James Burrill Angell to Prince Kung, July 14, 1881

Mr. Angell to Prince Kung.

I have from time to time heard from American missionaries resident at Teng Chow Foo, in Shantung, of injury done to their property by lawless persons, and of their in ability to get justice done by the magistrates to the guilty parties. But I have refrained from troubling you about the matters in the hope that the local authorities would in the end take proper action. But as they seem to be inefficient, I am constrained to write you.

According to a statement sent me by the Rev. Mr. Mills, the following facts appear:

For several years one of the missionaries has lost by thefts articles, especially clothes, and a clock from the buildings connected with his school. An American lady, residing on East street has had $30 in copper cash stolen from her house. In the winter of 1879–’80 the house of one of our missionaries was set on fire in the night by robbers who were trying to force an iron safe. About $20 worth of clothing was then consumed. In all these cases application was made to the local authorities for redress, but in vain.

In January last thieves entered the missionary church and took two clocks, valued at $18, two lamps worth $4, and an organ-cover valued at $1.

The total value of the articles taken in these depredations, so far as it can be correctly estimated, is $73.

About April 1 Mr. Mills sent to the prefect a statement, a copy of which I inclose. He promised to urge the district magistrate to do his duty and secure the restoration of the property. But so far as known he has done nothing.

May I ask you to urge upon the local authorities to punish the thieves, to secure the return of the value of property taken, and to guard more vigilantly against such depredations in the future?

I am,