Wells Williams to His Imperial Highness Prince Kung , Chief, July 30, 1868

Mr. Williams to Prince Kung

Sir: I have had the honor to receive your dispatch of the 15th instant, relating to the proceedings of certain lawless natives who have leagued with others from abroad to stealthily go into the country about the port of Chifu, in Shantung, to dig for gold, in the expectation of enriching themselves; and expressing your fears as to the results on the prosperity of the region, and that disturbances will arise in consequence of these acts, which you wish me to repress and prevent, as far as possible, by enjoining on the consul there to act in concert with the authorities in all measures to keep the peace, &c.

I have also heard it reported that gold mines have been opened in certain districts in Shautung, near Chifu; and there are serious grounds for apprehending that multitudes of needy, reckless people from all countries will swarm towards these regions, in their desire for gain, and disturbances ensue which will not be easy to repress. In view, therefore, of the exigencies of the case, it appears to me that the wisest course for your imperial highness to adopt will be to establish good regulations for immediately working these mines, and thereby the imperial government will itself derive the highest profits from them.

The riches which the Creator of all things has deposited in all countries in the world in their soil, are designed by Him for the benefit of mankind; and it is perfectly just, therefore, that man should obtain these gifts of Heaven. It occurred in the United States about 20 years ago, when some gold and silver mines were discovered, that many thousands of people flocked there to dig them, and regulations were adopted for their governance without delay. The result has been that no commotions have arisen, and no one can say that the prosperity of the country has been injured in anyway. In truth, the prosperity of all lands, so far as it depends upon their natural resources, is owing to the operation of similar causes.

If there are mines of gold and silver in the empire, it will be the most advisable course to appoint an intelligent officer to oversee them, and he can examine those now discovered in Shantung, and learn their condition, and whether they are worth working or no. This plan will be alike advantageous to the people and their officers, and thus benefit the whole country. If this is generally known abroad, too, those who may come from other countries will be bound to observe the rules laid down, and their unauthorized diggings in the mines restrained. If, on the contrary, no rules or measures are adopted, people will go to these regions to dig for their private benefit, and ere long a state of tilings will arise which his Majesty’s authorities will not be able to repress, and foreign consuls and others be entirely inadequate to remedy.

I therefore earnestly recommend to your imperial highness to take measures to work these mines under proper regulations, in order to prevent future evils, which may develop into troubles and dissensions that cannot easily be removed.

In compliance with the request in the dispatch now received, I have sent orders to the United States consul at Chifu to forbid Americans illegally going to these mines, and to do all he can to prevent trouble arising from this quarter.

I have the honor to be, sir, your imperial highnesses obedient servant,