No. 20.
Mr. Low to Mr.
Fish
No. 35.]
Legation of the United States, Peking, October 25, 1870.
(Received December 28.)
Sir: In my No. 31, of the 26th of September, you
were informed that the chargé d’affaires of France had called his colleagues
together and made known to them the punishment which this government
proposed to inflict upon those who were engaged in the massacre at
Tien-tsin. He also stated that, at the time the communication was made he
was asked, in rather an imperious manner, if the proposition was
satisfactory. His reply, as stated to his colleagues, was that in the
present disturbed condition of his country he did not feel at liberty to
speak for the government of France on so grave a matter, and that, as the
punishment of the guilty had such a direct bearing upon the security of all
foreign residents, it seemed in every respect desirable for him to assemble
his colleagues and solicit their opinions before making any reply to the
question submitted.
The manner in which the propositions were made, and the fact that M.
Rochechouart had unwisely, as I thought, made known to the officials in
advance his intention of submitting the question to his colleagues, left no
other course open for them to pursue, except to express their approval or
disapproval without qualification or explanation. In view of these
considerations it was deemed advisable for the representatives of Great
Britain, Russia, Prussia, and the United States to address a joint note to
Prince Kung, expressing their dissent from the conclusions to which the
government had arrived as to the proper measure of punishment which was
necessary to inflict for such a crime, leaving it to the Chinese to decide
what, if any, further action it might be proper and expedient for them to
take. A copy of the joint note is herewith inclosed, (inclosure A.)
To this Prince Kung replied, (inclosure B,) intimating that the investigation
and trials were closed, and that as soon as the sentences were formally
pronounced, the result would be officially communicated to all the
legations. He also begged to assure us that ample protection would be
afforded to all foreign residents.
The two imperial decrees (inclosures C and D,) confirming the sentences of
the criminals and ordering them to be carried into effect immediately, and
my reply acknowledging their receipt, (inclosure E,) also accompany
this.
As a measure of precaution against a recurrence of trouble at Tientsin during
the approaching winter, the governor general has been ordered by the Emperor
(inclosure F) to remain there until further orders; and I learn,
unofficially, of the contemplated removal of the capital of the province
from Paoting-fu to Tien-tsin, so that the chief magistrate of the province
will be more accessible in case of real or apprehended trouble, and thus be
able to preserve a better understanding between natives and foreigners.
The report of the acting French consul at Tien-tsin, of which the chargé
d’affaires has kindly allowed me to take a copy, (inclosure G,) will furnish
you with full particulars of the execution of sixteen criminals, and the
state of feeling resulting from it.
[Page 69]
He also gives his opinion as to the effect which these convictions and
executions are likely to produce upon the people generally, which, I regret
to say, differ widely from what I had hoped.
I trust the effect will be better than he anticipates. But whatever may be
the result in Tientsin and in its immediate vicinity, I am persuaded that
the knowledge that these criminals have been punished will add to the
security of foreigners in places more remote from the scene of their trial
and execution.
The remaining four under sentence of death were convicted of the murder of
three Russians. Their execution is, I am informed, delayed at the special
request of the Russian consul general, in the hope that their testimony may
be useful in the conviction of others charged with complicity in the
massacre.
A careful review of all that has transpired in connection with this
affair—the timidity and vacillation of the officials; the delay and
uncertainty attending the arrest and trial of the offenders; the fear of
trouble and riotous proceedings at their execution; the extreme caution
exercised in the preparation for and the secrecy of the
execution—illustrates most painfully the weakness of the government when
called upon to perform a duty in opposition to public opinion, and enables
somewhat of a just estimate to be made of the embarrassments which surround
the prince and his associates in their dealings with foreign nations.
The natural result of this is, I am led to view their action, or rather
inaction, with more leniency than those do who know less of the difficulties
with which the members of the Foreign Office have to contend.
Chunghow, who was some time since appointed ambassador to France, for the
purpose of offering a suitable apology, and affording such reparation as
might be reasonably demanded, is making preparations for his departure.
Before he leaves I expect to be placed in possession of a copy of his
instructions and the substance of the propositions which he will be
authorized to make to the government of France in satisfaction for the
outrages committed at Tien-tsin, which will be forwarded in a future
dispatch.
I have, &c.,
A.
Peking, September 24, 1870.
Sir: The undersigned, representatives of the
United States, Great Britain, Prussia, and Russia, have the honor to
inform your Imperial Highness that M. de Rochechouart, as he sent
yesterday to the Yamen to state was his intention, has assembled us, his
colleagues, for the purpose of communicating to us the measures of
punishment which your Imperial Highness has apprised him the government
is about to award to the mandarins and people engaged in or connected
with massacre at Tientsin.
We conceive it to be our duty without loss of time to state to your
Imperial Highness that we regard the decision arrived at, after three
months’ delay, as utterly unsatisfactory, whether with reference to the
atrocity of the 21st June in particular, or the general question of
security in which all foreigners in China are interested.
The undersigned seize with eagerness this occasion to renew to your
Imperial Highness the assurances of our respectful consideration.
REHFUES, Minister for North
Germany.
FREDERICK F. LOW, Minister for United
States.
EUG. BUTZOW, Chargé d’Affaires for
Russia.
THOMAS FRANCIS WADE, Chargé d’Affaires for
Great Britain.
[Page 70]
B.
Tungchi, 9th year, 9th
moon, 3d day, (September 27,
1870.)
Prince Kung, chief secretary for foreign affairs, herewith sends a
reply.
I had the honor to receive the joint note of the 24th instant addressed
to me by your excellencies, in which you state that Mr. Rochechouart,
chargé d’affaires of France, had informed you at a meeting, which he had
called for general consultation, of the decision which had been come to
in regard to the punishment of the murderers in June last of the French
officials and subjects at Tientsin; and that you consider this decision,
reached three months after the events, as entirely unsatisfactory and
very far from giving that assurance of general security to all
foreigners living in China, which they require.
You are already aware that His Majesty appointed Tsang Kwohfan, then
governor general of this province, and others with him, to secretly
search out and arrest the persons concerned in the riot, and execute
those who had been tried and found guilty of murder; and also to take
the depositions of the prefect and magistrate of Tien-tsin, who were so
remiss in their duty, with all the evidence that could be obtained, and
send it with the prisoners to the board of punishments, where they would
be tried and sentenced. All this surely is proof that he wishes to act
with strict justice in the matter.
The safety of foreigners residing in China will also be assured, for the
people everywhere will notice how the murderers at Tien-tsin have been
dealt with, and will not be desirous to experience the last penalty of
the law on their own bodies, while local officials in every place will
mark how those at Tientsin have been arrested and punished for their
remissness in duty, and take warning to prevent like excesses.
When their cases and all relating to this affair are settled, His Majesty
will issue a general mandate to all the high provincial officers to
strictly enjoin on every local magistrate to protect the foreigners, so
that hereafter it is to be hoped that they and the natives can live
together peaceably. As soon as the cases of the prisoners are concluded,
and I have received the commands of the Emperor, I will again
communicate with your excellencies.
Baron Rehfues, Minister of
the North German Confederation; Hon. Frederick F. Low, Minister of the United States; Eug. Butzow, Russian Chargé
d’Affaires;
Thomas F. Wade, C. B., British Chargé d’Affaires.
C.
Tungchi, 9th year, 9th
moon, 11th day, (October 5,
1870.)
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes
a communication.
The following imperial decree has this day been received:
When the quarrel arose at Tien-tsin between the citizens and the Roman
Catholics, the prefect, Chang Kwang-tsao, and the district magistrate,
Liu Kieh, neither took any precautionary measures to guard against the
outbreak, nor exerted themselves after it occurred to speedily arrest
the guilty persons concerned in it, in consequence of which orders were
then transmitted to degrade them both, and deliver them to the board of
punishments for trial and condemnation. Subsequent to this Tsang
Kwoh-fan and his colleagues having taken their depositions in full, sent
them to the custody of that board at Peking. The officers in this
tribunal have now reported upon their case, saying: The statutes provide
that when seditious people stir up a riot, the civil officers who cannot
suppress it and allay the discontent, are to be degraded; if their
offense is aggravated, they are to be banished to the army, and
subjected to hard labor. As the circumstances of this case are very
serious the board requests particular orders as to the increased
sentence to be inflicted upon them.
Seeing that these two magistrates were intrusted with the government of
the city of Tientsin, and when the people gathered in crowds ready for a
riot they were inefficient in taking any measures to restrain them, so
that the mob seized their opportunity to set fire to houses and kill and
wound many people, and afterwards did nothing efficient to immediately
seize the guilty actors, their criminality under all the circumstances
is exceedingly great. Furthermore, after their degradation, and when
they knew that the decree delivering them to the board of punishments
for meting out their doom had been issued, the prefect Chang had the
presumption to skulk off to Shunteh, (in the south of the province,) and
the district magistrate, Liu, to slip away to Mihyun, (near the great
wall,) both thereby intending to prolong the matter, and making their
contemptuous effrontery more manifest. Let both of them be banished to
(Tsitsihar-in) the region of the Amoor River, there to expiate their
crimes by hard labor, as a signal warning to law-breakers.
[Page 71]
The people of Tient-sin not only have cherished groundless suspicion and
stirred up animosity in disregard of their authorities to be quiet, but
suddenly went to such a daring length as to kill more than twenty
persons; and what was still more atrocious, brutally murdered the
Sisters of Charity in their asylum. Tsang Kwoh-fan and his colleagues
have seized the guilty participators in the riot, and after clearly
ascertaining the degree of their guilt, have sentenced Fung and fourteen
others to death, and Wang and twenty others to banishment to the army.
Since the sentences accord with the crimes, let them now be carried into
effect. Let Fung and the others be immediately executed; and Wang and
his party sent by couples to different places of banishment. These
severe sentences being carried out, let the local authorities throughout
the provinces issue the most peremptory orders to the people to observe
the laws, and not again stir up riots. Whatever may arise that concerns
both natives and foreigners, let it be managed with justice, and settled
according to treaty stipulations. It is henceforth to be hoped that they
will both, of whatever calling they may be, now live amicably together,
and that the land will be quiet everywhere. Respect this.
I have now the honor to send the above to your excellency for your
information.
His Excellency Frederick F. Low, U. S. Minister to China.
D.
Tungchi, 9th year, 9th
moon, 16th day, (October 10,
1870.)
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes
a communication.
I have already informed your excellency that a decree was received on the
6th instant, in relation to the Tientsin affair, in which it was ordered
that the severe sentence on the prefect and district magistrate should
be strictly carried into effect; that Fung and others, fifteen in all,
who stirred up the riot, be executed; and that Wang and twenty others be
banished to different regions.
I was honored by receiving a second decree yesterday upon the same
matter; “Tsang Kwoh-fan and his colleagues report that they have further
examined persons implicated in the riot at Tientsin, and have sentenced
them according to their guilt. These persons were arrested after the
others, and a list of their names has been sent up, with particulars of
the trial, and degrees of punishment to be inflicted. These decisions
are approved. Let Liu and the other four be summarily executed, and Táng
and the other three be sent into banishment to different places. Respect
this.”
With the punishment of these men now arrested in addition. The cabinet
ministers Tsang Kwoh-fan and Li Hung-chang report that the trial and
sentence (of persons connected with the riot) has been brought to a
close; and my object in this communication is to inform you of the
same.
His Excellency Frederick F. Low, United States Minister to China.
E.
Legation of the United States,
Peking,
October 17, 1870.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your Highness’s two dispatches of the 5th and 10th instant,
the contents of which I have carefully noted. In the first, you mention
the reception of imperial decree in relation to the riot at Tientsin,
ordering that the prefect Chang Kwang-tsao and the district magistrate
Lin Kieh be banished to the region of the Amoor to toilsomely work out
their time; that Fung, with fourteen others, be executed; and Wang and
twenty others be banished to different regions; in the second, you state
that another decree has been received condemning Liu and four others,
since arrested, to death, and Táng and his fellows, five in all, to
banishment.
The sentences on the criminals connected with the dreadful tragedy at
Tientsin, involving the loss of many lives and producing momentous
consequences, must necessarily be reported to the President of the
United States, for his information; and when I have received his
instructions upon the matter, I shall again address your Imperial
Highness.
I have, &c.,
His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, &c.,
&c., &c.
[Page 72]
F.
Tungchi,
9th year, 9th
moon, 18th day, (October 12,
1870.)
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes
a communication.
I have been this day honored by receiving the following decree:
“Let Li Hung-chang still remain at Tientsin, and not hasten his return to
Pao-ting, for (the provincial capital,) as it is important for him to
attend to every detail connected with the pacification and repression of
disorder there, in order to firmly settle the whole affair; which when
done, both in relation to foreigners as well as natives, let him report
for further instructions. Respect this.”
In conformity to usage I now send this for your excellency’s
information.
His Excellency Frederick F. Low, United States Minister to China.
G.
Copy of a dispatch from
the acting French consul at Tientsin to the French chargé
d’affaires, describing the execution of sixteen
criminals.
With reference to your dispatch No. 29, of the 15th instant, I have the
honor to report that the senior officer of the French navy here having
expressed himself much averse to the sending of any one but a
commissioned officer to witness the execution of the criminals now under
sentence of death for the murders of the 21st June, we, after
consultation with each other, decided that it was best, in view of the
importance of the affair, to depute one of the commanders of the
gun-boats stationed here, and Mr. Interpreter Frater, to be present on
the occasion.
The whole subject of the proceedings at the execution was then discussed
at an interview between the prefect and myself yesterday. He informed me
that it was the desire of the governor general, as there was a
possibility of a disturbance taking place among the already excited
population, that the sentence of death should be carried into execution
before sunrise to-day. The prefect insisted on the necessity of the
French officer and Mr. Frater proceeding to the spot during the night,
and in small chairs, under a guard of fifty men, which he would supply;
and he hoped the attention of the crowd, which would be composed,
notwithstanding the early hour, of weeping friends and relatives, and
numerous rowdies, would not be attracted to them. I objected to these
two officers proceeding in the undignified mode desired by him, and told
him that I should not send any one to an execution that was to take
place in the dark. He still maintained the necessity of putting the
criminals to death at the time named; and after some discussion, during
which the prefect gave unmistakable proofs of excitements having shown
itself to a large extent among the people for the last three or four
days, on account of the intended fate of these men, and did not conceal
from me that the governor general was afraid of serious disturbance. I
said that I Would send no one to the execution under the present
proposed arrangements, but that I should leave the whole matter to be
settled by the governor general as he pleased. I added, however, that I
wished to have some proofs of the reality of the executions supplied to
me. These the prefect thought might be afforded by the spectacle of the
coffined remains, and he invited me to send some one to inspect them
after the execution was over. He also asked whether a formal dispatch
from the superintendent of trade, announcing the fact of the
decapitation having taken place, would be received by me as evidence.
This I consented to accept. The prefect said he was glad that his
presence would not be required at the execution, and confessed that he
himself would be afraid to go in any case. Before leaving, the prefect
informed me that it was actually true that money payments were being
made to the relatives of the men condemned to death, but that the sums
were raised by public subscriptions.
I had previously directed Mr. Frater, the interpreter, to call in the
early part of the day on the prefect, and arrange about the presence of
the French naval officer and himself at the execution, and to tell the
prefect, in my name, that it was expected of the Chinese authorities
that steps would be taken to secure foreigners from molestation and
insult.
The prefect thought it right to retire with Mr. Frater into a private
room, where, after the exclusion of all the domestics and official
attendants, who were ordered 10 retire, he conversed on everything
relating to the execution in a whisper, and even then kept starting now
and again, thinking some one was engaged in listening. The reason of his
conduct was a tear that a distrust of the people of Tientsin felt by all
the [Page 73] authorities, which he had to
communicate to Mr. Frater, would leak out. The prefect’ in fact, felt so
ill at ease in his own yamen, (office,) that lie at last desired that
the discussion of the subject of the execution might be transferred to
this consulate, whither he proceeded for that purpose shortly afterward,
and this led to the above-mentioned interview I had with him.
In the night-time I sent one of the consular messengers to Tien-tsin, and
instructed him to take note of what went on at the execution, and to
bring back with him, if possible, the death-warrants attached to the
bodies of the criminals, an inspection of which would furnish me with
the names of the persons actually put to death. Mr. Frater gave the
messenger his official card to be used in the event of his being driven
back by the police. The messenger made a greater use of it than was
intended, for by means of it he made his way to the district
magistrate’s yamen (office) before the criminals were brought out of
jail, and saw the whole proceedings from that time till their death. He
has reported to me that about two hundred police and soldiers escorted
them from the jail to the district magistrate’s court-room, where they
were marshalled, sixteen in all. None of them would kneel to be bound
when ordered to do so. They were all dressed in what is everywhere
stated to be a government present, viz: new silk clothes, and wore on
their feet shoes of elegant manufacture; their hair was dressed after
the female fashion, in various modes, and ornaments such as those seen
on the heads of Chinese ladies were stuck in their head-dresses. While
in the court-room one of them vociferated abuse of the Hsie-tai, who had
probably caused his arrest to be made.
On the way to the execution ground the criminals bawled to the crowds,
which even at that early hour in the morning had collected, “Have we
changed countenance?” and were answered immediately that they had not.
They also accused the Chinese authorities of selling their heads to the
foreigners, and called out to the people to honor them by the name of
“brave boys,” which was done by the united voices of the crowd. A large
number of the personal friends and relatives of the condemned followed
them along, giving vent to tears and lamentations. On the arrival of the
procession at the execution ground outside the west gate the criminals
commenced singing, on hearing which the presiding magistrate, the
Fiat-Sing-Hsien, gave the order for their decapitation.
The criminals themselves stretched out their necks to receive the blow,
and the executioners, five or six in number, all of whom were southern
soldiers, soon finished the proceedings.
This occurred about 5.30 a. m. The ground was kept by numerous soldiers.
The consulate messenger was allowed to pick up the 16 death warrants and
to bring them away, and I now have them in my possession.
The men who murdered the Russians were not, I believe, among those who
suffered.
The execution has passed off more peaceably than I expected, and this is
probably owing to the secret nature of the arrangements made by the
Chinese authorities.
From all that I have heard lately, the death of the murderers is not
likely to impress the people much, and will probably only deepen their
resentment against foreigners. There is no doubt but that the men who
have been put to death have received, in the eyes of the populace, and,
I am afraid, if all the reports that have been made to me are true, in
the eyes of the authorities also, the fate of martyrs.