Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress with the Annual Message of the President, December 5, 1870

No. 226.

Mr. F. F. Low to Mr. Fish.

No. 18.]

Legation of the United States, Pekin, July 27, 1870. (Received September 21.)

Sir: Referring to my No. 12, of 27th ultimo, concerning the late riot at Tien-tsin, I have now the honor to lay before you sundry documents in further explanation of that painful affair.

Since the riot occurred I have tried to gather all the information possible in regard to it, its causes, and details; to ascertain where the responsibility rests for this massacre, and the measures being taken to punish the guilty, and afford redress for the outrages committed.

The opinions expressed in my No. 12, as to the cause of the riot, are in some degree modified, but they are in no essential particular changed.

* * * * * * * * *

The exact facts in regard to the killing of the consul and the other people, and the destruction of the buildings, are involved somewhat in doubt. The testimony in regard to these particulars is conflicting and contradictory, and probably the precise truth never will be known. I see no reason to alter or modify the opinions already expressed. Most if not all the bodies of the foreigners killed have been recovered. Many of them were horribly mutilated, indicating that the fury and fiendishness of a mob composed of Chinese may be equaled, but cannot be excelled, by the wild savages of the American continent.

The complicity of the local officials in this affair seems more certain, the more it is investigated. When they saw the storm gathering they failed to take any effective steps to prevent it, and the opinion is general in Tien-tsin that the mob received direct aid and countenance from the local officers and soldiers.

The belief is general among all classes that children are kidnapped and sold by the natives for base purposes, and that this is true there seems to be no doubt. The practice is reprobated by all classes, and the guilty persons are punished without mercy when detected. When such a practice exists it is not strange that foreigners should be liable to suspicion also. The secrecy with which all matters connected with the Sisters’ establishments are conducted renders them peculiarly liable to suspicion in the eyes of ignorant people. To this may be added the natural repugnance and hatred of the literati and gentry, who are ever ready to take advantage of any rumor to arouse the prejudices of the common people against foreigners, and impress upon them the belief that “barbarians” are capable of atrocity too absurb for belief, except by the ignorant and superstitious.

An excitement of a similar character occurred about the same time at Nankin, several hundred miles distant, which seems to be a remarkable coincidence. This could hardly be accounted as accidental, and affords grounds for the belief which generally prevails among foreigners, that the riot at Tientsin was not a sudden local excitement, but rather a part of a general plot to arouse the prejudices and passions of the people, with a view to the total extermination of the foreign residents. I am not prepared to accept this view of the case, and shall not, until evidence can be produced stronger than any that has come yet.

The particulars of the Nankin troubles are detailed with greater clearness in the report of the governor general of that province to the Foreign Office, a translation of which I inclose, (inclosure B.) It appears from this that the excitement was as great, the same stories were current in regard to the doings of the Catholics, and the danger as imminent, as at Tien-tsin; and that violence was prevented by the vigorous action of the local officials, coupled with the prudence of the Catholic missionaries, who permitted a thorough inspection to be made of their institution. This latter, it appears, went far to quiet the apprehensions of the people, and prevent a popular outbreak.

I inclose several edicts and proclamations going to show what measures are being taken by the government to punish the guilty parties and afford redress for the outrages committed.

Tsang-kwohfan, who is deputed to investigate the whole affair, and is now at Tien-tsin engaged in that business, is governor general of this province, and one of the ablest officers in the empire. His name is familiar to those who read our diplomatic correspondence as being the author of a somewhat celebrated paper—a report to the Foreign Office in 1867 giving his opinions upon the different points of the British treaty, which was then up for discussion and revision. This report, although private and confidential to his own government, was surreptitiously obtained in some way by the foreign legations, and translated. It appears in Diplomatic Correspondence, 1868, Part I, pages 519, 520, and 521. He is a man of mature years, great experience in official affairs, and generally regarded as anti-foreign in his views and feelings. But, whatever his private feelings toward foreigners may be, and however much he may desire that the empire should be restored to its ancient exclusiveness, he has seen enough to satisfy himself that this cannot be, and that all attempts to resist by force the peaceful residence of foreigners in China, in accordance with treaty stipulations, are acts of folly and madness. As an officer he will, I am persuaded, duly appreciate the obligations imposed upon him to search out and punish the guilty, and, in good faith, try to devise measures to prevent a recurrence of such outrages in the future. But, whatever may be done in the way of punishment and indemnity for the past, absolute security in the future cannot be expected until the minds of the people are divested of their absurd and wicked prejudices concerning foreigners. This can only be accomplished by time, aided by the influence of the governing class. The necessity of this education the high officials are beginning to realize, and the importance of their taking immediate action for this purpose is being constantly urged by the diplomatic representatives residing here.

The decree appointing Tsunghow, or Chunghow, as his name is generally rendered by foreigners, as imperial envoy to proceed to France to endeavor to arrange this difficulty, appears to be a step in the right direction. It evinces a disposition to conform their international intercourse to the forms and usages of western nations.

As yet all is doubt and uncertainty about the demands for indemnity which France will make. Telegraphic instructions via Russia are expected by the French chargé d’affaires in a few days. He is now in Tien-tsin, where he has gone to meet his admiral. A large fleet of foreign vessels of war is now in the vicinity of Tien-tsin. Six gunboats— three French and three English—are in the river; a French corvette lies outside the bar at the mouth of the Pei-ho, and the flag-ships of the English and French squadrons, and some other vessels, are at Che-foo. In addition to all these, two North German corvets and a portion of the North Pacific Russian squadron are daily expected at Che-foo.

I have written to the admiral commanding the United States Asiatic squadron, informing him of the importance of having some force in the North China waters, but it is doubted if any favorable response can be made until the arrival of Admiral Rogers.

The present aspect of affairs certainly looks troubled; but I hope a satisfactory settlement may be brought about without resort to hostilities.

Speculations as to the future answer no useful purpose, as you will undoubtedly learn the progress of events, and possibly the final result, before this can reach you.

My action will be controlled in a great measure by events as they occur. It will be my first duty to see that citizens of the United States are allowed to participate in all the rights and privileges granted to other nations. Beyond this I shall not consider it my duty to interfere, except in a general way, for benefit and future security.

FREDERICK F. LOW.

[Inclosures.]

A.—Copy of letter from M. Fontainer to M. le Comte Rochechouart.

B.—Letter from Ma-Sin-i, governor general of Nankin, to foreign office.

C.—Letter from Prince Kung to the representatives of foreign powers.

D.—Imperial decrees appointing Tsunghow imperial envoy and Chinglin superintendent of trade.

E.—Letter of Frederick F. Low to Prince Kung, approving appointment of Tsunghow.

F.—Letter of Prince Kung, transmitting imperial decree ordering all the local officers to be examined and punished for not repressing Tientsin riot.

G.—Proclamation of Tsang-Kwoh-fan with reference to Tien-tsin riots.

H.—Report of Tsang-Kwoh-fan, giving the result of his investigations into the details of the Tien-tsin riot, and the causes which led to it.

A.

[Translation.]

M. Fontainer to M. le Comte Rochechouart.

Tien-tsin, June 21, 1870.

M. le Comte: Our little city of Tien-tsin, usually so quiet, has for some days been disturbed by the cries of noisy mobs in the neighborhood of the establishment of the Sisters of Charity and this consulate. The Sisters are accused of taking out the eyes of children, and some of the boldest have dug up the bodies of those taken from their hospital. Lately the intendant (taotai) of this circuit wished to show me the deposition of many witnesses who declared that they had been victims of the persons employed by our missionaries to recruit young children for them. I had no difficulty in proving to him that all these rumors were the result of ill-will; but as he had presented the matter officially, I promised, on his repeated demand, to see to it that our Sisters of Charity should employ only persons of tried character.

Some hours after this meeting on the 19th, the district magistrate (chihien) came to the consulate, accompanied by a deputy from Chunghow, with the design of provoking forthwith an official investigation of the houses of the Sisters and Lazarest missionaries. But as he committed the impropriety of getting into a passion, and even of threatening me with the resentment of the people, apparently determined to exact from me that which his superiors only a few hours before had left entirely to my judgment, I took advantage of it to break off the interview by recalling to his notice that it was only with the superintendent of the three northern ports that I intended to continue this affair; but that I should none the less hold him responsible for the consequences of the troubles he seemed to be so willing to threaten me with, and of which I was persuaded he was the sole instigator.

I requested the deputy from Chunghow to inform his excellency of the result of my interview with the district magistrate until I could go myself to complain to him personally of the unbecoming conduct of this official. I had the pleasure yesterday morning to receive a visit from Chunghow. He spoke in strong terms of reprobation of this magistrate, though meanwhile trying to excuse him. I complained to him how little value the local authorities had given to his remarks when he had tried to contradict the false rumors circulated against our missionaries, the final cause of which must be found in the obligation to let them adopt a course in which he had refused to join, which had attached to him anew the epithet of “The Right Arm of Europeans.”

This little incident, which would perhaps have taken a bad turn, unless Chunghow had interfered, now seems to me to-day to be pretty much finished. He has, more-over, promised me that in a few days he will issue a short proclamation to quiet the minds of the people.

B.

Ma-Sin-i, governor general of Nankin, to the Foreign Office.

I have received the dispatch [from the Foreign Office] stating that M. de Rochechouart had announced his intention of starting for Kiangs and Chehkiang provinces from Tien-tsin, for the purpose of ascertaining, by secret inquiry, whether it was true or not that the Roman Catholic establishments have been criminated by persons, [charged with kin napping;] when the startling news was received that there had been a tumult at Tien-tsin in consequence of these establishments having been criminated by kidnappers, in which the French consul, M. Fontainer, had been killed by the-mob. I was accordingly directed to issue confidential instructions to the local authorities that whenever a case of kidnapping occurred, which in any way implicated the Roman Catholics, they should investigate the matter to the bottom, and be careful not to give ready credence to idle rumors, lest they might by so doing give rise to disturbance.

About the last of May and the first part of June, cases were constantly reported of children being missing, both within and without the city of Nankin, and those arrested, on being narrowly examined, did make statements that implicated the Roman Catholics, but none of them being supported by any satisfactory proofs it was not thought expedient to follow up the charges by inquiring of them. But although these cases were disposed of, the people incessantly complained of children being beguiled and carried off, and the excitement increased. One kidnapper was taken almost in the act, and when before the authorities, he stated that a man named Choo Teh-shing, belonging to the Roman Catholic establishment, was his principal. This increased the difficulty of disarming popular suspicion. As the rumors circulated, they changed their character, and became so truculent that people shuddered when they heard them, and the citizens were so exasperated that it was almost impossible to restrain them.

I gave orders accordingly to the provincial commissions and intendants who direct the committee of reorganization,^* that as soon as they had convicted the kidnappers now in custody to punish the whole by martial law, that the wrath of the people might be appeased. At the same time I put forth a proclamation stating all the particulars, and charging the people not to listen to these unfounded rumors; and further directed an officer of the committee charged with foreign business to inform the resident Roman Catholic priest, in writing, of the rumors that were in circulation. He replied, defending himself, and begged that measures might be taken to prevent any trouble. This took place just after the dragon-boat festival on June 3, and it was brought to my notice that the population had not abandoned their suspicions. It was also ascertained that vagrant people and lovers of mischief were exciting them to such a pitch that a day had actually been fixed on which all the able-bodied men in the city were engaged to meet and go together to the Roman Catholic establishment. This project, and many others being talked of, I at once sent orders to the heads of the various wards, and subordinate officers among the gentry, explicitly directing them to arrest any person found spreading these stories for mischievous purposes. The prefect and district magistrates, attended by a number of the gentry and literati, also went at the same time to the Roman Catholic establishment. The missionary took them all over the rooms, and into every corner of the building, but they found nothing whatever out of the common way, and consequently, as soon as it was proved that there was no evidence there for these stories current, popular suspicion began to subside.

Both in the city and suburbs, however, people still continued in a state of alarm and unrest, which led me to issue fresh proclamations on this head, and secretly to detail soldiers to patrol by day and night all the roads and streets most carefully, with a view to relieve the apprehensions of the people. By these means after the middle of June men’s minds were calmed and the Roman Catholics and people were as friendly as ever. This is a full account of the measures taken in Nankin during the last month with reference to kidnapping.

I have received nothing in writing from Chehkiang province to show whether anything of this sort has happened there or not, but I have heard that some cases of beguiling and kidnapping did occur in May in the province of Nganheoni. The excitement in Tien-tsin began in that month, but it is beyond my comprehension how there should have been movements in several provinces north and south, so identical in time and purpose.

The space within the walls of Nankin is large and disconnected. Its inhabitants are ordinarily from all parts of the empire, not one-half of them being natives of the place. This is examination year, too, and great numbers of students and traders will assemble, which makes strict surveillance throughout the quarters difficult. As a precautionary measure, however, I am erecting guard-houses at all the important points in the several wards and about the market places, in which the guards can mutually help and observe each other in their watching. The committee of reorganization are to see that in every ward registry door-tickets are made for each dwelling house, and will take precautions that the registry of the people be done so as not to distress them. They will merely enjoin on every tithing that its inhabitants exercise such mutual vigilance within its limits that bad characters will have no refuge for themselves.

I have also directed an officer from the committee of foreign trade to go to the English and French missionaries here, and civilly urge them to move out of the way while the examinations are going on, so that causes of collisions with the students may be avoided. The Protestant missionaries occupy a rented house and chapel near the examination hall, and they agree to move away while the examination is held, but the new church of the Roman Catholics in one street overlooks the prefectural college in another, and they declared that they had nowhere to go. but were willing to shut their gates and keep indoors till it was over. But lest the students should go to the place and get into dispute with the inmates, I have enjoined upon every one of the literary chancellors and those in charge to urge on the students to avoid whatever will produce disturbance. Thus it is to be hoped that all parties will keep peace; and I now give this detail of the precautionary measures which I have adopted for your information.

C.

Prince Kung to the representatives of foreign powers.

June 26, 1870. (Tungchi, 9th year, 5th moon, 28th day.)

Prince Kung, chief secret ay of state for foreign affairs, herewith sends a reply:

I yesterday had the honor to receive the collective note of your excellencies, in which you refer to the murder of the French consul, priests, missionaries, and others at Tien-tsin, and inquire whether the officers and people of other countries residing at that port can be protected from violence. You also suggest whether the means for assuring the safety of foreigners in other provinces are adequate for the purpose, and advise that firm measures for this end be speedily taken, so that their persons and property may be secure; and, lastly, urge the condign punishment of those who have been guilty in the riot at Tien-tsin, &c.

In relation to the circumstances of this riot at Tien-tsin, and what has been done to repress it and punish the actors, I have already stated to your excellencies the steps which have been taken. Since then Tsunghow has received dispatches from the consuls, and such measures have been adopted that there is, apparently, not the least probability of further disturbance.

With regard to the necessity of taking precautionary measures in the other provinces, I may state, further, that the most stringent orders have been sent to the several governors-general and governors to enjoin upon their subordinates to exert the utmost diligence in protecting foreigners of every class residing within their jurisdictions. Should lawless vagabonds stir up strife and seek occasion against them, such are to be instantly seized and punished with the utmost rigor that the law requires, so that the two, foreigners and natives, may dwell together in enduring peace.

It is for the purpose of making known what has been done in this matter, that I now send this communication for the information of your excellencies.

To Eug. Buetzow, Chargé d’Affaires for Russia.

Adolfo Patxot, Spanish Minister.

Frederick F. Low, United States Minister.

Baron de Rehfues, Minister for the North German Confederation.

Aug. t’Kint von Roodenbeck, Belgian Minister.

Count Rochechouart, Chargé d’Affaires for France.

Thomas F. Wade, Chargé d’Affaires for Great Britain.

D.

Prince Kung to Mr. F. F. Low.

June 29, 1870. (Tungchi, 9th year, 6th moon, 1st day.)

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith sends a commumtion:

I was yesterday honored by receiving the following imperial decree:

“Let Tsunghow, a vice-president of the board of war and superintendent of trade for the three northern ports, be invested with full powers to go to France as our imperial envoy. Respect this.”

On the same day I also received the following imperial decree:

“Tsunghow having been sent abroad as our envoy, let Chinglin temporarily fill the post of superintendent of trade for the three northern ports. Respect this.”

I have caused these decrees to be carefully copied, and now send them for your excellency’s information.

His Excellency Frederick F. Low, United States Mintster to China.

E.

Mr. F. F. Low to Prime Kung.

Legation of the United States, Pekin, June 30, 1870.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your highness’s dispatch of yesterday, containing copies of two imperial decrees respecting the appointment of Tsunghow as imperial envoy to France, and of Chinglin to fill the post of superintendent of the three northern ports for the time, &c.

His excellency Tsunghow has so long been in charge of the trade at Tien-tsin that he has become thoroughly conversant with it; and of all the details connected with the recent riot at that city, the killing of the French consul, and what followed, he was an eye-witness. In respect, therefore, to the causes of this excitement and the subsequent attack, he will, in his position of imperial envoy to France, be able to fully explain all that took place on that occasion, and remove the apprehensions of the French people as to what may grow out of this very serious affair. The origin and progress of the agitation up to the final outbreak are all well known to him, so that his appointment at this juncture as a special envoy seems to me to be a wise step.

The high officer Chinglin, who has already filled the post of intendant and collector at Neuchwang, has been well spoken of by the American consul at that port as well versed in the details of trade, and an officer who executes the duties devolving on him with equity and consideration. His appointment to temporarily fill the post of superintendent of trade for the three northern ports is, therefore, likely to prove satisfactory to all, and is very agreeable to me.

I have the honor to be, sir, your imperial highness’s obedient servant,

FREDERICK F. LOW.

His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, &c.

F.

Prince Kung to Mr. F. F. Low.

June 29, 1870. (Tungchi, 9th year, 6th moon, 1st day.)

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication:

On the 28th instant I was honored by receiving the following imperial decree:

“In consequence of wicked men having kidnapped young children in the prefecture of Tien-tsin, and implicated therein the establishment of the [Roman Catholic] religionists, the people of the city had their suspicions aroused, and raised a riot in which the French consul was killed by the mob, the churches burned, and many other persons lost their lives, together with some Russian merchants, who were unintentionally killed. The whole affair and all the acts committed are much to be deplored.

“We have already ordered that Tsunghow and all the local officers who have managed matters so badly in this affair be delivered over to the board [of civil office] to decide upon their punishment, and also directed that Tsang Kwoh-fan go there and inquire what are the real facts of the case, and send up a report, and also seize the miscreants who carried off human beings and the ringleaders of this riot, and execute the penalties of the law upon the guilty.

“The provisions of the treaties now in force have hitherto proved to be adequate for everything connected with the trade and intercourse with other countries, and under them natives and foreigners have now for a long time got along amicably, our government regarding them both with the same kindness. But in discriminating between the good and the evil no one should ask whether a man belongs to a sect or not, for wherever unscrupulous fellows are found sheltering themselves under the name of Catholics to act traitorously, and violate the laws, they must be arrested immediately and strict examination made that just punishment may be inflicted. It is impossible to permit men to circulate unfounded rumors and recklessly stir up strife and riot.

“It is to be feared that owing to this conflict and ill-will between the people and the Catholics at Tien-tsin the inhabitants of other provinces will have their suspicions aroused, and excite strife against them, and, therefore, let all the chief provincial authorities give the strictest orders to all their subordinates throughout their jurisdiction to publish explicit proclamations upon this matter, and take proper measures to repress all attempts at rising. Wherever merchants and missionaries are found let them have adequate protection whenever they require it, and by no means let the ignorant people be excited to disorder by rumors or other causes. Respect this.”

I now send your excellency a carefully prepared copy of the decree for your information.

His Excellency F. F. Low, United States Minister to China.

G.

Proclamation of Tsang-kwoh-fan with reference to Tien-tsin riots.

July 10, 1870.

Tsang, a cabinet minister, governor general of the province of Chihli, &c., &e., hereby issues the following proclamation:

I have been honored with repeated orders from the throne in reference to the occurrences of the 21st ultimo, directing me to examine into and settle them in the strictest justice, without calling on the troops. All classes, both official and unofficial, ought, therefore, to endeavor earnestly to carry out his Majesty’s intentions, so that this affair may be settled and the minds of people quieted.

To this end I now issue this proclamation, ordering the inhabitants of this place to quietly attend to their own affairs as usual, and strictly forbidding them to gather in crowds, or wander through the streets and markets in crowds of ten or a hundred, circulating wild rumors designed to alarm and stir up the people. You are also forbidden to assemble about the foreign houses and shipping to stir up strife and rancor.

In all my examination into the causes, and inquiry as to who is implicated in this affair, I shall exercise strict equity while carrying on the examination; in no case will I show any partiality, but do justly by all. Let every one carefully obey this special proclamation.

H.

Report of Tsang-Kwoh-fan respecting the Tien-tsin riot and its causes.

Extract from a dispatch of Tsunghow to the United States vice-consul at Tien-tsin, dated July 14, 1870, containing copy of a letter to him from Tsang-Kwoh-fan, governor general of the province.

* * * * * * *

I have received his Majesty’s orders to come to Tien-tsin and, in concert with your excellency, to make a thorough investigation into the riot here on the 21st of June, and learn the causes for the animosity which led to it. It appears that villanous men have been bewitching and carrying off children, in which they have implicated the Roman Catholic establishments, and assert that these people extract the eyes and open the hearts of the children to put into certain medicines. Not only have the ignorant and vulgar been carried away by these idle rumors, but even the educated gentry and officials have confirmed them by their assent. These causes have been operating till suspicion has produced hatred, and angry passions have been stirred up, until this serious catastrophe has come to pass. It is imperatively necessary, therefore, to learn the real facts about these things, so that the true may be distinguished from the false, the guileless from the malicious, and everybody enabled to understand the rights of the case. These exciting rumors are not alone prevalent at Tien-tsin, but were rife in former years in the provinces of Hunan and Kiangsi; and last year extraordinary placards were posted up anonymously in the cities of Yangchau, in Kiangsu, and Tienman; in Hupeh, and in those of Kwangping and Ta-ming, in this province. Some of the charges brought forward were that the Roman Catholics beguiled and kidnapped children; others said that they took out their eyes and opened their hearts; and lastly, that they deceived women into their quarters to defile them. But although the occurrences at these towns were all judicially inquired into and settled, no attempt was ever made to search into their causes, to learn the truth of the statements made in the placards and exciting rumors, and clear up the whole matter.

Since I reached Tien-tsin I have most carefully inquired into the charges brought against the Roman Catholics of bewitching and kidnapping children. While the man Wangsan acknowledged in his examination that he had done so, yet he has since denied that he confessed, and his statement does not at all agree with the original testimony of W“Lanchin respecting their complicity, nor is there the least proof that any one at the mission ever employed him for such a purpose.

Furthermore, the one hundred and fifty boys and girls brought from the hospital of the Sisters of Charity have all been questioned, one after another, and agree in saying that they have been there under instruction a long time, and that their relatives brought them to the institution to be reared and taught. Not one of them had been kidnapped, or in any way cajoled to come there.

The stories about their taking out eyes and opening hearts are also mere unfounded rumors, without a shadow of evidence to uphold them. There were many deaths at the hospital in the months of May and June, and sometimes two or three bodies were put into the same coffin, which gave rise to great suspicions among the people. They remarked, too, that its doors were constantly kept closed and everything carried on with such secrecy that no one could tell what was done inside, which of course gave rise to increased suspicion and dread. Rumors arose on every side, spreading these accusations by myriads of tongues, but to get at their truth would have been like trying to clutch the wind or seize a shadow.

When I first got here, the people came around me by hundreds, handing in their petitions about this affair. I have personally examined many of them and asked for the proof of what they allege about taking out eyes and hearts; but not one can point to a single case within his knowledge. Nor is there any evidence to show that any family in the city or suburbs of Tien-tsin has lost young children; for if such a case had come before the courts, it would have furnished a means of thoroughly investigating the matter. On the whole, therefore, my inquires have convinced me that there is no foundation for the rumors, nor can I ascertain how they have arisen; and it seems advisable for your excellency and myself to immediately report these circumstances to the throne, in order to put a stop to these unfounded rumors and suspicions.

As to the charges that they (the Roman Catholic missionaries) kill children and mutilate their bodies for the purpose of concocting medicine out of their organs, it may be replied that even wild savages and fierce barbarians refuse to act thus; how much less, then, the English and French, those mighty nations, beyond the sea? Can it be supposed that they do such cruel and detestable deeds? It stands to reason that there has been nothing of the kind.

If persons belonging to the Roman Catholic sect commit crimes, rob, or try to kidnap people, and think to screen themselves from punishment by alleging that they are members of it, it will not do to release them; they must suffer the penalty of the law; nor can any criminal be discharged because he is one of the sects. The Roman Catholic faith teaches people to do good, and Ms sacred Majesty the Emperor Humane (Kanhi) long ago permitted missionaries to exercise and teach their faith. The hospitals of the Sisters of Charity are like our foundling hospitals or old men’s asylums, having for their chief object to relieve the wretched and help the poor, in doing which they lay out large sums annually. Their name itself, jin-tsz, means humane and kind, and should be sufficient to disarm the slander which accuses their managers of such horrid cruelties. It will be hard to appease the wrath of foreigners for this.

It will be proper for us to memorialize the Emperor, requesting that orders be sent to all the provincial rulers, advising them that all irritating anonymous placards formerly circulated about the Roman Catholics killing and cutting up human beings are all malicious and unfounded assertions, and ordering them to take measures to redress the wrongs of foreigners and completely dissipate the misapprehensions of the people. These things should be proclaimed over the empire, so that every one shall hear and understand them; and mayhap the fears and suspicions of all, both natives and foreigners, will be removed, and the mutual ill-will of the people and the Roman Catholics gradually cease, and peace be restored.

If you agree with these views, it will be proper to make them known at once to the merchants; and I should like a reply showing that it has been done.

1. * Office of supplementation, a body of magistrates and others which have been supposed to be bringing the affairs of the province into order since its recovery from the Taiping rebels.