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impossible, to control the doings of Changsha, which is alleged to be largely under the influence of the late Grand Secretary, Chu Hung (Chi, who is especially inimical to Peking."
The local gentry at Changsha seem to rule the officials, and they are strongly opposed to all foreign trade and presence of foreigners in the city. Hunan is the most anti-foreign province in the whole of China, and the Central Government are afraid of them, because they were the only province to successfully operate against the Taipings.
At one shop which we visited to-day there was a representation on the wall, measuring 30 feet by 20 feet, in plaster figures. A Chinese official of the higher rank is shown receiving a card from a Chinese attendant, on which is written, "The foreigner brings tribute." The attendant is followed by a European, leading a semi- nude European woman, and turning her over to the Chinese official. Large crowds of Chinese of all classes were crowding into the shop to see this work of art, and jeering
at it.
The officials have promised to have the offending figures removed.
The Japanese Consul, whom I met at British Consulate, had just come in to talk with Mr. Hewlett on the subject of writing an official letter to his Government to try and get them to arrange with British Government to take it in turns annually
to supply a gun-boat to remain at Changsha during the winter.
To sum up the situation.
The situation has been improved since "Nightingale" has been here, feeling possibly repressed for the time.
The insults have been stopped by the officials.
There is at present no danger to the life of European residents, and at present there is not even any need of a gun-boat. But when water goes down 2 feet or 3 feet more, if no men-of-war are present, the gentry and natives start forcing the officials' hands again, under the impression that they cannot be got at.
If water falls, and gun-boats present find it necessary to go 15 miles down below Changsha to get over the two bars, it is possible after heavy rain they could make periodical visits up to Changsha, as the water in the Seang River is dependent on wind and rain.
I do not consider that the leading official European residents have exaggerated the situation, and appear to be in no panic, but appear to be anxious to safeguard the lives and interests of their fellow-countrymen.
A scheme of action in case of a rising against foreigners is being drawn up, but this presents great difficulty owing to the fact that the missionaries are scattered all over the city and surrounding country, and also the missionaries of different nation- alities are not inclined always to accept in good part the Circulars emanating from British Consulate, even though for their safety.
The main scheme, on learning of impending trouble, being to withdraw all foreigners to Shui Su Chow Island, this scheme would fall to the ground if no gun-boat were present to prevent the mob from crossing the river. The only attitude the gun-boat could take up, after safety of foreigners was assured, would be to threaten the Governor that the Mint and principal Yamens would be bombarded and destroyed unless disturbance was at once stopped. This could be easily done with the 6-pounders, especially the Mint, which is in full view from the river.
The officials are apparently friendly as a whole, and do their best to keep on friendly terms with the foreigners, but are swayed by the local gentry.
I have, &c.
(Signed) H. R. GODFREY.
Inclosure 3 in No. 1.
Rough Scheme of Action if a Gun-boat is in Port,
IN case of impending trouble, it is likely that, as in most cases of trouble in China, it would be known of beforehand, should a gun-boat be present. The gun-boat, on receiving information from British Consul or other authentic source, will fire a blank salute of six guns at fifteen seconds' interval. This should be a signal for all Europeans and Japanese to retire to Shui Su Chow Island, making the best of their way to the Indoor Customs Staff quarters (which would be easiest to defend), taking with them any arms, ammunition, and food they can carry.
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After the safety of foreigners is assured, a message should be sent to the Governor that, unless the disturbance was at once quelled, the Mint and principal Yamens would be bombarded and destroyed by shell fire.
The gun-boat should be able to prevent any large crowd of Chinese from crossing over to the island, and the residents would have assistance from the gun-boat in defending the Customs quarters. Owing to the scattered positions of foreigners, in the city and outside, it would be impossible to escort them all to the island, but sampans with Maxim guns could guard the Customs steps whilst foreigners were crossing over.
Copy to Consul and "Nightingale.”
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