The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1895-12-04
THE MAsSAOREs IN CHINA.
Repetition of the Outrages Seems Worry
Unlikely.

Repetition of the Outrages Seems Worry
Unlikely.
The close of the mOmentous struggle
between China and Japan, while reliev-
ing the diplomatic agents of this govern
ment from the delicate duty they under
took at the request of both countries, of
rendering such service to the subjects of
either billigerent within the territorial
limits of the other as our neutral position
permitted, developed domestic condition
in the Chinese empire which has caused
much anxiety and called for prompt and
careful attention. Either as a result of a
weak control by the central government
over the provincial administrations fol-
lowing diminution of traditional gov
ernmental authority under the stress of
an overwhelming national disaster, or as
manifestation upon good opportunity
of the aversion of the Chinese population
to all foreign ways and undertakings,
there have occurred in widely separated
provinces Of China serious outbreaks of
the old fanatical spirit against foreigners.
which. unchecked by the local authori-
ties, if not actually connived by them,
have eliminated in mob attacks Oh for
eign missionary stations, causing much
destruction of property, and attended
life
Americans Suffered the Least.
Although bat one American citizen was
reported to have been actually wounded,
and although the destruction of property
may have fallen more heavily upon mis-
sionaries Of other nationalities than our
own, it plainly behooved this government
to take the most prominent and decided
action to guard against similar mishaps
and more dreadful calamities befall-
ing the hundreds of American mis-
sion stations which have grown up
throughout the interior Of China under
the temperate rule of federation, custom
and imperial edict. The demands of the
United States and other powers for the
degradation and punishment of the re-
sponsible officials of the respective cities
and provinces, who by neglect or other
wise, had permitted uprisings, and for the
adoption of stern measures by the emper
or's government for the protection of the
life and property of foreigners, were fol
lowed by the disgrace and dismissal of
certain officials found derelict in duty and
the punishment by death of a number of
those judged guilty of actual participation
in the outrages.
Future Safety Assured.
The energetic steps we have taken are
all the more likely to result in future
safety to our citizens in China, because
the imperial government is, am per-
suaded, entirely convinced that we desire
only the liberty and protection of our citi
zens and redress for any wrongs they may
have suffered and that we have no ulterior
designs or objects, political or otherwise.
China will not forget either our kindly
service to her citizens during her late war
nor the further fact that while furnishing
all the facilities at our command to fur
ther the negotiation of a peace between
her and Japan we sought no advantages
and interposed no counsel.
The governments of both China and
Japan have in special dispatches, trans
mitted through the respective diplomatic
representatives expressed in a most pleas
ing manner their grateful appreciation Of
our assistance.