Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Peking,
China, February 15,
1904.
No. 1504.]
Sir: Since writing my dispatch No. 1500, of
February 10, 1904, I have received two notes from the foreign office
expressing the fixed purpose of the Imperial court to remain in Peking
and preserve order. I inclose copies.
I have, etc.,
[Page 123]
[Inclosure 1.]
The Foreign Office to
Mr. Conger.
We have the honor to state that recently your excellency mentioned in
conversation that you had lately heard reports outside to the effect
that in the event of war breaking out between Russia and Japan,
Their Imperial Majesties the Empress Dowager and the Emperor would
leave Peking.
The one fixed purpose of the court is to remain here and preserve
order. Extra care is being taken strictly to prevent the reckless
manufacture of idle rumors.
The capital is of great importance and there must not be any
journeying of the Imperial chariot. We have therefore to beg your
excellency to set your mind at rest.
In sending this information we avail ourselves of the opportunity to
wish you the compliments of the day.
Cards inclosed.
Twelfth moon, 26th day.
(February 11,
1904.)
[Inclosure 2.]
Prince Ch’ing
to Mr. Conger.
I have the honor to inform your excellency that on the 27th of the
twelfth moon, XXIX year of Kuanghsü (Feb. 12, 1904), I received the
follownig Imperial edict:
“The censor, Wang Feng-ch’ih, has submitted a secret memorial, saying
that he had heard it said that owing to the present war between
Japan and Russia perhaps the court would move westward on account of
the disturbed condition of the East, and that he presumed to trouble
the Imperial ear to listen to his words; that if we should make the
mistake of listening to such a proposal men would become frightened
and the affections of the people would become divided.
“Japan and Russia at present have severed their peaceful relations,
but they have no quarrel with China. Both the capital and the
Provinces are quiet and peaceful as usual; why, then, should a
removal of the court be suggested? The said censor in thus hastily
taking up a baseless report has shown carelessness in submitting his
memorial; which evidences a lack of intelligence in managing
affairs. Wang Feng-ch’ih is hereby warned by our command. Hereafter
should anyone recklessly manufacture false rumors confusing and
deceiving those that listen to them, let the commandant of the
gendarmerie, the prefect of Shun-t’ien (Peking), and the censors of
the Five Cities (five divisions of Peking) all use strict measures
to seize them and punish them so as to tranquilize the people.
Respect this.”
As in duty bound, I have reverently copied the above edict and send
it to your excellency for your consideration.
A necessary dispatch.
Kuanghsü XXIX year, twelfth moon, 27th
day.
(February 12, 1904.)
