Koo, intendant of circuit to E. C. Lord, September 25, 1873
Koo, intendant of circuit, to Mr. Lord.
Koo, by imperial appointment, intendant of the Ning-shao-tai circuit, makes the following communication:
On the 28th of the seventh month, (September 19,) I received from his excellency Yang, lieutenant-governor, a communication, in which he states that on the 8th of the seventh month, (August 30,) he received a petition from the gentry of Hang-chow, in which the petitioners state:
“Hang-chow is the chief city of the province of Che-Kiang, and the hill in it, called Kwan-me, influences the fung-shuy of the whole city. Hitherto the houses of the people on it have been low and small, and have therefore occasioned no harm.
“But some time ago the people there sold ground to some American missionaries, on which they have erected mission-buildings. This, to be sure, is not forbidden by the treaty; but since these buildings were erected, there have been in the city many disastrous fires, and frequently dangerous diseases. Those skilled in fung-shuy assert that this has been occasioned by these newly-built mission-houses, which, being high and formidable, convert the good influences into those that are bad, and thus occasion much harm. In consequence of this, rumors and complaints have been rife among the people. We, your petitioners, living in the same place with the people, and seeing them in this condition, are not able to be indifferent to it.
“We suppose the object of these missionaries in propagating religion is to exhort men to virtue; but if you want men to be virtuous, you must first secure to them tranquillity. Unless the minds of the people are tranquil, how can they propagate religion? At present the minds of the people are much disturbed, and some method should be at once adopted to quiet them.
“After much and careful consultation, it is our opinion that a piece of ground must be procured elsewhere for the missionaries, and they be persuaded to remove to it. At the same time, the original cost of their land and the expenses occasioned by their removal must be fully refunded to them. And now, this summer, we will go together to Ningpo, and in connection with Ch’àan Ching-yoh, of the gentry there, wait upon Mr. Lord, the American consul, and request him to communicate with the missionaries, informing them that this is for the harmony of the people, both Chinese and foreigners. Moreover, to make this exchange would” be of no harm to the missionaries, while to the people of Hang-chow the benefit would be great. We trust that the missionaries will cheerfully comply.
“Wherefore, we unitedly pray that you will send a communication to the intendant of circuit, requesting him to communicate with the consul, that he may rightly direct the missionaries. At the same time let a commissioner be sent to Ningpo, who, in connection with Ch’àn of the gentry there, may enter into negotiations and arrange for securing another place. And in regard to indemnity, let Mr. Chan, together with the commissioner, make all needful arrangements; so that the matter may be accomplished, the minds of the people tranquilized, and the fung-shuy be entirely protected.”
Now, in reference to the foregoing petition, I have to say that I find that it is stipulated in the twelfth article of the treaty that—
“Citizens of the United States residing or sojourning at any of the ports open to foreign commerce, shall be permitted to rent houses and places of business, or hire sites on which they can themselves build houses or hospitals, churches and cemeteries. The parties interested can fix the rent by mutual and equitable agreement; the proprietors shall not demand an exorbitant price, nor shall the local authorities interfere, unless there be some objections offered, on the part of the inhabitants of the place. The legal fees to officers for applying their seal shall be paid. The citizens of the United States shall not unreasonably insist on particular spots, but each party conduct with justice and moderation.”
According to this language, the treaty does not prohibit foreigners renting lands and building houses. But in this case, as there is objection on the part of the inhabitants, it is feared there would be difficulty in preserving harmony long betwixt the two parties. Now, as the gentry of Hang-chow are willing to indemnify the missionaries for their land, and for the expenses they will incur by their removal, and also to procure for them a piece of unoccupied land elsewhere, on which to build new houses, this seems truly to be for mutual harmony, and in accordance with right principle. So, in compliance with their earnest and urgent request, I think the matter needs immediate attention. Therefore, besides appointing Chu Meu-ts’ing, an expectant district magistrate, to act in concert with Ch’an Ching-yoh in procuring another place, and in arranging the matter of indemnity, I write you, to request that you will at once communicate with the American consul, and ask him to lay this matter before the missionaries, and to use endeavors to induce them to consent to remove, in order to meet the wishes of the people and promote harmony.
Having received the above communication, besides writing to the prefect at Ningpo, asking his co-operation in the matter, I have the honor to address you, and to request that you will, without delay, bring this matter before the missionaries, and use your best endeavors to induce them to remove, in order to meet the wishes of the people and promote harmony. Hoping your immediate attention.