Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Peking,
China, May 24,
1904.
No. 1615.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy
of an Imperial edict of May 22, 1904, evidently issued for the purpose
of inspiring the people with confidence in the ability of the Government
to preserve peace, and urging them not to allow any idle rumors to
disturb the regular order of business.
I have, etc.,
[Page 135]
[Inclosure.—Translated from the Peking
Gazette of May 22, 1904.]
Imperial edict.
Although the country has been favored with favorable rains during the
present spring, still the price of grain has not fallen any as yet,
and in fact the price of commodities in general has risen. This is
doubtless accounted for by the fact that a state of war exists in
the Eastern Provinces and there are too many wild rumors prevalent,
which cause the commercial classes, in any business transaction, to
stand by and look on without doing anything. Commodities therefore
can not circulate freely, and this has a very bad effect upon trade
and the general interests of the people.
China is on terms of mutual friendship with the various nations, and
at the outset of the war between Japan and Russia she declared
neutrality. She strictly maintains this neutrality at the present
time and has not changed her position from the first to last. Now,
therefore, let there be no anxiety either in this province or
elsewhere, and let the Tartar generals and the viceroys again issue
proclamations to all the people saying that they must conduct
business now just the same as in times of peace. They should not
take any stock in the idle rumors floating about and which cause
them to become suspicious and fear to enter into business
transactions. Then (if these words be borne in mind) will the
commercial classes be benefited and the interests of the people in
general be promoted.
Respect this.
