Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1903

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

Legation of the United States,
Peking, January 22, 1903.

No. 1193.]

Sir: As showing the present condition of affairs in Sze-chuan, I inclose copy of a letter of Doctor Canright, an American medical missionary living at Ch’engtu, the provincial capital.

A more alarming situation exists in the province of Kansu and the northern portion of Shensi. According to newspaper reports and current Chinese rumor, Prince Tuan and General Tung Fu-hsiang, instead of remaining in the banishment to which they were sent, are said to be on the border line of Kansu and Shensi with a large organization of soldiers, preparing to make certain demands upon the Imperial Government, and, if they are not complied with, to raise the standard of rebellion, attacking first the foreigners and the friends of the Government, and then march toward Peking and the coast. Just what their demands are can not be learned.

The disturbances in the south seem to continue, and rumor says that, taking advantage of the antagonism everywhere aroused by the indemnity taxgatherers, it will not be difficult for the two rebellious organizations in the north and the south to unite the whole country in active opposition to the Government and all foreigners in the Empire. With capable leaders, having abundance of arms and money, this would be possible and not improbable, in view of the inherent weakness and present helplessness of the Chinese Government; but the leaders, arms, and funds are all lacking.

I have had several conferences with members of the foreign office, and have insisted that, having telegraphic communication with the various provincial officials, they must be fully cognizant of the situation, and I demanded that they inform me correctly, so that I might intelligently advise our missionaries in that direction.

They say that the local officials all report quiet, but they admit that Prince Tuan and General Tung Fu-hsiang are in the locality mentioned, and undoubtedly have some organized soldiers and others at their command, as well as many friends among the people, but that no offensive operations are indicated and no serious trouble is anticipated as long as the Government makes no movement against them. The ministers say that Prince Tuan and General Tung Fu-hsiang are simply preparing for resistance in case their arrest or removal should be attempted. Knowing well the helpless condition of this Government, I agree that with them “discretion is the better part of valor.”

In the northeastern part of this province, and in Mongolia north, and in the vicinity of Kalgan, there are at present operating many bands of brigands of considerable size, most of them deserted or disbanded soldiers, well armed and equipped, with which the local militia are powerless to contend. Their object, however, seems only to plunder, and at present they appear to avoid foreigners or native Christians.

Viceroy Yuan Shih-k’ai promises in due time to suppress them, but in this case, as well as in that of Prince Tuan and General Tung Fu-hsiang, their toleration for the present may be wise and prudent.

I have, etc.,

E. H. Conger.

[Inclosure.]

Doctor Canright to Mr. Conger.

Chentu, West China, December 13, 1902.

Dear Sir: Your letter of September 18 to hand. Two days before you wrote the Boxer uprising here in Sze Ch’uan reached its climax, in the capital at least, although T’ung Ch’uan and several other places had serious times after that, even.

The triennial examinations being in progress at the time, the city was crowded with students from all parts of the province. Early on the morning of the 16th between 20 and 30 Boxers came in at the south gate. They met with little resistance from the guard there, and then went rushing through the streets waiving their flags and brandishing knives. They called upon all good citizens to close their doors and stay within. Everyone promptly obeyed. These Boxers, instead of being joined by comrades within the city, as they seemed to expect, were left to themselves, until finally, near the viceroy’s yamen, soldiers attacked them and killed 5. Later in the day most of the others were captured and beheaded. Nothing less than a panic reigned in the city all that day and the feast day following. People were expecting something terrible to happen, but we are thaukful to say these expectations were not realized.

The examinations passed off quietly, and a few days later our new viceroy, Ts’en, arrived. He very soon established order in the city, and this good influence has gradually spread until now comparative quiet reigns in most districts again. Missionaries are all back in their homes and work is going on as usual. Thus the storm has gradually blown over for the present at least.

Upon the viceroy’s arrival, the Protestant missionaries in Chentu sent him a united letter of welcome to the province. He replied cordially and has since invited us to counsel with him about our work. On the 9th of December he entertained us at a dinner with himself and all the higher officials present in person.

Allow me to sincerely thank you again for your prompt aid in this crisis.

Yours, very truly,

H. L. Canright.