ministers does not
authorize the Chinese Government to avoid taking the measures, which
the ministers have for a long time demanded, necessary to put an end
to the rebellion for which it is responsible and the continuation of
which can only aggravate the present situation in China.”
We declare that, with reference to the disturbances made by the
bandit Boxers in the region of the prefecture of Pekin and the
province of Chihli, the high commissioner of the northern ports had
already sent troops to investigate and take the necessary action.
However, at the moment when the troops dispatched arrived at Lei
Chou hsien to resist the Boxers and fight them, the bandits suddenly
threw themselves upon Lu Kou Chiao and Feng tai with such force that
it was impossible to stop them. It is this which has given the
foreign ministers great unrest and caused us, the prince of
ministers, profound alarm.
At present several detachments of troops from Hou Chen Ying (camp
commanded by Prince Tuan), and from Wu Wei Kun (army of Jung Lu),
have been hurried to the region of Feng tai and Lu Kou Chiao, to
reestablish order in an effective manner and to forthwith make
arrests. There have, besides, been troops sent from Chen Ki Ying
(camp commanded by Prince Ching), to be stationed at Machia pu and
to be posted in the vicinity of the different legations, to patrol
there day and night to insure efficient protection.
We have, moreover, received an imperial decree which will be made
public, ordering the local authorities to immediately restore order
and insure protection.
These bandits have their origin only among vagabonds and have no
firearms, and it will evidently not be difficult to disperse them
without delay.
We therefore beg you, Mr. Cologan, to request the representatives of
the several powers to delay the arrival of their detachments. If
then, in three or four days, the measures taken by the Chinese are
crowned with success, they would be spared the necessity of their
resolution.
In truth this would be on the part of the different countries a new
and valuable testimony of their pleasant and friendly relations with
China.
[Inclosure 10.]
The Tsungli Yamen to
the Foreign Ministers (Messrs. Sir
C. MacDonald, Pichon, de Giers and
Conger.)
Your Excellencies: With reference to the
announcement just verbally made by your excellencies with regard to
bringing up troops to Pekin for self-defense, the prince and
ministers beg to state that the Chinese Government is already doing
its duty energetically in the matter of protection, and there is
really no necessity to bring up troops; but if the foreign
representatives insist on this step the yamen will on their part
interpose no obstacles. But as there is excitement in the city, if
the number of foreign soldiers is excessive there is reason to fear
that only fresh troubles will be created. The yamen must therefore
request that, as on last occasion, each legation should have twenty
to thirty men on an average, and no more. They must also request
that the guards be kept under proper control and charged only with
the task of protecting the legations, without interfering in other
matters, and that after a few weeks’ time, when the brigands are
quieted, they shall be at once withdrawn, so that friendly relations
may be maintained in their integrity.
The prince and ministers beg your excellency to give instructions to
the above effect.
They avail themselves, etc.
(Cards of prince and ministers.)
[Inclosure 11.]
Memorandum of an interview between the ministers
of Great Britain, Russia, France, and the United States and
Messrs. Hsu Yung-i, Hsu Ching-cheng, Yuan Chang, Liao Shou-heng,
and Lien Yuan, ministers of the Tsungli Yamen, on the 30th of
May, 1900.
Sir Claude MacDonald, British minister, opened the meeting by saying
that he had come to the yamen with his colleagues to request that
permission be granted and
[Page 139]
facilities be offered to transport guards to Pekin for the purpose
of protecting the legations. It was a friendly request, and he spoke
in behalf of all the foreign ministers present. Some eighteen months
ago a similar request was made, which was granted. Should the
Chinese Government refuse to grant this reasonable request, then the
guards would come up without permission and, no doubt, in larger
numbers than at present intended. It is useless, Sir Claude
contended, to rely on Chinese troops for protection. He only need
mention that two Britishers, on their way from Feng tai, on Tuesday,
had stones thrown at them by the soldiers on duty inside of the Yung
Ting gate. One of the soldiers drew a sword at them, and they
galloped for their lives. Another instance of lawlessness on the
part of the soldiers sent to protect foreigners is, that as soon as
the French engineers, with their families, left Chang Hsin Tien,
they (the soldiers) burned their houses. When the foreign soldiers
(guards) were here eighteen months ago they did their duty quietly
and nothing happened to cause alarm among the Chinese. Their
presence here had a salutary effect.
Hsu Yung-i stated that the matter would have to be laid before Prince
Ching, who at present was at the I Ho Yuan (summer palace); that an
answer would be given in the morning.
Sir Claude stated that it was a matter that must be decided without
delay. Every moment’s delay was a matter of serious concern, and as
guards were at Tientsin ready to come here he wanted railway
facilities offered them at once. The Chinese ministers reiterated
that no decision could be arrived at until Prince Ching had been
consulted. The Russian, French, and United States ministers spoke in
terms similar to the views expressed by Sir Claude, and stated that
they strongly supported him. Mr. Conger referred in forcible terms
to the uselessness of Chinese soldiers; their recent acts had proven
conclusively that they were as bad as brigands and could not be
relied upon in case of emergency.
The Chinese ministers promised to bring the matter to the notice of
Prince Ching that afternoon. The foreign ministers, on taking leave
of the Chinese ministers, said that they would adhere to their
decision to have troops come here, permission or no permission.
The interview terminated at about 4 o’clock p.m.
