EDICTS ISSUED BY THE EMPRESS DURING SIEGE, WITH A FEW COMMENTS THEREON

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.

“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.

“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.]

“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].

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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:

“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.

“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.”

“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.”

---