Prince Kung to John Russell Young, August 19, 1883

Prince Kung to Mr. Young.

Your Excellency: Some time since I received a dispatch from your excellency in regard to a chapel at Ngchow, in Kwanghsi. I at once instructed the provincial authorities concerned to investigate the business, and so informed you.

I am now in receipt of a report, in which it is stated that a Cantonese of the Rao Yao district, named Fang Chun Chang, came in an irregular manner, and without credentials, to Ngchow to preach. He also loosely asserted himself to be a physician and caused the death of several persons by malpractice. The anger of the populace was in consequence excited and the residence of Fang was destroyed. The acting magistrate at once sent a force of soldiers to repress the riot and preserve order. An investigation developed the facts recited above, and nothing was said about any losses On account of Fang’s character as a preacher, the magistrate was desirous of protecting him from all harm, and had him escorted in a boat outside the limits of the district.

Thereafter Fang Chun Chang returned, bringing with him two Americans, Messrs. Simmons and Noyes, who declared that property to the value of 160 taels was lost at the time the house was torn down by the mob, and they asked payment to this amount, and that the house be rebuilt for preaching purposes. They also stated that the person who caused the deaths by malpractice was a different person from Fang; his name was Chang, and he had been sent there by the missionaries. Another mob arose, but the magistrate in person led a force to repress it. Learning that the missionaries desired to proceed to the Feng district, the magistrate escorted them on their way. Fang Chun Chang went with them, and they did not return to Ngchow. Positive orders have been issued for the settlement of the business, &c.

In this case since it appears that a Chinese subject named Fang Chun Chang falsely pretended to be a preacher and caused the death of several persons, and thereafter imposed upon the foreigners by means of false and malicious statements, the matter must be thoroughly sifted to the bottom, that justice may be done.

The yamên has ordered the provincial authorities to arrest Fang Chun Chang and to make careful examination and settle the ease.

Cards and compliments.