The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-04

Uncle Sans Services Appreciated by

Both Countries-RiOters Punished.
The close Of the momentous struggle be-
tween China and Japan, while relieving
the diplomatic agents of this government
from the delicate duty they undertook, at
the request of both countries of rendering
such service to subjects Of either belligerent
within the territorial limits of the other as
our neutral position permitted, developed a
domestic condition in the Chinese empire
which has caused much anxiety and called
for prompt and careful attention. Either
as a result of weak control by the centrai
government over the provincial administra>
tions, following a diminution of traditional
governmental authority under the stress Of
an overwhelming national disaster, or a
manifestation, on good opportunity, of tho
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 authorities. If not actually con-
nived at by them, have eliminated in mob
attacks on foreign missionary stations,
causing much destruction of property ana
attended with personal injury. as we'll as
loss of life. Although but one American
Citizen was reported to have been actually
wounded, and although the destruction OF
property may have fallen more heavily on
the missionaries of other nationalities than
our own, Ii plainly behooved this govern
ment to take the most prompt and decided
action to guard against similar or perhaps
more dreadful calamitfes Detailing the huns
dreds of American mission stations which
have grown up throughout the interior or
China under the temperate rule Of tolera.
ton, custom and imperial edict.
The demands of the United States and
other powers for the degradation and pun
ishment Of the responsible officials of the
respective cities and provinces who by
neglect or otherwise, had permitted upris-
ings, and for the adoption Of stern meas
ures by the Emperor's government for the
protection of the life and property of for
eigners, were followed by the disgrace and
dismissal of certain provincial officials found
derelict in duty, and the punishment by
death of number of those adjudged guilty
of actual participation in the outrages This
government also insisted that special
American commission should visit the prov
ince where the first disturbances occurred.
for the purpose of investigation. This latter
commission, formed after much opposition,
has gone overland from Tien-Tsin, accom>
panied by suitable Chinese escort, and by
its demonstration of the readiness and abi.-
ity OF our government TO protect its citizens,
will act, IL is believed, as most influential
deterrent of any similar outbreaks. Tho
energetic steps We have thus taken are all
the more likely to result in future safety to
our citizens in China, because the imperial
government is, l am persuaded, entirely
convinced that we desire only the liberty
and protection of our own citizens and
redress for any wrongs they may have suf-
fered, and that we have no Interior designs
or objects, political or otherwise. China
will not forget either our kindly service to
her citizens during her late war or the
further fact that, while furnishing all the
facilities at our command to further the me-
gotiatons OF a peace between her and
Japan, we sought no advantages and inter-
posed no counsel The governments OF
both China and Japan have, in special dis
patches transmitted through their respect
i've diplomatic representatives, expressed in
a most pleasing manner. their grateful APP
probation OF our assistance to their citi-
zens during the unhappy struggle and Of the
value OF our aid in paving the way to ths
resumption of peaceful relations.
Japan has furnished abundant evidence of
her vast gain in every trait and characteris-
tic that constitutes nations greatness.
We have reason for generalization in the
fact that the government of the United
States by the exchange of liberal treaty
stipulations with the new Japan, was the
first to recognize her wonderful advance
and to extend to her the consideration and
confidence due to her national enlighten-
ment and progressive character.