wu Pu, who had admitted the principle of indemnity, should be compelled to danmistakable orders that such should be paid, in which case the responsibility
449 behind which I should refuse to go, and eventually his Excellency said that he any trouble which might ensue would rest with them, or some compromise should be continue the negotiations from that point. I mentioned that I was prepare sted.
There was some misunderstanding with regard to the question of arbitration, as appoint the Commercial Attaché, Mr. Hosie, to discuss this question with his de if this was preferred, and that the Wai-wu Pu had promised me to give him instruched by me on the 4th August. At our interview on that day the Viceroy before he left Peking. I also assured his Excellency that the British community and asked me to try and evolve some solution of the difficulty in collaboration The latter stated that he saw no way out of the difficulty but him in high estimation, and placed great confidence in his ability to restore the rels Lo Taotai. between Chinese and foreigners at Shanghae to their former friendly footing. mitting the question to arbitration. He had indeed suggested this method at At my second interview of the 9th October I went over much the same grond king at an early stage of the proceedings, but it had not been accepted. However, as on the previous occasion, for the purpose of impressing my views upon his Excelle difficulties in the way of the Viceroy had probably not at that time been fully and once more dealt on the desirability of settling this thorny question promptly alized at the capital, I agreed that if this were put forward as a suggestion by the told me that the two Presidents of the Wai-wu Pu, the Grand Secretaries Natang ceroy I would submit it to the consideration of His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires. Lo Chu Hung-chi, had spoken to him, and that both had begged him to spare noen went back to the Viceroy's yamên and returned saying that his Excellency agreed to to close the case in a satisfactory manner. This be assured me he would do, bis. As I had repeatedly informed the Viceroy that I had no power to negotiate, but hoped that I would make allowances for the difficult position in which he was merely a transmitter of the views of the Legation, I cannot conceive how he could on his first arrival at Nanking. I should remember that his Excellency Chouve reported that the suggestion of arbitration emanated from myself. doing nothing, had succeeded in avoiding much adverse comment, but had thereby At my last interview, on the 10th instant, his Excellency said that be could not to the burden of a successor. Popular feeling bad run high, and he would hit that the riots were caused by the meetings held by the gentry and others, but he steer a careful course to avoid provoking another storm of agitation. What ould take care in future that any such meetings should be attended by people mpowered to close them in the event of any inflammatory speeches being delivered. required was a settlement which would leave both sides satisfied.
I said that I understood perfectly the difficulties with which his Excellencre regarded the resolution of the Consular Body regarding the custody of female have to contend, but I had every confidence that with good-will and a desire to do isoners as the original source of all the trouble, and suggested that the legality of that justice he would be able to overcome them. I assured him that I would not be tion should he tested by competent authorities, by whose decision he was prepared to I informed his Excellency that I had no authority to express an opinion exacting, and that for the purpose of obtaining an impartial investigation and settle and or fall. was prepared to meet his wishes as far as possible. In the course of the converson the subject, and that I had received still further instructions to press for the payment I introduced Mr. Hosie to him, and again mentioned that I was ready to appoint of the indemnity; further, that you were opposed to the idea of arbitration in any form. Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghae or the Commercial Attaché to condas enald only again request him to hasten the departure of the Commission. negotiations as soon as I was informed that deputies had been sent to deal with the His Excellency sketched his prospective movements, from which I gathered he will not take over the seals at Nanking much before the end of October, and prot that he would examine into this question immediately after his arrival and commun with the Wai-wu Pu, who would inform me.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
J. N. JORDAN
Translation.)
I have, &c.
(Signed)
A. J. SUNDIUS.
(No. 11.) Sir,
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
Mr. Sundius to Sir J. Jordan.
Nanking, September 22, 1
I HAVE the honour to inclose copy and translation of a letter which received from the Viceroy with regard to the Shanghac riots.
This is the only written communication which I have received giving his lency's views on the subject, although I have had frequent interviews with bis deputies, as reported from time to time semi-officially to His Majesty's d'Affaires.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Chou Fu to Mr. Sundius.
Nanking, August 19, 1906.
ON the 18th instant I received your letter of the 17th, from which I learn with regret that you have been delayed many days in Nanking, and now must return to Wuhu on account of pressing business. You state that I ought to send Taotais Lo and Shen to Shanghae in connection with the Mixed Court affair. However, when Lo Thotai went the last time to Shanghae, as soon as the merchants and scholars heard that he had come to discuss the indemnity, they collected in great numbers and indulged in much wild talk. The Shangbae Taotai gave them a temporizing reply, and they eventually dispersed. Now, if it is a question of exclusively discussing the indemnity, the people of Shanghae, when they learn that an indemnity is going to be exacted for only three or four foreigners who were damaged, will ask what compensation there will he for the thirteen inoffensive Chinese who were killed, and are certain to collect en masse, talk wildly, and create further trouble. I have reported these very difficult circumstances to the Wai-wu Pu, but have not yet received their reply, hence the delay In my opinion, looking at this matter from an international point of view, the good relations between our two countries are of much greater importance than private opinions. From the point of view of the people at large, human life is more As regards the Government of the country, the maintenance important than property. of the public peace is more important than compensation for property. Thus one must carefully discriminate between what is important and what is unimportant, after which officials can be deputed to commence deliberations. As soon as I have received a telegram from the Wai-wu Pu, if there is any chance of a satisfactory solution of the matter, I will do all in my power to bring it to a speedy termination.
From first to last he has declined to accept any responsibility for settlement basis of an indemnity, as he does not admit that the liability of the Shanghain answering you. for what occurred has been proved to his satisfaction. Should the Wai-wn Pu se categorical orders to pay an indemnity he must perforce obey, and the respo must rest with that body. He dares not, however, incur the popular odium which be aroused by his directing the claims to be paid without a thorough investigation case and apportionment of the blame for the disturbance. riot would be the result of his doing so. The Wai-wu Pu had never sent him s orders. They had repeatedly telegraphed to him to send deputies to Shang discuss the case. That was of no use. The Consul-General was prepared discuss the amount of the claims, and not the question whether an indemnity b paid or not.
Another and a more on the Lo Taotai informed me that the leading gentry had sent a deputation Shanghae Taotai warning him plainly that if he and Lo Taotai ventured to bro subject of indemnity they would be assassinated. The Shanghae Taotai, of Lo Taotai's previous visit to Shanghae in connection with the case, repront latter bitterly for obeying the Viceroy's orders and coming to Shanghae at all. opinion an impasse had been created from which there were two issues.
Please convey my views to Mr. Carnegic, His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires, who, I think, will agree with me.
Compliments.
(Card of Chou Fu, Chief Superintendent, &c.)