_EDICTS ISSUED BY THE EMPRESS DURING SIEGE, WITH A FEW COMMENTS THEREON_
[Illustration: An attendant to a Confucian priest]
WHILE we were besieged in the legations we were quite unaware of
anything going on in the city outside of us until July 18, after the
so-called truce, when we paid a native a large sum to smuggle into
the compound copies of the Peking “Gazette,” the government organ,
of the dates of June 13 to July 19, inclusive. The translations of
such parts as relate to the Boxers or foreigners that follow show:
first, the duplicity of the Empress in apparently trying to suppress
the Boxers prior to the declaration of war, June 19; second, her open
encouragement in edicts from that date until the defeat of her armies
at Tientsin under Generals Sung Ching, Ma Yu Kun and Nieh Shih Cheng,
July 17; and third, her immediate turning around and attempting to
curry favor by denouncing the Boxers in the edicts of July 18 and 19.
While trying her best to murder all the foreign ministers, she was
having her own ministers abroad inform the countries to whom they were
accredited that the foreign ministers were perfectly safe here.
The edicts speak for themselves, and are an eloquent appeal to the
foreign powers never to allow this most treacherous woman, or any other
Manchu for that matter, to occupy the throne of China.
“June 13—Edict: Two days since a member of the Japanese legation, the
clerk in chancery, was murdered by desperadoes [her own soldiers in
government uniform] outside the Yung Ting gate. We were exceedingly
grieved to learn of this.
“The officials of our neighboring nations on duty in Peking should
receive our protection in every possible way, particularly in such
times as the present [when we are planning to kill them all at once],
when every exertion must be used, because desperadoes are as thick as
bees.
“We have repeatedly commanded the various local officials to
secure the most perfect quiet in their districts, yet in spite of
these orders we have this case of murder of the Japanese chancellor
occurring in the very capital of the Empire.
“The civil and military officials have been too remiss in not clearing
their districts of bad characters, or arresting the proper persons,
so we hereby set a limit of time for the arrest and punishment of
such criminals [time not stated]. Should the time expire without a
successful search for the guilty, then the responsible official will
be given a penalty. [In other words, if the murderer of the Japanese
is not discovered before we drive all the foreigners out, and the plot
fails because of this premature murder giving it away, somebody will
have to pay for it.]”
“Edict No. 2: The Boxer desperadoes have recently been causing trouble
in the neighborhood of the capital, and finally Peking has become
involved.
“We have a number of times issued edicts in explicit terms ordering
the military commanders on duty near the capital to put an end to
these disturbances. Notwithstanding which, cases of murder and arson
are reported, and bad characters are circulating malicious rumors
under pretense that they are only revenging themselves on converts.
“The result is that our good soldiers have become involved, and do
not hesitate to disregard our commands; at the same time they believe
these men leagued together to commit arson and murder, and suffer
themselves to be misled by them.
[Illustration: ENTRANCE TO THE IMPERIAL UNIVERSITY OF PEKING
Among the notable buildings that were destroyed by the Boxers was the
Imperial University of Peking. To the noble work performed within its
walls can be attributed much of the rapid rise of the “progressive” or
“New China” party, with whom the Emperor seemed to be so thoroughly in
accord until his power was subordinated to that of the Empress.]
“Good citizens most of all desire to stimulate patriotism, and one
would like to know when in the history of the world has there ever
been a strong nation made so by condoning anarchy among the people.
We know, since investigating, that among the ranks of the Boxers there
are many bandits and desperadoes, who have vied with one another in
disgraceful acts of looting and robbery.
[Illustration: IMPERIAL PAVILION
The Hall of Classics, in the Forbidden City, Peking—a beautiful
building]
“We have already ordered Kang Yi and others to proceed to the various
country districts, and acquaint each and all with our virtuous
intentions, so that there may be tranquillity. Let Boxers who have
already entered into league disband and be quiet. It is obvious that
the various cases of robbery and murder which have occurred are the
work of traitors.
“We shall believe no man a bad citizen unless caught red-handed in
crime. But really bad characters must be rooted out, and from now on
no mercy will be shown such. We order General Sung Ching to command
General Ma Yu Kun to come with all speed to the capital, and make
strenuous efforts to arrest all desperadoes in the region about
Peking. It is important that only ringleaders be seized, but the
subordinates may be allowed to scatter.
“It is strictly forbidden that the military make use of this as a
means of causing trouble. Our hope is that the land may be cleared of
traitors, and the country be at peace.”
This edict really means that Ma Yu Kun was to come to Peking, to seize
converts, and his soldiers were to avoid any conflict with the Boxers.
“June 19: Recently there has grown up much dissension between the
people generally and the Christian converts. Rumors of all kinds have
been rife, and irresponsible people have seized the opportunity to
burn and rob.
“It is certain that the foreign ministers ought to be protected.
[Which means the rumors were that they were to be murdered with
government sanction.]
“Yung Lu is ordered to detail his own soldiers and exert his authority
in person in east Legation street and vicinity to secure their
protection. He must not be lax.
“Should the foreign ministers and their families prefer to temporarily
retire to Tientsin, he must see they are protected en route [when
Baron von Ketteler left the legation walls the following day to visit
the tsung-li-yamen he was murdered by these ‘protection guards’]; but
as the railway is not now in working, and if they go by cart-road
it would be difficult to secure their safety, they would do better
perhaps to abide here in peace as heretofore [we had been under fire
for six days at intervals] until the railroad is repaired, and then
act as they see fit. Respect this.”
“June 21.—Edict: From the foundation of this dynasty, foreigners in
China have always been kindly treated. [A tremendous lie.]
“In Tao Kuang and Hsien Feng’s time they were granted the privilege of
trading, and they then asked permission to propagate their religion,
which request was reluctantly granted. At first they were submissive
to Chinese control, but for the last thirty years they have taken
advantage of China’s forbearance to encroach on our territory and
trample our people under foot while demanding our wealth.
“Every concession made by China only increased their reliance upon
force. They constantly oppressed the people, insulted the gods and
sages, and so caused the most burning indignation among the populace.
Hence came about the burning of the chapels and slaughter of converts
by the patriotic militia [the Boxers].
“The throne was anxious to avoid conflict, and issued edicts ordering
the protection of the legations and enjoining pity for the converts.
Boxers and converts were declared equally the children of the empire
in our decrees, in the hope of obliterating the existing feud between
them.
“Extreme kindness was shown to the foreigners from a distance. But
these foreigners knew no gratitude, and increased their demands.
“A dispatch was yesterday received, sent by the French consul, Du
Chaylard, calling on us to deliver into their care the Taku forts,
otherwise they would take them by force. This threat showed their
aggressive spirit.
“We have in all matters of international intercourse always shown
ourselves courteous in the extreme. But they, calling themselves
civilized states, have disregarded right and are relying solely upon
force.
“We have reigned now nearly thirty years, treating our subjects
as our children, and being honored by them as a deity, and, too,
we have been the constant recipient of the gracious favor of the
Empress Dowager. [This edict pretends to come from the Emperor alone,
evidently.]
[Illustration: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, WHERE THE EMPEROR PRAYED
One of the most imposing temples of China; perhaps the most important,
since it was the Emperor’s place of worship before he abandoned the
capital.]
“Moreover, our ancestors and the gods have answered our prayer, so
that there has never been as at present such a universal manifestation
of loyalty and patriotism.
“We have, with tears, announced a war in our ancestral shrine, because
we feel it is better to commence a struggle than to seek further means
of self-protection, involving as it does eternal disgrace.
“All our officials, high and low, are of the same mind, and there have
assembled without our call several hundred thousand patriotic militia
[Boxers], with many who are yet but children, glad to carry a spear in
defense of their country [young ruffians who looted and murdered all
the respectable native residents as well as officials who did not fly
from Peking before the Boxers entered in any numbers].
[Illustration: Taouist Temple of ten thousand gods in Nanking]
“The foreigners rely upon crafty schemes, but our trust is in
heaven’s justice. They depend on violence, we on humanity [such as
killing women and children by the hundreds at the south cathedral],
not to speak of the righteousness of our cause.
“Our provinces are more than twenty in number, our population over
400,000,000; so it will not be difficult to vindicate our dignity.”
The decree further requests people with money to subscribe assistance,
promising official recognition for it, and also offers large rewards
for those who distinguish themselves in action, as well as threats for
those who are dilatory or cowardly, urging all to exert themselves
continually in the good work—exterminating alike foreigners and
converts.
“June 24.—Decree: Yesterday shops and residences in Tung Tan Pailou
street and Ch’ang Au street were looted by militia with arms [Boxers].
This is a serious matter, so we ordered Yung Lu to depute officers to
arrest the offenders. Eleven from one division and twenty-three from
another division were arrested and executed on the spot, the public
witnessing the executions.
“We now command the general officers of the various divisions to give
strict orders to their subordinates that the braves are to be kept
in order. Should these occurrences be repeated, martial law will be
declared. If the officers commanding screen the offenders, instead of
rigorously enforcing the laws, they will be examined, and if found
guilty severely punished.
[Illustration: Typical Peking beggars]
“The military governor of the city is hereby commanded to arrest all
desperadoes creating disturbances and execute them on the spot. Show
no mercy.”
A second decree, same date, says:
“The board of revenue is hereby ordered to give Kang Yi two hundred
bags of rice as provisions for distribution among the Boxers.”
A third decree:
“Members of our people comprised in the Boxer organization are
scattered in all parts of the region around the metropolis and
Tientsin, and it is right they should have superintendents over
them. We appoint, therefore, Prince Chuang and Assistant Grand
Secretary Kung Yi to be in general command, and also order Ying Nien
brigade-general of the left wing, and Tsai Lan, temporarily acting as
a brigade commander of the right wing, to act in coöperation with them.
“We command Wen Yui, adjutant-general of the Manchu army, to be a
brigadier-general.
“All members of the Boxer society are exerting their utmost
energies for the imperial family, so we must not be behind them in
harboring hatred and revenge for our enemies. It is our confident
hope and desire that the wishes of each and all may be successfully
consummated, and to this end it is important that every energy be put
forth, nothing lacking. Respect this.”
“June 27.—Edict: An edict appeared yesterday directing, as a stimulus
to exertion, discriminating rewards to be given to the various
army corps that have distinguished themselves [by looting?] in the
metropolitan district. Now that the left wing of the army, under
command of Sung Ching, have in sectional divisions marched to the
capital, let 100,000 taels be equally divided among the men, and let
the men be fully instructed that they are to keep good order in the
capital.”
An edict was also issued commanding the viceroy of Chihli to retake
if possible the Taku forts, and to prevent the foreign troops (the
allied armies) from creeping northward. Also another ordering the
distribution of 100,000 taels each to the Boxers and troops throughout
the Metropolitan district.
“June 28.—Edict: A censor of the central city memorializes the throne
requesting the distribution of government rice. He observes that the
patriotic Boxers had recently been slaying and burning the converts,
and that the markets are greatly disturbed, so that not only the lower
classes have lost their means of livelihood, but some of the middle
classes are also suffering want. Rather than allow the ranks of the
criminal classes to be swollen, let a distribution of food be made by
imperial bounty.
“Referring to various precedents, he asks imperial authority for the
issue of rice, and that 2,000 taels silver be allowed for expenses.
“He states that on the night of the 16th of June there was a fire in
the neighborhood of the Chien Men, accompanied by pillage, and much
alarm created. Officials took to flight and shops closed. On the
21st of June an inn in the native city was robbed, and nine persons
were caught and beheaded on the spot. On the 25th (Sunday), villains
pretending to be soldiers surrounded an official’s residence in
Second street near the inspectorate-general of customs [probably
Marquis Tseng’s] and entirely stripped it, shooting wantonly three
servants.
[Illustration: MARQUIS TSENG’S DAUGHTER AND HER HUSBAND
In their wedding finery. The familiar geranium between shows that the
Chinese have our flowers.]
“Memorialist and his colleagues will do their best to keep order;
but he requests that the throne direct the imperial princes and high
officers in command of the Boxers to order arrested any brigands
committing robberies. And that the same princes and high officers
who command soldiers should see that amongst their corps also there
are no false soldiers acting in their true character as bandits,
committing acts of pillage.”
“June 28.—A censor having complained of acts of brigandage in the
capital, we hereby command the princes and ministers in command of the
Boxers to instruct their subordinates to arrest all guilty parties and
execute them on the spot.”
“July 1.—Edict: General preparations are being made for war. Owing
to telegraphic communication being interrupted, the courier service,
which has fallen into disuse, must be revived. Yu Lu, viceroy of
Chihli, is directed to send out courier spies in every direction to
obtain exact information of the movements of our enemies.”
On the same date a second edict says:
“The members of the Boxer society began by taking as their motto,
‘Loyalty and courage.’ We consequently expected they would do great
service in expelling the oppressors. But Peking and vicinity has
witnessed many acts of wanton pillage and murder by bad characters
pretending to be Boxers. If no strict distinction is drawn, internal
dissension will be added to foreign war, and the state of the country
will be unenviable.
“Tsai Hsun, in charge of the Boxers, is hereby ordered to keep the
members of his organization in strict subjection to discipline, and to
expel pretenders who are in the ranks only to make trouble. Bodies of
brigands, of no matter what name, must be dealt with as brigands and
have no mercy shown them.”
“July 27.—Edict: From the time of the propagation of foreign
religions up to the present, there has been much ill-feeling
between converts and non-converts. This is all the result of faulty
administration on the part of the local officials, which has given
rise to lasting feuds.
“The fact remains that converts are still the children of the empire,
and among them are undoubtedly some good, worthy people, only they
have been led into error by false doctrines, having been misled by
the missionaries, and have committed many misdeeds. They still hold
to their false beliefs, and an irreconcilable hatred has sprung up
between the people and the converts.
[Illustration: Two singing girls of Peking]
“The throne is now recommending every Boxer to render loyal and
patriotic service against the enemies of his country, so that the
whole population may be of one mind.
“We now state that the converts are, equally with Boxers, subjects,
and must follow the rules laid down for all or be destroyed. If
they will change their tenets and recant, we can see no reason why
they should not be allowed to escape the net. The viceroys and
governor-generals are therefore enjoined to issue the following
proclamation: ‘All converts who recant their former errors, and give
themselves up to the authorities, shall be allowed to reform, and the
past shall be ignored. The public must be notified of this and each
case will be settled by the local officials, according to regulations
to be promulgated later on.’
[A nice trap to find out all the converts and exterminate them.]
“As hostilities have now commenced between China and the foreign
nations, the missionaries must be driven away at once, so that
they may give no trouble. But it is necessary that they be granted
protection _en route_. The provincial authorities must attend to all
such within their jurisdiction. Let this be done speedily and with no
carelessness.”
“July 8.—Edict: The posts about Tientsin are of extreme importance,
and troops are being massed there for their defense. The seventy-two
fire companies, aggregating over 10,000 men, all animated by a spirit
of patriotism, would, if united to the Boxers, greatly swell the
strength of our opposition and surely turn the edge of the enemy.
Respect this.”
“July.—Edict: We appoint Li Hung Chang viceroy of Chihli and
superintendent of northern trade [the G. O. M.’s old post]. As the
guarding of Tientsin is now of utmost importance, we direct that until
Li Hung Chang’s arrival Yu Lu, in concert with Prince Ching, consult
as to the best measures to be taken. Pending the change of officials,
there must be no slackening of responsibility.”
The edict of July 12 relates the conduct of General Nieh Shih Cheng,
commanding the foreign-drilled troops from Lu Tai, and censures him,
but states he died bravely at the head of his soldiers on July 11.
On July 15 Tung Fang, acting governor of Shansi, in a memorial, quotes
the following decree transmitted to him by the privy council on June
20:
[Illustration: PASSENGER WHEELBARROW
This picture shows the common method of transportation in vogue in the
Chinese cities of to-day; but with the opening of China to western
influences the modern electric car will doubtless supersede this
conveyance, and, like many other picturesque but antiquated features of
the country, it will be relegated to the past.]
“A quarrel has broken out between China and foreign nations, and it
is difficult to see how matters can be arranged. The viceroys and
governors have all been the recipients of imperial favor, and it is
now their manifest duty to use every effort to make return, and to
lay before us the detail according to the respective circumstances
of their several provinces, schemes for the selection of generals,
drilling of soldiers, and plans for properly paying them. They must
also suggest plans for safeguarding the borders of the country from
the aggression of foreigners, as well as see that reinforcements
be sent to the aid of the capital in order that no harm befall the
dynasty. It is very plain that the situation hinges on the zealous
united coöperation of the viceroys and governors that the situation
be saved. It is our earnest expectation that full assistance will be
given, as is needed in a crisis of this importance. This decree must
be published everywhere with the speed its nature demands.”
“July 18.—Edict: [Commencing now to hedge, and to negotiate with
the foreign ministers still penned up in the British legation. This
is after the defeat of the imperial armies at Tientsin]. The reason
for the fighting between China and foreign nations sprung from a
disagreement between the people and the Christian converts. [That
is, the Christian converts objected to being murdered and pillaged
wholesale by their heathen neighbors.]
“We could but enter upon war when the Taku forts were taken.
Nevertheless, the government is not willing lightly to break off the
friendly relations which have existed. We have repeatedly issued
orders to protect the ministers of the various countries, and have
also ordered the protection of missionaries in the various provinces.
[Illustration: Native wheelbarrow—Tientsin]
“The fighting has not yet been very extensive, and there are still
many merchants of the various countries within our domains. All alike
should be protected.
“It is hereby ordered that the generals and governors shall find
out wherever there still exist merchants or missionaries, and still
protect them according to the provisions of the treaties without the
least carelessness. [For nearly a month after this the Empress kept
ministers, missionaries, and merchants under the almost constant fire
of her troops within two miles of her residence, where she could not
but hear every gun fired at them.]
“Last month the chancellor of the Japanese legation was killed. This
was most unexpected. Before the case was settled, the German minister
was killed. Suddenly meeting this affair caused us great grief. We
ought rigorously to seek the murderers and punish them.
“Excepting the fighting at Tientsin, the prefect of Shun Tien Fu, with
the governor-general of this province, must command the officers
under them to examine what foreigners have been causelessly killed,
and what property destroyed, and report the same, that all may be
settled together.
“The vagabonds who have been burning houses, robbing, and killing
these many days have produced a terrible state of chaos. We order that
the viceroy and military officials clearly ascertain the circumstances
and unite in reducing confusion to order. Promulgate this decree in
such manner that all may know.”
[Illustration: Group of natives, Su Chan Gardens]
“July 19.—Extract from a memorial by Chang Shun: ‘Your slave has
examined into what has happened recently in the whole region south of
the imperial domain in stirring up trouble that has resulted in the
destruction of railways and telegraphs, and a morbid chaotic madness
seems to possess the masses. Lately a telegram arrived saying warships
of all nations had arrived, opened war, captured the Taku forts, and
Tientsin was in extreme peril. The Boxers are responsible for all
this trouble. The whole world has witnessed our sorrowful condition,
troubles alike within and without. The hundreds of millions of taels
of silver gathered from three provinces to erect the railroads have
been wiped out completely in the destruction of the road by the Boxers
in the twinkling of an eye. Who is responsible for the Boxers?”
[Answer—The Empress Dowager and Prince Tuan, both befooled by General
Tung Fu Hsiang.]
“July 28.—Yung Lu is granted the privilege of riding in a sedan chair
with two bearers within the walls of the imperial palace and inside of
the Wan gate.”