Mr. Denby to Mr. Blaine.
Peking, June 8, 1891. (Received July 23.)
Sir: Since I wired you on the 21st day of last month a riot has occurred in Nanking, which has been described in my late dispatches. There have been attempts at riots at other points near the Yangtse. It is now definitely settled that two Englishmen were murdered at Wusueh. This place is about 25 miles above Kiukiang. There were no Americans there. No American has as yet been injured. The apparent cause of the riots has been the old pretense that the Catholic Sisters buy children for the purpose of using their eyes for medicinal purposes. It is probable that sometimes children are stolen from their parents and are delivered to the Sisters, who receive them, not knowing the facts, and pay some small sum for the trouble taken. At least the Chinese believe this and make it a pretext for attacking all foreigners. Discontent spreads from place to place, and before the authorities, who more or less sympathize with the populace, can do anything, [Page 405] the work of destruction has been completed. The situation is very grave. The foreign representatives have acted with great energy, but the Chinese Government does not seem to realize the danger to the public peace and even to the stability of this dynasty. The urgent demand of the foreign representatives has been that, in addition to other protective and preventive measures being taken, an imperial edict should issue immediately commanding peace and quietness, and enjoining great diligence on the local authorities, and holding them personally responsible for any injury done to foreigners or their property. The yamên agrees that an edict shall issue, but desires to postpone its issuance to some future time, when all the facts are known. This delay destroys the main advantage of the circulation of such an edict. It is wanted as a preventive measure, and, as each day brings notice of new outrages, the necessity for its immediate issuance is apparent. The foreign representatives have sent to the yamên another strong demand for action by the Emperor, a copy whereof will be forwarded to you shortly. They have also verbally presented their demands.
It has been repeatedly stated that threatening placards have been posted on the city gates at Peking; but the foreign community, while somewhat agitated, are not alarmed. It is thought that the Emperor’s presence here will insure protection.
I have, etc.,