American Legation,
Peking, September 1,
1905.
No. 79.]I think the edict will produce very favorable effects and will force the
various provincial authorities to take stronger action than heretofore
[Page 225]
for the suppression of the
agitation, which has shown signs of waning for the last ten days, as you
will have noted by my recent dispatches on the subject.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Imperial edict of August 31, 1905.
A censor, by the name of Wang Pu-ying, has memoralized the Throne to
the effect that the boycott movement against American goods which is
being agitated by merchants and laborers in various provinces is
becoming too violent. He requests, therefore, that orders be given
for special measures for the protection of the public interests.
In regard to this matter the prince and ministers of the Waiwu Pu, in
personal memorials relating to the coolie immigration treaty, have
previously said that Minister Liang and the Waiwu Pu had discussed
the matter frequently with the American Government and the latter
had promised to give courteous treatment to all Chinese merchants,
teachers, students, and travelers, and had signified also their
willingness to take the matter up and give it just consideration at
the next session of Congress. This is all of record.
Now the above-mentioned censor, in his memorial, says that the public
feeling is greatly stirred up and there is too much wild talk, so it
is hard to guarantee there will not be evildoers who will grasp the
opportunity to carry out their wicked schemes to the detriment of
the public interests. Such being the case, we must make a special
proclamation in order to correct the misunderstanding and allay the
general suspicion. The deep friendship of the United States and
China is of long-standing; the two countries have never before been
placed in a position like this. The American Government has promised
to discuss the coolie immigration treaty on friendly terms. The
proper thing to do, then, is to await the action of the Waiwu Pu in
the matter, who will discuss the changes to be made and deal with
the whole affair in a friendly way. It is not right to forbid the
use of American goods and take such hasty action. It is both harmful
to our friendly relations with the United States and it is the cause
of serious losses to Chinese merchants and laborers. The Waiwu Pu
has repeatedly telegraphed to the various viceroys and governors,
directing them to explain the matter clearly to the people and tell
them to carry on their business as usual.
Be it known once more, then, that the viceroys and governors will be
held responsible for effective action in the matter. Let them exhort
the people and from time to time make thorough inquiries into the
trouble, that all may live in peace and happiness. Let them not fail
to comply with these imperial orders solemnly enjoined upon them by
the Throne. If there be any who in their ignorance fan the flame of
disturbance, let these be immediately arrested and dealt with, that
unfortunate results may be forestalled. Let this be known throughout
the Empire.
Respect this.
