Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress
Mr. Williams to Mr. Seward
Sir: Referring to my despatch No. 30, of April 12, I have now the honor to send you some additional documents connected with the same affair of the desecration of the cemetery at Tangehau, which has been again brought before the authorities by Consul Sandford and Commander Townsend, of the United States steamer Wachusett.
The first (enclosure A) is the report of Mr. Sandford of the results of their interview with the prefect of Tangchau, with remarks on the reply of the intendant (enclosure B) to their complaint of the cavalier treatment they had received from his subordinate. The despatch of Prince Kung, (enclosure C,) respecting the same visit, and my reply, (enclosure D,) together with a letter from Commander Townsend, (enclosure E,) and my answer (enclosure F) to him, and his to the intendant on his departure for Shanghai, (enclosure G,) completes the series of documents now sent. The others connected with the proceedings add nothing material to the facts and opinions herein stated; and if it was not for the dogged obstructiveness of the intendant at Chifu to any arrangement of the matter, I should have hopes of an earlier settlement.
The policy of the Chinese government, both here and in the provinces, has latterly been apparently to delay as long as possible in settling a case, do nothing that costs them trouble, and try to weary out all applications by the power of their vis inertia. The stimulus or the fear caused by the approach of foreign troops to Peking six years ago is losing its former potency. It is very wearisome to be obliged to constantly urge the members of the Foreign Office to do their duty, and oblige the local authorities to fulfil treaty stipulations whenever our citizens suffer wrong, while, at the same time, one feels that they either cannot or will not, or dare not, act efficiently. I think sometimes that they have become utterly discouraged with the multiplicity and urgency of the questions and grievances brought before them for settlement and reparation. The patience of foreign powers will at last be exhausted by this do-nothing policy, and when each begins to vindicate its own rights, upon refractory or recusant officials at the ports, the whole fabric of Chinese government will soon fall to pieces.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washing on, D. C.
A.
Mr. Sanford to Mr. Williams
Sir: I have the honor to inform your excellency that the Wachusett arrived at Yentsi on Tuesday evening, July 10; on the next day, Captain Townsend sending a boat for me, I at once called upon him and paid my respects. We had received orders from Admiral Bell to proceed to Tangchau and investigate the truths there. Having called upon the intendant of circuit, Captain Townsend informed him that he was going to Tangchau, and requested that he would write an official letter to the prefect, requiring him to settle the matter at once; he refused, saying that all was settled. Finding that we could do nothing, we left for Tangchau. On Friday we sent our cards to the prefect, and, owing to the storm, did not call until Saturday, when, accompanied by the missionaries, Mr. Davenport and Captain Townsend, with an escort of 100 men, the prefect received us in company with the sub-prefect, and the district magistrate, (what his position is I do not know.) After some small talk we stated that we had come to demand the arrest and punishment of the perpetrators of outrages committed upon the person and property of American citizens, and the indemnity of 200 taels.
The substance of our conversation amounted to this: We demanded that the prefect arrest the members of the Kung-Kue, together with two others; that they should be brought and tried before us; then on their paying the indemnity, and the authorities giving security that all should be peace in future, he would be satisfied.
The prefect agreed to all except to bringing them before us, but as we felt that all would be useless unless the Kung-Kue were punished, we insisted on that point. At first we requested him to give us in writing what had been agreed upon, but he refused, promising that on receipt of a letter from us, making these demands, he would give us in his answer a guarantee. As some seemed satisfied, we agreed to this. It was distinctly understood that he was to arrest these parties on the morrow, and to try them before us, and that they might not escape, the district magistrate was informed, and agreed that he was responsible, the prefect telling him that he should require him to arrest them. It was all fairly understood, and he was informed what our letter would contain. We sent our communications that evening. On Sunday morning we received a couple of letters, one addressed to Captain Townsend, and the other to myself, informing us that all our demands were contrary to the treaty; and that the American minister had not communicated either with the board of foreign affairs, or with the commissioner of the three ports; therefore, he declined to act authoritatively.
He accordingly left at daylight for Yentsi, calling upon us to follow him.
We immediately left for Yentsi Sunday afternoon, Captain Townsend being desirous to communicate with the admiral.
The prefect by his course has grievously insulted Captain Townsend and myself, and he should be made to feel that to insult the representatives of the United States is no small offence. His course has been such as to make us the laughing-stock, besides detaining the steamer for a long time, and should not be suffered to pass unnoticed.
He ought to have made his complaints before we left him, had he had any to make; but although he was fully informed, yet he made no objections, but promised to arrest the men, and that they should be tried on Monday at 2 p. m. Now, his going off and sending us such a paltry, insulting letter, ought not to go unpunished. Not only so, but since my last letter to you, they have been to work again upon the cemetery, destroying the tombstones; and it is literally impossible now for the missionaries to rent houses, they having tried, but all to no purpose. I, therefore, respectfully request that such steps shall be taken as shall give unto the missionaries all the privileges granted under the treaty, and preserve the representatives of the United States from insult, and that the Kung-Kue may be punished, as I feel all will be in vain if they are not punished. It was matter of regret that the affair had not been laid before the board of foreign affairs at Peking, as that is the loop-hole through which they seek to escape. Now, although we know that the excuse is worthless, yet it is one which hinders us much. I send you copies of my despatch to the prefect, as well as his reply. You will notice that I am requested to return to Yentsi, to act conjointly with the intendant and himself. The next day after our arrival, without having communicated with us, he returns to Tangchau. I may as well state that the reason of Captain Townsend leaving Tangchau was his desire to communicate with Admiral Bell; but on reaching Chifu, he found that the steamer had left on the preceding day, and also learned that the admiral had left for Japan; he was, therefore, obliged to rely upon his own judgment. He sent a long letter to the intendant, a copy of whose reply I furnish you; and as it will probably be reported to Peking, I desire to criticise it.
1. “Gentry and scholars.” No demand was made to arrest any of those parties except four, of whom there was strong proof that they were the guilty parties.
2. “Two hundred taels indemnity.” By the English treaty, any parties committing acts of despoliation shall make good the damage done.
[Page 539]3. “Guaranty” was simply an official statement agreeing to protect the rights and interests of the American residents.
4. ‘They ought,”&c. Now, the missionaries have a perfect right to address the authorities in the places of their residences. They as well as myself have repeatedly laid the matter before the authorities at Tangchau and Yentsi, but all in vain; the intendant has told me that his orders were not obeyed at Tangchau, and requested me to take the matter into my own hands.
5. “The captain has no right to take action.” A grosser insult I hardly think could be written. The intendant is a man who has the reputation of being intelligent, and for him to write in this style is a great insult.
6. “The prefect subordinate,” which we do not deny—but Captain Townsend requested him (the intendant) to give us an official letter to the prefect before he left, but was refused.
7. “Local public business.” You will p ease notice the glaring discrepancy (I ought to say falsehood) by the prefect’s letter; his whole object in coming to Yentsi was to consult with his superior officer, and he invited us to meet him here that we might act conjointly.
8. “Deserted his post.” I feel that there is every ground for so saying; he had faithfully promised Captain Townsend and myself to arrest the parties, and bring them before us for trial on Monday. His letters informing us of his departure for Yentsi were not received till he had been gone at least three hours, and if a most solemn promise is of no account in their eyes they should be taught that we regard it differently.
9. “No communication has been received by me.” It may be that thinking I had not returned from Tangchau he sent my letter there.
10. I feel that to allow him that ground is decidedly wrong.
11. “Instructed him to return.” This act shows more than aught else the animus of the intendant; fearing to have us assemble together, he ordered the prefect to return—so in case we should ask any unpleasant questions, he could reply he must communicate with the prefect, and so delay us, and if possible oblige us to give up in despair.
12. “Report to the commissioner.” What he means by that I am at a loss to understand. Captain Townsend’s letter was firm, but respectful; he stated only facts and the truth. The prefect did desert his post, and to tell him so can be no insult.
13. “Investigate and settle.” I would most respectfully but finally deny his right to act thus. The treaty does not say that all and every dispute shall be sent to Peking; but, by the 11th article, it is the duty both of him and his subordinates to act justly and promptly in settling this matter. If he can establish the precedent of referring every trifling affair to Peking, it will be bad. It is all-important that the trial come off at Tangchau; the offences were committed there, and all of the parties, both witnesses and criminals, are there. By what right can he refer this case to Peking to be settled? Captain Townsend and myself have endeavored to treat the authorities here and at Tangchau with all the respect possible; yet their conduct to us has been such as to require much patience and forbearance. They act as if it were a light thing to insult the representative of the United States government. Now, by the last clauses of the 18th and 19th articles of the Danish treaty, “if any officer fail or neglect to punish those who have been guilty of offences against foreigners, they are to be punished themselves by their own government;” and not only have these authorities failed in punishing these parties, but have done all they could covertly to assist, and on being requested to arrest and punish by Captain Townsend, have insulted him and myself by this course of action. I desired Captain Townsend to arrest the parties himself, as, by the 11th article, we may exercise the right; but, owing to the orders from Admiral Bell, he will first go to Shanghai, and then return. I would most respectfully request that you will, if possible, have the case referred back to Che-foo for settlement, as it is all-important that it be settled at Tangchau-foo.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B.
Pau Wei to Commandant Townsend
Pau: intendant of the Tang, Lai, and Tsing circuit, &c., &c., makes a communication in reply:
At 10 o’clock last night the intendant received a despatch from the captain, with the contents of which he is thoroughly acquainted. In regard to this matter, the prefect of Tangchau came to Yentsi on yesterday and reported that the captain and the consul, Sandford, had severally sent communications to him, requesting that the gentry and scholars of the place should be arrested and tried in their presence, that two hundred taels should be given as compensation for the tombstones, and that the prefect of Tangchau-foo, together with the sub-prefect and magistrate of Punglai district, should give a sealed guarantee. These three clauses are in nowise contained in the treaty; and moreover, when missionaries of the several countries promulgate their doctrines in China, or have affairs with the natives, they [Page 540] ought, in accordance with the treaty, to address themselves to the consul of the country residing at the port, that he may communicate with the intendant, that the matter may be carefully deliberated on and settled, these being matters in which the captain has no right to take action.
The above-mentioned prefect of Tangchau is the subordinate of the intendant, and in no matters between Chinese and foreigners can he take upon himself to act, without having previously received instructions from the intendant. He came to Youtai to request instructions from the intendant on local public business, which is in accordance with the fixed rules of action in our country. What ground is there, then, for saying he deserted his post and ran away? For these reasons, the intendant yesterday communicated on the matter with Consul Sandford, that he might take the necessary steps and make a reply. He also strictly enjoined the prefect at Tangchau to the effect that, hereafter, whenever affairs occur between Chinese and foreigners, he must do nothing unauthorizedly, but write to the intendant for instructions, and act in accordance therewith. He also instructed him to return immediately to Tangchau and transact affairs as usual.
Now, on receipt of the above-mentioned communication, the intendant will, in accordance with the 10th article of the American treaty, report the affair to the commissioner of the three ports, that he may write to the board of Foreign Office, who will, in conjunction with the American minister, investigate and settle the matter, thereby conforming to the treaty, and maintaining friendly relations.
The intendant, therefore, makes this reply, requesting the captain to act accordingly.
Captain Townsend, United States Navy.
C.
Prince Kung to Mr. Williams
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, sends a communication:
On the 23d of July I received a despatch from [Tsunghau] the Superintendent of Commerce at the three northern ports, enclosing the following report from the collector of customs in Shantung:
“Very unexpectedly, on the 16th July, Captain Townsend, of the United States navy, bringing the American consul Sandford and the missionaries Messrs. Mills, Hartwell, and Crawford, attended by more than a hundred armed foreign soldiers, all marshalled in order, came to the office of the prefect at Tangchau. The prefect came out and met them, when directly Mr. Hartwell began to gesticulate and wildly stamp about, crying out in a vociferous, scolding manner, and demanding that the prefect must arrest those of the gentry who were preventing him and others from renting houses, and bring them there to the office to be tried and punished before Captain Townsend. He also demanded that a compensation of 200 taels be paid for injuries done to the cemetery and its tombstones; and, lastly, that prefect, sub-prefect, and district magistrate should jointly promulgate an official notification, under their seals, guaranteeing them against further injuries. If these three demands were not conceded, they intended to resort to force.
“The prefect told them that, having received no instructions respecting these matters from his superiors, he could not promise to accede to these demands, and, after reasoning with them three hours, he at last got them to leave the office, but not before the people living near there had began to assemble in a tumultuous manner, complaining that the foreign soldiers had been intruding into their houses and carrying off things, and had even wrenched the bracelets off one woman’s hand, and had so terrified another woman, over seventy years old, that she had gone into convulsions, from which they feared she would not revive. They had also gone into a public school and scattered the books and papers about, and had recklessly used their swords to injure and cut things before people’s houses. Just then the literacy chancellor of the city was coming to his office, when the candidates were assembling in great numbers for examination, and, the violence of these soldiers being threatening, the local authorities had the greatest difficulty in preserving the peace, and preventing a general collision and riot.
“However, the prefect immediately afterwards came by night over to Chifu to state the affair to me; and I subsequently received a letter from Captain Townsend, in which he requested that, as the prefect of Tangchau had run away from his office, I would give orders to the proper officers to carry out the three requests he had made into effect, for if there was any delay in doing so, blood could hardly wash out his anger.
“I have since learned that this Captain Townsend is the same man who, at Yingtse, violently arrested a Chinese named Hu and twenty-one other persons, and that the American Consul Sandford is the same man who is engaged in business in-the Tsing-mei, (i. e., Sinico American,) foreign hong, in company with Mrs. Hwa-ni as a partner.”
In respect to this affair I may remark, that since the foreign treaties have been ratified, [Page 541] every affair growing out of them has been managed and settled by the consul of the respective nation and the intendant of circuit, but if it was a more serious matter, which they could not settle between themselves, each party reported the case to their respective superiors at Peking, and waited until the foreign office had conferred with the minister upon it, and each had instructed them how to act. This has been the uniform practice with all nations for these past years, and no one who is not a consular officer has been permitted of his own motion to interfere by violence to settle any affair.
The despatch now received from the superintendence of commerce states that the United States naval captain, Townsend, with Consul Sandford, and the missionaries Hartwell, Mills, and Crawford, attended by more than one hundred armed soldiers, marshalled in order, came to the office of the prefect of Tangchau and loudly demanded of him that he should arrest some gentry who had prevented natives renting their houses. They also required that compensation should be paid them for mutilations and injuries done to their gravestones. This Captain Townsend is doubtless the same officer who, without any reason, arrested the man Hu and twenty-one other persons at Yingtse; but while that matter is still unsettled, he straightway goes to Tangchau and takes occasion to stir up this disturbance.
In his despatch to our officials, he says that he had received orders from the United States minister at Peking, to manage these things; which, if true, proves that your excellency is already aware of all these things. But why did you not in that case meet with the members of the foreign office and confer upon the matter? If such orders were sent to Captain Townsend, it is entirely different from what his excellency Mr. Burlingame has ever done, and furthermore, quite unlike anything which you, who have lived so many years in China, and attended to so many affairs, have hitherto done. You have both always been willing to discuss all affairs with entire frankness. It may be, however, that Captain Townsend, in saying that he had received official orders from you, was in error, and that what he has done was not by your direction.
In respect to this demand to arrest the gentry who had prevented people renting their houses, (to the missionaries,) it seems to me to be sufficient to allude to the case of the Reverend C. R. Mills, who took possession of the house of the widow Hwang Chang, a matter that was entirely arranged by the local authorities and the consul; the widow has paid back all Mr. Mills’s outlay for repairs, and he has received the money, and has no complaint. Also, in the case of Reverend P. T. Crawford, who leased a house of one Chau, who got the deed of purchase of one Sun, the local officers required Sun to vacate the premises to Mr. Crawford, and thus they were secured to him peaceably. In these two instances, now settled, the gentry did nothing to prevent anybody renting houses.
The affair of desecrating the cemetery and injuring the tombstones at Tangchau is one which you have not reported to this office. By the report of the intendant it appears that the district magistrate there allowed an American named Danforth to occupy a vacant spot on the hill-top called Siam Hwang-kin, or Little Gold hill, as a burial ground, charging him no rental for it. Although it is true that he tombstones have been defaced and broken, still it is because the Americans have never hired any one to watch the spot. Orders have been issued to search out and arrest the offenders, and proclamations put forth forbidding further molestation. In all this affair, too, the local authorities seem to have done what they could, and it is but right to wait till they can arrest and punish severely every offender. What need, then, has there been to call in the aid and presence of soldiers, and endeavor by violence to intimidate the officials, and force them so pay an indemnity for these injuries?
In respect, again, to the charge against the prefect of running away from his post at Tangchau, it was enough for him that the business in hand belonged to his superior, the intendant of circuit, to manage, which quite justified him in going himself to Chifu to state the matter. He wrote to this effect to both Captain Townsend and Consul Sandford, before he started. What object has the former, therefore, in thus defaming his character, and recklessly charging him with having run away from his post?
Lastly, it is stated that the ungoverned soldiers robbed the people of several things, and terrified an old woman into convulsions. On this point it is enough to state, that our laws make robbery, and threatening people, so as to endanger their lives, offences of the highest grade, and when the replies to the orders now sent to inquire what articles were stolen at this time, and whether the old woman has recovered or not, come to hand, the particulars shall be made known to your excellency.
The treaty between China and the United States has been in force many years, and every effort should be made to strengthen the peaceful relations between our countries, and not resort to force on every occasion with the expectation that it will carry a thing through. With what ideas does Captain Townsend thus take upon himself to land soldiers at Yingtse and Tangchau, and stir up strife and confusion? If your excellency is appointed to reside in China to see that treaty provisions are carried into effect and observed, it is impossible to suppose that you can permit any subordinate officer to act just as he pleases, the meanwhile you neither seeing nor hearing anything that he does.
I have, therefore, carefully gone into detail in the present communication, and have every reason to hope that you will examine this affair thoroughly, and do all that you can to maintain peaceful relations.
His Excellency S. Wells Williams, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States to China.
D.
Mr. Williams to Prince Kung
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your imperial highness’s despatch of the 28th ultimo, in which you bring to my notice the visit of Commander Townsend, of the United States ship Wachusett, and the United States Consul Sandford, escorted by more than a hundred soldiers, to the office of the prefect of Tangchau, where they loudly demanded that he should seize certain of the gentry who had prevented the Americans living there from renting houses, and that he should also compensate the latter for injuries done to the gravestones in their burial-ground, &c., &c.
On that day I likewise received an account of the same occurrences from Mr. Sandford, the United States consul for Tangchau, from which I have gathered the following particulars:
“On the 10th instant the United States ship Wachusett, Commander R. Townsend, sent here by Admiral Bell, arrived in port. I accompanied him next day to pay our respects to the intendant of circuit, when we requested him to send a despatch to the prefect of Tangchau, requiring him immediately to settle the affair of mutilating the gravestones there. The intendant declined to do so, stating that the matter was all settled.
“On the 13th I reached Tangchau in the Wachusett, and we sent in our cards to the prefect. The next day Commander Townsend and myself, with three missionaries and an escort of about a hundred soldiers, went up to the office of the prefect. The escort were placed in ranks in the court of the office during the interview.
“Commander Townsend then informed the prefect that he had been ordered by Admiral Bell to come to the port of Tangchau in order to investigate and settle affairs there; more especially to demand indemnity for the repeated injuries done to the tombstones of the Americans living in the city, which has been going on for the past four years, and hitherto not a man has been arrested or punished therefor. He accordingly required that the prefect should now arrest them, and that they be fined 200 taels for the damages done to the graveyard, which would, deter them and others from repeating the offence. He also asked the prefect and the local authorities there to issue an edict and proclamation which should guarantee that there should be no more damages done to the burial-grounds. He lastly required of the prefect, in relation to the renting of houses, that the 12th article of the United States treaty should be faithfully and immediately carried out, and that whoever was on any pretext causing disturbance, and hindering the Americans from renting houses, ought to be arrested and severely punished.
“The prefect replied, in relation to these three demands, that he could not instantly carry them out without referring them to his superior, the intendant, for his direction; but that he would willingly order the district magistrate of Punglae to arrest the men who had damaged the grave-yard, to which the latter, who was present, most readily gave his assent.
“All the parties at the interview expressed their desire to adhere to the stipulations of the treaty in every particular. There was no intimidation, nor anything like threatening used, but all took leave of each other with expressions of good will.
“On the evening of the same day Commander Townsend and I sent a despatch to the prefect, containing all the above points as he had agreed to them. But, much to our surprise, next morning a note came to each of us from him excusing himself from another interview, and asking us to go to Chifu, where the matter would be attended to. We accordingly returned there and found that he had gone back to Tangchau. This official had already promised to see us, and he now skulked away, throwing his official duties and words aside in this manner. If such conduct is not shirking his duty and running away, what is it? We had, therefore, no other way but to confer again with the intendant about the settlement of the case, who, in his reply, told me that he must await his orders from the officers of the Foreign Office at Peking, after they had consulted with the United States minister.”
After perusing the despatch under reply, and the report from Mr. Sandford, I am able to inform your imperial highness that Commander Townsend having received orders to go to some of the ports on a cruise, reached Chifu, where it was his proper duty to assist the consul in investigating and settling such affairs as needed his aid. When, therefore, he arrested Hu and his fellows at Yingtse, to hand them over to the local authorities for trial, he had abundant reasons for his proceedings, and acted in accordance with the treaty, as I have informed you already in a previous despatch. In respect to his visit to Chifu, I had already written to the consul that when the Wachusett came into port, in his cruise, it would be desirable for her commander to pay his respects to the local authorities, in accordance with Article IX of the treaty, though nothing was said about his taking an escort with him.
In respect to the offence of breaking up the gravestones in the cemetery at Tangchau, I may state that it is a plat of waste land that was obtained, through the kindness of the district magistrate at Tangchau, by the Americans in 1861, and that about a year afterwards the people of the town, without any provocation, began to mutilate and break the gravestones. The district magistrate, Fung, in March, 1864, issued a proclamation forbidding [Page 543] them to do it, but it had no effect to restrain anybody. In January, 1866, he issued another prohibition, which I had hoped to be of some effect, and had accordingly instructed the consul to endeavor if possible to arrange and settle the affair with the local authorities in the best way he could, as they had already amicably settled the two cases of renting houses.
It was for this reason, the hope that the affair might be settled on the spot, that I have not already brought it before the Foreign Office. However, I now state all these particulars, and have to request that your imperial highness will give such orders to the local authorities that they will attend to the matter, with a desire to act justly, and carry out the demand justly made by Commander Townsend and the consul, so that there shall be no further mutilations of the gravestones, or other causes of offence.
Let me add, too, that it is necessary, when cases arise between natives and foreigners, that the local officials be not allowed to delay and procrastinate in this way. If I am here in Peking, it is not that I do not know what is going on, but the authorities will do nothing themselves, and act as if they had lost their senses.
Can you expect, under such provocation, that my countrymen will sit patiently and never show any anger, nor do anything to right themselves?
In a despatch of December 21, 1866, your imperial highness remarked very properly that the full observance of all treaty stipulations by both China and the United States was the best way to strengthen their amicable relations, and I can do no better than urge on you the importance of this just remark. If the local authorities sit like so many statues, and only delay and keep every case dawdling for years, never settling it nor replying to it, let it be fully known that it will not be my fault, but theirs, if trouble arises, and that I cannot be held responsible for what may occur. During my long residence in China I have always endeavored to act according to justice and courtesy in all my dealings, and can appeal to the knowledge of every member of the Foreign Office that I have never desired to stir up strife and disorder in this country.
I have the honor to be your highness’s obedient servant,
His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, &c., &c., &c.
E.
Commandant Townsend to Mr. Williams
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, in obedience to the orders of Admiral Bell, I have come to Chifu for the purpose of investigating the complaints of the missionaries at Tangchau against the Chinese authorities, and finding these complaints just, to take such measures as might prove necessary to secure to our countrymen the rights and privileges of persons and property guaranteed to them by treaty.
I find that our energetic and excellent consul, Mr. E. T. Sandford, has kept you well informed as to the particulars of the case. After a thorough investigation. I do not hesitate to indorse his statements, and pronounce the complaints of the missionaries well founded, and deserving of immediate attention and redress. Courteously, and in a temperate spirit, I have sought that redress from the prefect of Tangchau, and from his superior, the intendant of Chifu. It has not only been refused, but I have been very cavalierly told by the intendant that I have nothing to do with the matter. Fortunately for himself and for his subordinate, but unfortunately for us, my lands are somewhat tied by the fact mentioned by the prefect, that “the American minister has not communicated either with the board of foreign affairs or with the commissioner of the three ports.” I am desirous and prepared to do anything that may be necessary in order to the protection of the lives and interests of American citizens; and if the arrest of the intendant himself be requisite to that end, I will not hesitate to seize him, even upon his official seat. But your excellency will permit me to say, that, except in emergent circumstances, I would prefer to act offensively, only, after the reasonable resources of diplomacy have been exhausted. You have been pleased to hope that the presence of the Wachusett would have a good effect. With a sufficient yet not threatening display of force, I presented, in firm yet courteous language, just and moderate requests. The prefect solemnly promised to comply with them, and then ran away. From the intendant I met an insulting rebuff, that will prevent my ever again using gentle means with him. Will your excellency excuse the suggestion, that in tunnelling the inflated mass of Chinese arrogance and deceit, diplomatic measures will best succeed when worked from both ends, and that, where ideas are the weapons, the initiative should proceed from the centre, rather than from the extremities. If the demands of the American minister should be powerless in bringing the offenders to justice, and in securing just protection to our outraged countrymen, I shall proceed, under the authority delegated to me by Admiral Bell, to arrest the accused persons, and exact from the intendant and prefect such substantial [Page 544] guarantees that the American missionaries of Tangchau shall ever after enjoy their unpretentious rights, “with none to molest them or make them afraid.”
As the Wachusett has been away from all sources of supply for more than three months, her stores of all kinds will soon require replenishment; and I have concluded to occupy the interval that must necessarily occur, before the impulse your excellency will communicate to the board of foreign affairs can be improvingly felt at Chifu and Tangchau, by running down to Shanghai, for the purpose of obtaining much-needed supplies. I shall sail on Saturday, the 21st instant, and will probably be absent between two and three weeks. I trust your long experience in Chinese affairs, and your thorough acquaintance with the Chinese character, will enable you to put matters in such train that the Wachusett shall suffer but slight detention when she returns to Chifu. The long and tedious negotiations at Niuchwang deprived us of an interesting cruise among the ports of southeastern China; and I earnestly hope that this Tangchau affair will not too greedily encroach upon the pleasant visit to Japan, that we have long been looking forward to with most agreeable anticipations. Even now, I doubt not that the admiral is looking from day to day for the Wachusett to rejoin him at Yedo or Osacca, and thither our longings would lead us. But I have never shirked duty, however disagreeable; and I feel that it is my duty to attend to this Taugchau affair, until it be satisfactorily settled. Will your excellency oblige me by giving to its progress all the speed that may be derived from earnest, persistent appeals to the foreign office.
Friday, July 20, 1866.
I beg leave to enclose herewith, for examination and reference, copies of the correspondence that has passed between the Chinese officials and myself. It consists of the following documents, viz:
My letter of July 14, to prefect of Tangchau.
Reply dated July 15, from prefect of Tangchau.
My letter of July 15, to intendant of circuit, &c.
Reply dated July 17, from intendant of circuit, &c.
My letter of July 20, to intendant of circuit, &c.
As you will perceive, the letters of the mandarins are faithful copies of the Chinese originals.
I will only draw your excellency’s attention to the conflicting statements of the prefect and the intendant, in regard to the former’s object in visiting Yentsi; fortunately, in this case, the falsification is written out and cannot be denied. The truth rests with the prefect, who is a much more honest man, though far less clever, than the intendant.
Your excellency will perceive, by his own admission, that the intendant alone is responsible for the treatment of foreigners in his circuit. This only confirms the opinion I had drawn from the connected facts, the history of the case, and I do not hesitate to charge Pau-Wei, intendant of Tang, Lai, and Tsing circuit, as the chief criminal in this long-continued series of outrages upon the missionaries at Tangchau. I earnestly entreat your excellency firmly to demand the removal of Pau-Wei from his office, as an all-essential requisite to peace and harmony between Chinese and foreigners in the circuit that he now misgoverns.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. S. Wells Williams, LL.D., United States Chargé d’Affaires, Peking.
F.
Mr. Williams to Commandant Townsend
Sir: I beg to acknowledge, with thanks, your communication of the 19th July, with its enclosures, giving the leading particulars of your visit to Tangchau, and the interview which you had with the prefect and other local authorites, respecting the grievances suffered by our countrymen there. The result of this interview with these officials, like many previous instances, was not so satisfactory as you desired in its immediate results, but will at least give them some new ideas respecting the position and intentions of the United States.
I have received a communication from Prince Kung upon this matter, in which he quotes from the reports of the local authorities, who, as Usual, wish rather to exonerate themselves and implicate others than to give a true statement of facts as they occurred. I have sent a translation of it to Consul Sandford, who will give you a copy, and have this day replied to it by a plain recital of all the important incidents, as given by yourself and the consul, so as to set the object of the visit in its true position.
I have also given the reason for not having previously mentioned the desecration of the [Page 545] graves, having been still in hopes that the list effort of the consul to get redress would effect some good. I have requested Prince Kung to send such orders to the intendant and prefect as will compel them to fulfil the demands made on them at Tangchau, and have done all I could to support the action of yourself and the consul. I have hopes that they will take some steps to redress the grievances complained of.
Having thus stated what I have done to uphold your action, I wish to state here that the principle on which the treaty powers have agreed to co-operate in carrying out their treaty stipulations is to act through the central government, strengthening its influence as much as possible, and infusing what vigor we can into its working. We find that in practice the Emperor has come gradually to depend on his prestige and acknowledged position for the maintenance of his power, while that has, in a great measure, really passed into the hands of his provincial officers, who are made responsible for the peace of their several districts. These latter are acquainted with the weakness of their superiors, but yet none of them wish to overthrow the system, and we are sure, from the events of the last ten years, that nothing better than the present régime is yet available to govern China and prevent its ignorant multitudes becoming the undisciplined troops of rival chiefs We, at Peking, can see the shifts and excuses of an effete ministry to hide their real inability to carry into effect those orders which they approve, but which their provincial subordinates evade or nullify with impunity. Some of these orders cannot be executed sometimes, even by their best disposed officials. If the gentry and people combine in opposition they are usually too much for the rulers; and if the latter (as in cases affecting foreigners and their treaties) have rather a feeling for the gentry than a desire to act against them, and do what the treaties require, they delay, and excuse, and falsify, ad libitum. Still we must take things and people as they are, and do what we can to better them, and during the six years that foreign ministers have resided at the capital a little progress has been made in getting the central government to fulfil its treaty stipulations by its recognized authorities. Entreaty, expostulation, warning, instruction are all brought into action, and the officials here begin to see that we are promoting peace and good order by requiring treaty rights to be observed. Under the earlier treaties a resort to force to coerce un willing provincials was the only remedy But, in the long run, moral suasion and a continual gradual pressure, exercised at the centre, will produce more permanent effects in elevating the Chinese to a full understanding of their rights and duties. As a last resort, no doubt, force must be used to obtain satisfaction and redress, but on the whole the treaties have been better observed, by both parties, than in former times. They have become to be regarded, as in fact they are, as great charters of international intercourse, and we find that most progress is made by constant reference and adherence to them in all our relations, and the provincial authorities are learning to recognize the same thing.
By referring to the United States treaty, therefore, you will see that the intendant is right in recognizing only the United States consul as the, medium of official action, and you will, I think, be able to effect more by supporting the consul than by carrying on the correspondence independently. From some expressions in your letter as to what you may be obliged to do, I take the liberty to state to you, however, as I cannot do so in time to the admiral, that in any case except that of an attack on United States citizens—in which case you have your own orders—that an arrest of Chinese officials, by United States troops, will only retard and complicate the matter, and defeat our common object. I strongly urge this point that you will not even threaten such a thing, for it will neutralize much that we have been trying to build up, to have you resort to any exercise of force to bring about a settlement of this case until every other possible diplomatic action is exhausted. The case at Tangchau is different from that at Yingtse. It is of long standing and not imminent, and, therefore, a good one for the best efforts of all parties to bring about a peaceable settlement. And such a solution, it seems to me, is more likely to further the best interests of the cause in which our countrymen residing there are engaged. Whatever good effects the landing of marines could bring about were doubtless accomplished by your first display, and I think future interview’s will be more satisfactory if the native officials do not feel overawed, or lose their dignity in the sight of their own subjects.
The most likely plan to succeed, if I may be permitted to suggest, is to take the thing patently, tell the officials that you are present for no other purpose than to see that the Americans in Tangchau are protected in their rights, and can wait awhile to see that they carry out the stipulations which they acknowledge and the orders which they have received. The officers themselves are placed in a dilemma that demands some consideration; having the proud gentry on one hand, who can effect their disgrace and removal, and their superiors on the other, who will punish them if peace be not maintained. The officials at Tangchau have heretofore shown considerable desire to arrange matters quietly, and I should think that you and the consul could now effect the object in view by courteous, but firm, conduct.
I have dwelt on this subject a little, for your letter encourages me to state my views as fully as you have your proceedings. With many thanks for your kind notice of my works, which, I am happy to learn, have assisted you somewhat,
I have, the honor to be yours, very respectfully,
Commander Robert Townsend, Esq., U. S. N., Commanding United States Steamer Wachusett.
G.
Commandant Townsend to Pau Wei
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s despatch of the 17th instant. As your excellency is pleased to declare that these are matters in which the captain has no right to take action, it would be but a waste of time and patience to bandy further words between us. I will simply remark that I can be advancing no new truth to a gentlemen who has so assiduously cultivated foreign literature as your excellency seems to have done, when I state that to the actions of men-of-war are due in a great measure the treaty engagements that China has entered into with the western powers; and I may add the obvious corollary that, except for the presence and occasional interference of men-of-war the unpalatable provisions and stipulations of these treaties would seldom, if ever, be carried out. With the experience I have recently had, I may be excused for expressing the belief that if the relentless exigencies of a domestic war of unparalleled magnitude had not compelled the government of my country to temporarily withdraw its ships of war from the coasts of China, there would have been little occasion for Admiral Bell to despatch the Wachusett to New Chwang and Tangchau with orders to demand redress and satisfaction for cumulative insults and outrages. I have forwarded to the American minister at Peking the correspondence that has passed between your excellency, your subordinate, the prefect, and myself; and I shall await the action of the minister in the premises.
Business calls me to Shanghai for a short season, and I shall sail to-morrow. The minister will have prepared the preliminaries to such action as it may be necessary for me to take against the period of my return.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, yours,
His Excellency Pau Wei, Intendant of the Tang, Lai, and Tsing Circuit, &c., &c.