File No. 893.00/1135.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Peking, March 3, 1912—11 p.m.
Riot started at palace of Yuan by regular troops, who next attacked building occupied by Nanking delegation. Police and old style troops joined looting. Considerable portion of city burned. Losses, amounting to millions, fall chiefly upon small tradesmen. Have asked apology for shell that fell in Legation. No attempt until yesterday to suppress disorders. Last night soldiers confined to barracks. The police, mostly Manchus, preserved order.
Chinese authorities have asked consul to take charge with foreign military. Some antiforeign feeling. Hostile force reported approaching Tientsin. All Americans there safe. Mutineers at Feng-Tai [Page 171] last night fought with other Chinese troops and stopped two railway trains; robbed passengers. This morning they attempted to hold up American troop train but retired upon show of fight by Americans and British railway guard. Yuan appears to be without plans.