Lyon to Samuel P. Lord, September 9, 1872
Mr. Lyon to Mr. Lord.
Sir: I write to inform you of the arrest of the landlord of the Fong-loh-Gyao property, and the son of one of the middle-men.
In answer to our petition, the magistrates both promised to issue proclamations to be posted in our several chapels, schools, and hospitals. But while on the one hand, with all due politeness, they grant what we ask, on the other hand they continue to persecute the landlords and middle-men. I know if we press them to the point they will say, “We are not punishing these men because of their connection with you, but for other offenses.” But how could it happen that just the persons who were concerned in renting or leasing us property should all become transgressors at once? Then there is the testimony of the men who have been punished, that they were tried for assisting foreigners in getting property, no other charge being made. Then there is public opinion, which is unanimous in ascribing it to their connection with us.
It is the most complete piece of underhanded management that I have known in China. 1st. The people are arrested on an anonymous charge. 2d. They arrest only either the landlords or the middle-men on the landlords’ side; the middle-men on our side, who are either native Christians or personal teachers, have thus far all escaped. 3d. The heavy punishments all fall on those connected with the “hill” property.
Mr. Houston has just been in to say that a man by the name of (Chinese character,) landlord of the property on which their school stands, a physician, and sun-dzai, was yesterday put under a very heavy cangue, sealed by the magistrate, who said he should wear it till he died.
We are thinking of going before the footai (governor) and stating that it is known all over the city that these people are suffering on account of the connection with disposing of property to us; that if they did wrong, we are also identified with them in the wrong, and ask their immediate release.
Could you come up and help us through this difficulty?
Meanwhile, we must do what we can for ourselves.
The whole affair seems to have two ends in view: first, if possible, to arouse such a hatred for foreigners as will make it impossible for us to remain here; or, if that cannot be done, secondly, frighten people from having anything to do with us.
Yours, &c.,