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that the modified conditions have been accepted, and my reply thereto. Copy of the conditions were sent you in my dispatch, No. 1046, of the 15th instant. E. H. CONGER.

I have etc.,

[Inclosure 1.]

F. O., No. 396.]

Prince Ch'ing to Mr. Conger.

On the 10th of the sixth moon, twenty-eighth year of Kuang-hsu (July 14, 1902), I received a dispatch from certain ministers of the treaty powers, stating that in regard to the transfer of the city of Tientsin and the country adjacent to the jurisdiction of the viceroy of Chihli, these foreign ministers were agreed (of the same opinion). They also had had the honor of receiving the sanction of their respective governments for the abrogation of the provisional government, provided only that the Chinese Government should, first of all, distinctly consent to the conditions proposed, when they, on their part, would promise that in four weeks from the day on which consent was given, the provisional government of Tientsin should be abrogated. They therefore request that it be clearly pointed out to whom, when the time arrives, and into whose hands the provisional government should transfer Tientsin city and the country adjacent.

I have carefully perused the dispatch with regard to the point that military posts should be established along the highway or line of communication from Pekin to the sea, with powers to control and punish, the distance to extend as far as two English miles on each side of the railroad.

I would remark that according to the doyen, His Excellency Cologan's dispatch of the sixth moon, twenty-seventh year of Kuang-hsu (July, 1901), military control would only refer to offenses against the railroad, the telegraph lines, or against the allies or their property.

As to the remaining articles I have no objection to make.

On the 13th of the current moon (July 17) I memorialized the Throne on the subject and had the honor of receiving the sanction of the Throne by imperial decree. Whereupon, I at once sent replies to the ministers of the treaty powers, in order that they might transmit the same to the provisional government of Tientsin, that the provisional government be abolished within four weeks, and the city of Tientsin and its adjacent country be returned to Chinese administration and handed over to the superintendent of the northern ports, who, at the head of the local officials, civil and military, will be there to receive it.

Hereafter, whenever there is need for consultation, the foreign civil and military authorities can, from time to time, consult with his excellency the superintendent of northern ports, which, I hope, will be for the good of the place.

I sincerely appreciate and can not but express my gratitude to your excellency for the just and friendly way in which you have helped us to obtain the confidence of other nationalities in this matter.

As in duty bound I send this for your excellency's information.

A necessary dispatch.

Dated 14th of the sixth moon, twenty-eighth year of Kuang-hsu (July 18, 1902).

F. O., No. 407.]

[Inclosure 2.]

Mr. Conger to Prince Ch'ing.

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Highness's note of July 18, informing me that the ministers having representatives on the provisional government of Tientsin had proposed to return the city to the Chinese authorities in one month upon conditions which the Chinese Government had accepted.

I congratulate Your Highness upon the happy termination of this matter, and am pleased that the efforts of the honorable Secretary of State of the United States with the European Governments have contributed so materially to bringing it about. I beg to avail, etc.,

E. H. CONGER.

REQUEST OF TAOT'AI OF KIUKIANG FOR RECALL OF NATIVE MISSIONARIES.

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

No. 890.]

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,

Peking, January 22, 1902.

SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of correspondence with Consul Wilcox, of Hankow, and with the foreign office regarding the action of the taot'ai of Kiukiang in demanding the recall of Chinese Christians engaged as evangelists in the interior.

In view of the plain provisions of the treaty of 1858, the attitude of the provincial bureau of foreign affairs and the taot'ai is a somewhat remarkable one. The foreign office evidently recognizes it as a violation of treaty rights. The proposed census of native pastors and converts is obnoxious as emphasizing the distinction between Christians and non-Christians, and might easily be used for purposes of annoyance and persecution. Trusting that my action in this matter will meet with your approval,

I have, etc.,

E. H. CONGER.

[Inclosure 1.]

Mr. Wilcox to Mr. Conger.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE, Hankow, China, December 19, 1901.

SIR: I have the honor to herewith inclose a copy of a dispatch received from the Kiukiang taot'ai. I send it in the original text, thinking Mr. Williams can give a more correct translation than I am able to send you.

I should like your advice before replying to the taot'ai. He is the same official who insists on our missionaries paying tonnage dues on their chartered junks and house boats, while carrying supplies for their misssions.

I have, etc.,

L. S. WILCOX, Consul.

[Subinclosure.]

Taot'ai Ming to Mr. Wilcox.

Ming, by imperial appointment an official of the second rank, decorated with the peacock's plume, taot'ai of the Kuang-Jao-Chiu-Nan circuit, etc., sends this dispatch: On the 21st of the tenth moon of the twenty-seventh year of Kuanghsu, I received the following dispatch from the provincial office:

"The establishment of churches and the propagation of the (Christian) religion is an affair of the foreign missionaries. If Chinese persons practice the religion of the Roman Catholics or the Protestants, they ought to join with the missionaries in worship, but they ought not, because they depend upon the church, in their turn preach the religion to the violation of the provisions of the treaties. But recently those Chinese who have become followers of the church have been continually renting houses, establishing chapels, and propagating the religion in every department and district, gathering crowds of disciples and stirring up trouble at their pleasure, and it is difficult to guarantee that disorder will not arise therefrom. We ought, of course, in accordance with the regulations (of the treaties) to prohibit this. Certainly none but missionaries may establish churches, and, although they may appoint Chinese to live in the chapels and take care of them, this is quite different from propagating the religion. However, in their case also, there should be investigation in order that protection may be afforded as needed.

"As in duty bound, we have communicated with you and submit this to your consideration, hoping that you will send dispatches to the various consuls of the powers requesting them to instruct the missionaries to carefully note what Chinese are out

preaching the religion, and that they must recall them all; that it is not permitted them (the Chinese) to overstep the limits prescribed by propagating the religion in violation of the treaties. Should there be any falsely representing themselves as evangelists, the local officials should arrest them and punish them.

"As to the Chinese Christians appointed to take care of the various mission chapels, they (the missionaries) should be requested to prepare a list of the localities, chapels, and the names of the care takers, giving the birthplace of the latter, and send the same to our office, so as to provide evidence upon which we may instruct the various local officials to exert themselves to give due protection, and avoid any neglect or mistake. We trust you will favor us with a reply, etc."

Having received the above, I sent dispatches to the other consuls, and now, as in duty bound, address this communication to you, requesting you to give yourself the trouble to examine it, and hoping that you will instruct the missionaries inland to carefully note how many Chinese are now preaching the religion, at what places they are, and have them all recalled in accordance with the treaties; and, as to the Chinese Christians employed as care takers at the various chapels, request them to prepare a list of the names of the places, the chapels, and the men so employed, with the birthplace of the latter, and send the same to me as evidence which I may transmit to the foreign office, so as to enable them to direct the various local officials to give such protection as the occasion may demand.

Trusting that you will favor me with a reply, I have, etc.

Kuanghsu, twenty-seventh year, tenth moon, 29th day (December 9, 1901).

No. 331.]

[Inclosure 2.]

Mr. Conger to the Foreign office.

UNITED STATES LEGATION,
Peking, January 9, 1902.

YOUR HIGHNESS AND YOUR EXCELLENCIES: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a dispatch dated December 9, 1901, from the taot'ai of the Kuang-Tao-ChiuNan circuit of Kiangsi to the United States consul at Hankow, in which the said taot'ai, quoting a communication from the bureau or foreign affairs of Kiangsi, requests the United States consul to instruct the American missionaries in Kiangsi to recall all Chinese who may be out preaching the Christian faith, which it is held is a violation of the treaties with foreign powers. He further asks that the missionaries be required to prepare a list of their mission stations, chapels, and helpers, stating the family and nativity of the latter, in order that due protection may be given, etc.

I have the honor to point out to your highness and your excellencies that this action of the provincial bureau of foreign affairs and of the taot'ai mentioned is in direct violation of the treaty of 1858 between China and the United States. So far from forbidding the Chinese Christians to propagate their faith, the treaty expressly provides that they shall not be hindered in doing so. Article XXIX of the said treaty contains the following paragraph:

"Hereafter those who quietly profess and teach these doctrines shall not be harassed or persecuted on account of their faith. Any person, whether citizen of the United States or Chinese convert, who according to these tenets peaceably teaches and practices the principles of Christianity shall in no case be interfered with or

molested."

I confess that I am very much surprised to read such a dispatch as that of the Kiukiang taot'ai, after the very friendly sentiments expressed by the Chinese Government toward foreigners in general and toward missionaries and their work, and especially at this time, when such amiable relations are being renewed, as we trust, between our Governments. I can not believe that your highness and your excellencies will indorse this action of the provincial bureau of foreign affairs of Kiangsi, and I have to request that you will at once direct the said bureau and the taot'ai at Kiukiang to observe the provisions of the treaty and refrain from interfering with the Chinese evangelists in the work of propagating their religion.

As for the proposed census of Chinese helpers, it is altogether unnecessary. Chinese Christians deserve the same protection as other Chinese subjects, and no more is asked for them. There is reason to believe, too, that such enrollment as is suggested would be viewed with suspicion by the said helpers, and that it might be employed hereafter, perhaps, by unscrupulous persons for the purpose of injuring them.

I avail myself of this occasion to renew, etc.,

E. H. CONGER.

Con., No. 1295.]

[Inclosure 3.]

Mr. Conger to Mr. Wilcox,

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
Peking, January 9, 1902.

SIR: I have received your No. 97 of December 19, inclosing a copy of the Chinese text of a letter to you from the taot'ai of Kiukiang.

I have had the letter translated, and find it a most outrageous document, a copy of which I shall send to the Wai Wu Pu. In the meantime you should reply to him in substance that there is no law or regulation prohibiting Chinese converts from promulgating their religion, but on the contrary the treaties, in so many words, permit and authorize them to do so; therefore you can not comply with his request, etc. Please accompany every Chinese document with a translation, even if it may not be the best.

I am, etc.,

E. H. CONGER.

[Inclosure 4.]

Foreign office to Mr. Conger.

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 1st of the twelfth moon of the twenty-seventh year of Kuangsu, of your excellency's dispatch, saying that you had recently received a copy of a dispatch from the customs taot'ai at Kiukiang to the United States consul at Hankow, in which he requested the consul to direct the missionaries to recall all Chinese who might be propagating Christianity, and said that the propagation of Christianity by the Chinese is not in accordance with the treaties, and in which he also asked that a list might be prepared and sent to him of the stations of the missions, their chapels, and the names and birthplaces of the helpers in charge, as evidence in accordance with which they might be protected, etc. Your excellency said that you had examined the treaties and found therein these words:

"Hereafter those who quietly profess and teach these doctrines shall not be harassed or persecuted on account of their faith. Any person, whether citizen of the United States or convert, who, according to these tenets, peaceably teaches and practices the principles of Christianity shall in no case be interfered with or molested.”

The dispatch written by the said taot'ai, your excellency says, causes you much astonishment, and you express the hope that I will direct the provincial bureau of foreign affairs and the customs taot'ai at Kiukiang to carefully observe the treaties and not interfere with the Chinese evangelists in the discharge of their duties. Your excellency observes that as to the Chinese Christians they deserve the same protection as other Chinese subjects, and that if a census should be taken of the Chinese helpers in charge of the chapels, it may awaken suspicion and anxiety, etc.

The ministers of the board and myself have, in accordance with the terms of your excellency's dispatch, communicated with the superintendent of trade for the south, directing him to order the customs taot'ai at Kiukiang and the officers of the provincial bureau of foreign affairs to proceed in accordance with the treaties. As in duty bound, I send this reply for your excellency's information. Kuangsu, twenty-seventh year, twelfth moon, 3d day (January 12, 1902).

Mr. Hill to Mr. Conger.

No. 478.]

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, March 14, 1902. SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 890, of January 22 last, inclosing a copy of correspondence in relation to the unfriendly attitude of the taot'ai of Kiukiang toward native Christians.

You are quite correct in your views as to the general rights of native Christians in China. The Department is, however, of the opinion that if the missionaries are willing to give a list of the chapels or mis

sion stations occupied by them in the interior, it would be an additional means of securing adequate protection at all times and under all circumstances.

I am, etc.,

DAVID J. HILL,
Acting Secretary.

AUDIENCE

OF DIPLOMATIC CORPS WITH EMPEROR AND EMPRESS DOWAGER OF CHINA, AND RECEPTION BY THE LATTER OF THE LADIES OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS.

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

No. 906.]

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
Peking, February 5, 1902.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on Tuesday, January 28 last, Their Majesties received the diplomatic body in audience in the Chien Ching throne hall.

The audience was conducted throughout with more formality and dignity and with a greater outward show of respect for the foreign representatives than heretofore. The event was especially noteworthy as being the first occasion on which the Empress Dowager has openly appeared in an audience to the ministers of the foreign powers.

The Emperor was seated upon a raised platform near the entrance to the hall. The Empress Dowager occupied the throne itself immediately behind him. When the dean had read his address and the Emperor made his reply, the ministers were conducted up the steps to the throne and in turn presented to Her Majesty. After they had retired, the chargés d'affaires were in like manner introduced.

I inclose herewith copies of the address of Baron Czikann, dean of the diplomatic corps, and the replies of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, and also précis of the ceremonial observed on the occasion. On Saturday, the 1st instant, the Empress Dowager accorded a reception to the ladies of the diplomatic corps in the Yang Hsin Tien. Mrs. Conger, as doyenne, made the address on behalf of the visitors, to which Her Majesty cordially responded. The Emperor and Empress and numerous princesses of the court were present. The Empress Dowager asked particularly to have presented to her the ladies who were in Pekin during the siege. Besides Mrs. Conger these were Mrs. Bainbridge, of this legation, and Madame Saussine, of the French legation. Her Majesty showed deep feeling in greeting these ladies, and wept as she spoke to them. She moved freely among her guests, speaking to them with earnestness and great cordiality, and giving assurances of future pleasant relations. The entire function was characterized by a heartiness and respect unusual heretofore in Chinese intercourse with foreigners, which, if sincere, are indeed significant. I inclose copies of Mrs. Conger's address and Her Majesty's reply.

I have, etc.,

E. H. CONGER.

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