The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1895-09-12

NEW YORK, Sept 5.-Robert E.
Speer, secretary of the board of foreign
missions of the Presbyterian church in
kAe United States, has received letter
from Rev. l. W. Houston OF Nanking,
China. The letter contains copy of the
proclamation issued by LII Hung Chang,
the viceroy, which not only requires
the Chinese to refrain from molesting
missionaries, but speaks in terms of
praise Of the work done by them.
Mr.. Speer says that the proclamation
illustrates the folly of forming judg.
ment of the whole of China from con-
ditions existing in one section, and it is
the more significant because Nanking
has always been a more or less turbu-
lent center. The following Is the let.
ser
"In SEE Chuan, 1000 miles to the
west, wholesale destruction of mission
property has taken place; here we are
sought after by the officials. Three
weeks ago our district magistrate in
yited all the men of our mission com
munity to dinner, treating them with
all honor, and now comes, unsolicited,
one Of the best proclamations which
has been issued in China since the eve
Of modern mission. The translation is
rs follows:
"'Given by Ii, by grace of the
emperor, commissioner of salt reve.
nue., expectant intendant of circuit and
prefect of the Jaing Ming (Nankingl
circuit, being advanced three steps in
office and having one brevet rank, hav-
ing IL times honorable mention in Off
1ial records
For the purpose of publicly and
strRitly charging the people concerning
foreigners, who have in whatsoever
points of the interior established chap
els, schools or like places. For long
Ame these have been permitted by the
smperor's commands Now, having ex-
Rmined the doctrine halls in every place
pertaining to this prefecture, we find
that there have been established free
schools where the poor children of
China may receive instructions; hospi-
halls where Cinnamon may freely re-
peiye healing; that the missionaries all
Rre really good; not only do they not
take the peoples possessions, but they
do not seem to desire mems praise.
Already the prefect, with the mag
istrates of the provincial capital, has
personally visited each hall and has
commanded the magistrates of outside
districts to personally visit each out
station of the churches and talk with
khe missionaries. They have person.
ally observed the hospitals, school.
houses, etc. They are for good, estab-
tished with the sincere desire to save
men. Although Cinnamon are pleased
b do good, there are none who excel
these (missionaries).
1--WE think it right, therefore, to
put forth this proclamation, plainly
charging soldiers and all people. Be it
known that foreigners here renting or
otherwise setting up halls to do so to
Saye and to help the poor, and that
there is not the least under. handed
ness Let it not be that you, on the
contrary, wrongly invent false reports
and even commit crimes and misde.
msanors If there should be shame
less Williams who, thinking to fish for
wealth. Ii. g.: Take by violence), in.
vent reports and create disturban ces,
falsely accusing the missionaries) Of
Dfenses, they will first be thoroughly
examined, then strictly dealt with.
They will be punished to the fullest
measure, certainly not leniently. You
have been informed and warned Do
1pt disregard this proclamation. )"