Mr. Rockhill to Mr.
Hay.
No. 22.]
Peking,
China, November 16,
1900.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a
translation of a telegram received from Chang Chih-tung, viceroy at
Wu-chang, relating to the execution of the provincial treasurer of Chih-li
and other officials at Pao-ting Fu, together with my reply sent him through
our consul at Hankou.
The opinion of the viceroy that these punishments should have been inflicted
by the Chinese authorities agrees, I believe, with the views of the
Department as shown by the Department’s note of September 21 to the German
chargé d’affaires in Washington.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]
Viceroy Chang
Chih-tung to Mr. Rockhill.
Sir: I have learned that the allied forces at
Paoting Fu killed the provincial treasurer of Chihli, Ting Yung, and
others, in all six men. I have also learned that the foreign soldiers
have gone to various districts, imprisoned and killed various
magistrates. Although the reports in the foreign press say that the
treasurer, Ting, had connived at and tolerated the “Boxers,”
nevertheless since August he certainly repented of his past deeds and
dispatched soldiers to exterminate the “Boxer” bandits. Further, when
the foreign soldiers went to Paoting Fu and the various districts, the
treasurer did not lead his troops against the foreign soldiers, but went
outside of the city to receive them and presented them with oxen and
wine. It may be said that he certainly treated them kindly. Nothing was
said beforehand that it was the purpose of the foreign forces to kill
the treasurer, and, further, no explanation was made as to the crime he
committed and a request made to China to deal with him herself. This can
only cause foreigners to be treated with contempt, and still further
give rise to a feeling of hatred in the future. It will be difficult for
the Chinese officials to open their mouths in having any control in
arranging peace, and they will be very much harassed. The Government of
the United States is known to be equitable, sincere, and to do what is
right, and desires China to exercise complete sovereign rights. This
question was brought to the attention of the foreign powers by the
United States, and it was agreed that China should herself deal with the
leaders in this calamity. The action taken at Paoting Fu is at variance
with the views of the United States, and this, I believe, the United
States will agree to. The matter, however, is finished, and it is not
necessary to thoroughly discuss it. What we are anxious about is that
the foreign soldiers are still moving about in many directions, and it
is not known what may happen. I ask you to consult with Mr. Conger and
request the United States Government to use its best endeavors with the
foreign powers to prevent them from again using their military power, so
that the minds of the people may be set at rest and avoid further
complications; that help may be offered to accomplish a settlement of
terms of peace, and then enable China to get out of the difficulty. The
people will then not harbor any feeling of resentment. A speedy
settlement will enable the merchants and farmers to resume their
respective avocations. I can not express how I hope for the
accomplishment of this. I beg the favor of a telegraphic reply.
Chang Chih-tung.
20th Chinese Moon.
(November 11,
1900.)
