384
he,
In the 6th moon (July) of the present year, with Kung Ki, Tsing Tang, Noi Tin and other Japanese came to Singapore to assassinate me. Happily I was carefully watched and vigilantly guarded by the Governor of Singapore. Their plan leaked out and the two men, Kung Ki and Tsing Tang, were arrested and imprisoned. On account of Noi Tin having escaped no evidence or proof could be pro- duced. It was then decided that Sün Man, Kung Ki, and the rest should be banished from Singapore on the day of their arrest and prohibited from returning to the Colony again. This case is on record at Singapor and Your Excellency can examine into it(to see whether it be true or not). Sün Man at the time wanted to see me but I begged the Capt. Sup of Police to prevent him from coming near me.
In consequence of this affair the Governor of Singapore transferred me to an island where he could give me still more efficient protection. The news appeared in the London papers and was minutely described in the Singapore local press. I think the ong kong papers of July must contain an account of it.
When the attempt to assassinate me was known abroad, innumerable telegrams' came to enquire after me. This is a well known fact the proofs of which are likewise recorded.
At presentsün Man is raising a rebellion on his
own account, killing the inhabitants, disturbing the Hongkong frontier and ruining mission stations. So much so that Mr. May, the Captain Superintendent of Police, had to be ordered out at the head of the troops to protect the Colony. The movement on the part of Sün Man be said to be contrary to sound principles and absurd.
And because he bears grudge against me he has shifted the odium of the rebellion on to me, thus trying to make the Kwang Tung people hate me. This act of his is indeed most treacherous
Now of all the Chinese who have found favour
with the Emperor I stand the chief. Every day I am trying to thirk some plan to rescue His Majesty. But Sün on the contrary in his acts
of rebellion is entirely against the Manchu Government. His object and mine are as far apart as the East is from the West, so that I need not go into explanations on this point.
Nevertheless fearing that his wily schemes may cul- minate in a great rebellion, and hearing that the Chinese suspect me of taking part in it, which would be detrimental to my reputation, and also anxious lest your home Government do not fully understand the situation of affairs, I am constrained to clear up the false charges against me.
It is my humble wish that Your Excellency would write to the Governor of Singapore to enquire into the case of Sin Man's
coming to Singapore in July to assassinate me, and also that for my sake a proclamation be issued to clear up my position so that I may continue my loyalty to the present Government (or dynasty) to the very and, and that my attempts to rescue the Emperor may be manifest before the world. For all of which I will be for ever grateful.
Allow me to send Your Excellency my humblest respects.
I earnestly trust that Your Excellency's kindness and wisdom will forestall all my wishes even if I do not mention them in this brief letter.
I remain Your Excellency,
Your Excellency's most humble Servant,
(Signed) Kang Yu Wei.
Dated 26th year, 9th moon, loth day.
(1/11/00.)