Evening star., 1899-04-07
PROTECTION OF MISSIONARIES.
Terms of the Proclamation Recently
Issued by the Empress of China.

United States Minister Conger at Pekin
has sent the Secretary of State transla-
ton of the following proclamation issued
by the Empress of China for the protection
of foreign missionaries in that country:
''Edict, issued 9th of tenth moon
Il, the empress dowager, have been in
formed that anti-Christian movements have
taken place in many provinces, and that
these troubles have all arisen from the false
sentiment of treating the missionaries as
enemies; in consequence of which it is easy
for misunderstanding to occur. The peo-
pie do not understand that the preaching of
Christianity by westerners is permitted by
and stipulated for in the treaties with for
egn nations. Our government is a gener-
Gus one, and We treai the preachers of all
religions as good citizens, and no prejudice
IS tolerated by US. The missionaries Of the
different nations come here and preach to
our people what is, in their books and
though each has a distinct doctrine, the
common aim of all is to induce people to be
good and do good. All evil and crime are
not only prohibited by our laws, but are
also prohibited by the Christian religion.
For instance, the would-be rebellion in XII
angst which Yang kungch en- tried to raise
was found out and reported to us by man
belonging to the Christian religion. Thus
it Will be- seen that a good man, whether
he is Christian or not, Will obey the prin-
ciples of being honest and true to others.
We therefore Immediately rewarded the
said Christian. Lin TSal-to, In order to show
our impartiality to all. Hereaf fter, | desire
that all people will treat foreigners as their
own countrymen, and avoid all miSunder-
standing with them. l explain this fully
now, and command all YiceroyS and officials
in provinces to emphasize my sincerity by
eXerting themselves to suppress all agita-
ton among the people before any anti
Christian prejudice is displayed.
In everything justice must be shown,
and distinction must he made
Christians, and native Christians must not
show any ill will toward their fellow-coun-
trymen. They must obey the officials and
love and be kind 10 their neighbors. Let
philanthropy be their ruling motive, so that
they may not misunderstood what is the
the missionaries. /, though / remain in the
palace, always have this in my mind, and
now urge and command you to act accord
ingly. Let all yiceroyS copy this edict and
send 1t to their subordinate officials to noti-
fly the people. Let the old and young the
wealthy, the learned and the common peo-
pie all take note and understand that the
Christians do not do things forcibly and
under foreign protection that the people
will not have their minds prejudiced and
disturbed. Thus may there be peace and
happiness between the officials and people
and Christians at all times"
In promulgating this edict the Tientsn
magistrate added the following Injunction:
''On receiving this edict, l, the Tientsin
magistrate, now accordingly notify you sol
diers, merchants and all people that you
must not i'll treat Christians. You must be
honest and peaceabie and not create any
misunderSt tanding. You must not hereafter
circulate rumorS or cause trouble; and you
Christians are also cautioned against evil
and the violation of those laws intended to
render both you and the people happy and
prosperous and to carry out the govern
mentS benehcent intentions toward YOU