American Legation,
Peking,
China, February 15,
1904.
No. 1505.]
[Inclosure.]
Prince Ch’ing
to Mr. Conger.
edict.
Although at present Japan and Russia are at war, they have no quarrel
with China. The capital and the Provinces ought to maintain their
usual tranquillity. To-day we have issued an edict proclaiming
neutrality. Now let the Tartar generals, viceroys, and governors of
the various Provinces in the territories along the frontiers
exercise extra caution in guarding their territories and with
watchfulness and firmness maintain them in security and peace.
Wherever there are ports for international trade or persons of
foreign nationality, or property belonging to foreigners or mission
stations, let conscientious efforts be made to give due protection,
and let such measures be taken as circumstances may require to
prevent trouble.
Should any disorderly persons circulate false rumors and stir up
trouble, let them be seized at once and severely punished. As the
government of the capital is of great importance, let the yamen of
the commandant of the gendarmerie, the general bureau of works and
police, the prefect of Shun-t’ien, and the censors of the Five
Cities (five divisions of Peking) make secret and strict inspection
and thoroughly suppress all attempts at disturbance, so as to cause
the people in their shops and homes each to peacefully pursue his
own calling. As to the legations of the several foreign countries
and the various missions, extra care ought to be taken for their
protection. Should any worthless characters recklessly circulate
false rumors and take advantage of the situation to stir up trouble,
let them at once be seized and tried. If the offense be a light one,
let the guilty person be punished accordingly, as the law requires;
should the offense be a serious one, let him at once be beheaded, so
as to furnish a warning. The yamens in the capital and the provinces
are each responsible for its own district, and ought to issue strict
prohibitions and thus prevent the first appearance of trouble. Let
there not be the least carelessness or neglect, but let assistance
be given us in our purpose to promote harmony between China and
foreign powers and to tranquilize the peasantry.
Respect this.
As in duty bound, I have reverently copied the above edict and
transmit it to your excellency for your information.
A necessary dispatch.
Kuanghsü XXIX year, twelfth moon, 28th
day.
(February 13, 1904.)
[
seal.]
