The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-06-24

men found in China during this early
period were likely TO hose their lives d
number of the missionaries, particularly
the Jesuits, in their efforts. con
| cealed themselves in the houses Of native
Christians. in villages where they had
made converts, and continued their work
in secret. Therefore. when the country
was reopened TO foreigners, the mission
aries found in q number Of places foun-
| dation of Christian belief upon which to
build
It was in 1874 that missionary effort was
| formally recognized by the Chinese gov
eminent, in the treaty with France. made
in that year This convention EXTENDED
imperial protection to the French mis-
sionaries. who were all representatives or
the Roman Catholic church. Although its
provisions did not extend to others than
the French, the right of all missionaries
to labor in China and to make converts
has been tacitly recognized since that
time.
Some of the English and American mis-
sioraries have attempted to have similar
treaty provisions put into effect, but no
official action has been taken, with the
exception of occasional imperial DEGREES.
commanding the viceroys to extend pro-
lection to all missionaries within their
provinces.
While the outbreaks against mission
aries have occurred at intervals ever since
the re-entry Of China, these attacks have
been more frequent and viru.ent within
the last ten years than previously. The
reas>r. is probably to be found II the .act
that there has been a great extension of
missionary effort during this period. and
that the recationary party, with the ap-
parent connivance Of the empress, has en-
tered upon determined campaign to rid
the empire of all foreigners.
A number of these demonstrations
against the missionaries occurred in 1891,
as the result Of stories industriously cir
culated to the effect that the Christians
were kidnapping and killing children. At
Husui a native was conveying two babies
to the missionary hospital In small bas-
ket. The villagers, excited by the tales
Of kidnapped children, fell upon the man.
took away the charges and beat him to
death. Then they proceeded against the
mission station, looted the buildings. set
them on fire. killed the missionaries and
a number of the native converts.
The missionaries remained by their ma
tive charges to the last. and endeavored
to save them from the fury of the mob,
but without success. Their bodies were
mutilated and burned by the marauders,
who afterward returned quietly to their
homes. They were apparently in no fear
Of punishment from the viceroy, who took
nc action IN regard TO the crime until
compelled to do so. This is a story which
has been repeated over and over again
in the history of Chinese missions.
This sacrifice of life was not altogether
in vain. because it led TO the proclama-
ton of a decree from the throne, issued
at the demand Of the Christian nations,
and commanding the protection of mis-
sionaries. In this decree, which was sent
to all parts of the empire, 1t was set forth
that the right Of foreign missionaries to
promulgate their religions had been pro-
vided for by treaties and by imperial de-
crees; and the decree commanded the
authorities of all the provinces to afford
them protection as circumstances might |
require.
1.-The religions of the west" continued |
the decree have for their object the. in |
culcation Of virtue, and, although our /
people become converted, they remain |
Chinese subjects. There is no reason why |