Mr. Denby to Mr.
Blaine.
[Extract.]
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, June 4, 1891.
(Received July 9.)
No. 1316.]
Sir: In my dispatch No. 1304, of the 20th ultimo, I
inclosed a copy of a communication of that date sent by the foreign
representatives to Prince Ching, the head of the tsung-li yamên, relating to
the remissness of the Chinese Government in preventing or putting down riots
against foreigners occurring in China.
I have now the honor to inclose a translation of the answer of the yamên to
this communication. After reciting the substance of the statements made by
the foreign representatives, the yamên proceeds to assert that the local
authorities have not failed to adopt proper measures for the settlement of
missionary cases; and that on representation made to the yamên it has always
urged the local authorities to take proper action, but circumstances had
sometimes produced delay. Regarding the Wuhu riots, the yamên says that
everything that was possible was done to put down the riot and to arrest the
rioters. In Auching and Shanghai precautionary measures have been taken to
give protection to foreigners. In the communication to the yamên above cited
the foreign representatives have said in substance that when Mr. Burlingame,
in 1868, was sent to the governments of the treaty powers, one of his
objects was to obtain the assurance that the treaty powers would abstain
from holding the Chinese provincial and local authorities directly
responsible for outrages committed within their jurisdiction, and would look
to the Central Government for redress, and that the treaty powers had
complied with the promise then made, but that the Chinese Government had
failed to do its duty in that regard and had abstained from efficacious
action.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No.
1316.—Translation.]
The tsung-li yamên to the
foreign representatives.
Your Excellency: Upon the 20th of May, 1891,
the prince and ministers had the honor to receive a joint communication
from the foreign ministers to the effect that they have had occasion
during the past few years to remonstrate more or less frequently with
the tsung-li yamên against the remissness of the Chinese Government
[Page 402]
in protecting the persons and
property of their nationals residing in China under the stipulations of
treaties. Incendiary placards, infamous publications, insults, attacks
upon life and property, have formed the subject of these remonstrances.
In some cases indemnities have been paid, in others proclamations
issued, but in not one single case has any of the culprits been
punished. The foreign ministers recite the Wuhu case and ask that
stringent orders be issued for the punishment of the rioters; that
protection be given to foreigners residing in China; and that all
pending cases be settled and the culprits punished, etc.
In reply, the ministers would observe that, with regard to the unsettled
missionary cases in the provinces, the governors-general and governors
have never shown a disposition not to adopt measures and take action
therein. And the tsung-li-yamên has again and again addressed these high
provincial authorities to speedily bring them to a close. Whenever the
foreign ministers have addressed the yamên in regard to cases that
arise, the provincial authorities concerned have been communicated with
at once urging that action be taken in the premises. But the
circumstances attending cases vary. Those cases that can be brought to a
speedy settlement are certainly not allowed to drag on by the provincial
authorities. But, on the other hand, there are those cases that can not
be brought to a speedy close, say, for instance, on account of a failure
to get witnesses in court to ascertain the rights and wrongs of the
question at issue, which renders delay unavoidable. It is not the case
that the yamên or the governors-general and governors of the provinces
persist in evading their responsibility and are unwilling to have cases
brought to a close without delay. With regard to the Wuhu case, the
yamên, on hearing of it, dispatched frequent telegrams to the minister
superintendent of southern trade and to the governor of Nganhui to
depute officers and transport troops to the scene of the riot, suppress
the mob, and give due protection; further, to arrest the rioters,
rigidly examine them, and take the necessary action in the premises.
From the various telegrams received, soldiers have been already
dispatched, gunboats sent, and civil and military officers of both low
and high rank ordered to Wuhu to protect the foreigners and suppress the
rioters. Several of the rioters have been arrested who have been
strenuously examined by punishment. In Auching and Shanghai there have
been rumors everywhere and placards posted, but the local authorities
took precautions in time to give the necessary protection, and the
would-be rioters, on hearing this, dispersed. At present at Auching the
local authorities have been earnest and thorough in the diligence shown
to give protection to the missionaries. Full particulars of this were
represented to Mr. von Brandt, Sir John Walsham, and Mr. Ristel-hueber
at the personal interview some time ago.
In the communication under acknowledgment the foreign ministers allude to
the questions that were discussed and considered by Mr. Burlingame with
the treaty powers when he went abroad in 1868. The yamên admit all this,
but they have only to regret, however, that the treaty concluded by Mr.
Burlingame between China and the United States has been made null and
void by the action of the latter power, a fact well known to all
nations.
As in duty bound, the prince and ministers send their communication in
reply for your excellency’s information.
