The riot in Canton on September 10th began when a dispute arose between a boarding-house runner and a watchman on the steamer Hankow. The runner, who had come on board to secure berths for his passengers, was allegedly kicked or knocked overboard by the watchman and drowned. The runner's friends recovered the body and took it to the steamer, demanding that the watchman be given up. The situation escalated, and a crowd assembled, becoming threatening. The captain moved the steamer to the middle of the stream, but the crowd continued to pelt it with stones. They then set fire to the wharf and a nearby steam launch using kerosine.
A cry was raised to go to Shameen and burn the foreign residences, and the rioters hastened to the settlement. Soldiers arrived but were pelted with stones and had to retreat. The mob attacked foreign houses, setting fire to twelve or thirteen of them and looting others. The Viceroy ordered 2,000 soldiers to be despatched to Shameen, and about half that number were sent. Initially, they fired blank cartridges, but when this failed to scare the mob, they fired shot, killing and wounding several rioters. The rioters then fell back.
As of 4:30 p.m., the burning houses were still in flames, and great excitement prevailed. Shops in the neighbourhood were closed, and the soldiers remained in Shameen. To allay popular excitement, the Provincial Judge issued a proclamation, urging the people to disperse quietly and attend to their own business.
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[FROM A CHINESE CORRESPONDENT.]
CANTON, 10th September.
A serious riot has occurred here. About 5 o'clock this morning, a boarding-house runner went on board the steamer Hankow to secure seats for his passengers. A watchman on board said he was impeding the discharge of the cargo, and a dispute ensued. The runner was allegedly kicked or knocked overboard and drowned. His friends recovered the body and took it to the steamer, demanding that the watchman be given up.
The bystanders took up the matter, and a crowd assembled, becoming threatening. The captain put the steamer off into the middle of the stream. The crowd pelted it with stones, then set fire to the wharf and a nearby steam launch using kerosine. A cry was raised to go to Shameen and burn the foreign residences, and the rioters hastened to the settlement.
The Viceroy ordered 2,000 soldiers to be despatched to Shameen, and about half that number were sent. They initially fired blank cartridges but were compelled to fire shot, killing and wounding several rioters. The rioters then fell back.
The Provincial Judge issued a proclamation, of which the following is a rough translation:
The Kwangtang Judge issues a special proclamation. The Chinese-Foreign manslaughter case will be tried by the authorities. If you give vent to your angry passions, then surely the affair will be magnified. Each one must go to his home and attend to his own business, then there will not be anxiety.
A special proclamation. Kwong Su, 9th year, 8th moon, 10th day.