Petition of the Hang-chow gentry, addressed to the prefect, October 28, 1873

Petition of the Hang-chow gentry, addressed to the prefect

Petitioners respectfully state that the Kwan-me hill, in the city of Hang-chow, is regarded as affecting the fung-shuy of the entire city. Some time since, the American missionaries erected some mission-buildings there, which the experts in fung-shuy say, being high and formidable, have converted the good influences into those that are bad, causing the minds of the people to be disturbed. Petitioners having consulted together, agreed that they would procure another place for the missionaries, and endeavor to persuade them to remove to it. At the same time they would indemnify them for all the expenses of their removal. They then petitioned the lieutenant-governor to address a communication to the intendant of circuit of Ningpo, requesting him to communicate with Mr. Lord, the American consul there, asking him to co-operate with the commissioners, Messrs. Chu and Ch’ăn, in arranging matters with the missionaries. The missionaries, comprehending fully the great principle involved, have signified their willingness to remove, and a piece of ground has been selected within the jurisdiction of the Jan-hwo magistrate, in the Wei-so division, and near the T’ien Ham-chow bridge. An agent has been sent from the office of the district magistrate to take its measurement, and purchase it from its owners, A title-deed has also been issued and conveyed to the missionaries, that they may erect buildings thereon.

Inasmuch as the Kwan-me hill is connected with the fung-shuy of the whole city, the matter is one of great importance.

Now, this matter has been effected by friendly negotiation, and the missionaries have consented to remove, from a desire to promote harmony. As they are about to commence erecting their houses, lest people in the neighborhood should not fully understand the matter, petitioners pray that you will issue a proclamation informing them. This will be really meritorious.