Prince Kung to F. F. Low, United States, June 29, 1870

Prince Kung to Mr. F. F. Low.

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication:

On the 28th instant I was honored by receiving the following imperial decree:

“In consequence of wicked men having kidnapped young children in the prefecture of Tien-tsin, and implicated therein the establishment of the [Roman Catholic] religionists, the people of the city had their suspicions aroused, and raised a riot in which the French consul was killed by the mob, the churches burned, and many other persons lost their lives, together with some Russian merchants, who were unintentionally killed. The whole affair and all the acts committed are much to be deplored.

“We have already ordered that Tsunghow and all the local officers who have managed matters so badly in this affair be delivered over to the board [of civil office] to decide upon their punishment, and also directed that Tsang Kwoh-fan go there and inquire what are the real facts of the case, and send up a report, and also seize the miscreants who carried off human beings and the ringleaders of this riot, and execute the penalties of the law upon the guilty.

“The provisions of the treaties now in force have hitherto proved to be adequate for everything connected with the trade and intercourse with other countries, and under them natives and foreigners have now for a long time got along amicably, our government regarding them both with the same kindness. But in discriminating between the good and the evil no one should ask whether a man belongs to a sect or not, for wherever unscrupulous fellows are found sheltering themselves under the name of Catholics to act traitorously, and violate the laws, they must be arrested immediately and strict examination made that just punishment may be inflicted. It is impossible to permit men to circulate unfounded rumors and recklessly stir up strife and riot.

“It is to be feared that owing to this conflict and ill-will between the people and the Catholics at Tien-tsin the inhabitants of other provinces will have their suspicions aroused, and excite strife against them, and, therefore, let all the chief provincial authorities give the strictest orders to all their subordinates throughout their jurisdiction to publish explicit proclamations upon this matter, and take proper measures to repress all attempts at rising. Wherever merchants and missionaries are found let them have adequate protection whenever they require it, and by no means let the ignorant people be excited to disorder by rumors or other causes. Respect this.”

I now send your excellency a carefully prepared copy of the decree for your information.