Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-15
A DOCUMENT ;.CM CHINA
OF THE AMERICAN
PROVOST MARSHAL.
Orders as to Conduct of Affair. I'm tho
American District in
Peking.

Col B. F. Montgomery, in charge Of the
Geographic and cable office at the White
House, recently received an interesting doc.
ument from China. 1t was a copy of the
proclamation issued by the provost marshal
OF the American forces at Picking respects
ing the conduct of affairs in the American
district of the big Chinese city. The docu-
ment Is in Chinese and the hieroglyphics
are big enough for all smaiI-eyed China.
men to read. The copy is printed on paper
about yard square, and the document
was posted in all parts of the district pa
trolled by American troops.
The translation of the document was sent
along also. Both original and translation
came from First Lieutenant c. ID. Rhodes
OF the 9th Cavalry. adjutant general of the
first brigade in China. He is a District
man. having graduated from the high
schools of this city before entering West
Point.
nrst to reach this country. 1t follows:
PROVOST MARSIIAL'S OFFICE
American District, Chinese City
PEklNG, China, September "A. hoo
General James H. Wilson. commanding LIST
Brigade, China relief expedition l. John G.
F. Tillson captain 18th u. S. Infantry as
sumed the office of provost marshal of the
10th day of September. 1900, with fun power
of mayor and magistrate.
1t is proper that the people of this dis
trict should know the duties and powers OF
this office. and the object of the government
OF the United States in establishing it.
The United States desires to give good
government to all who come within its
jurisdiction, foreigners and natives alike,
with the most perfect security to life and
property. This object must be obtained by
gentle means, IL possible; by severe, and
even terrible means, If necessary. For the
attainment or this object 1t is required that
every soldier and every citizen within this
district shall obey the orders of the pro-
vost marshal.
The immediate resumption of trade in all
Its branches IS necessary to prevent the
suffering of the poor and possible famine
1t is therefore ordered that all stores and
shops shall open their doors and keep them
open between the hours of am. and B
pm, and that all workmen shall resume
their avocations. Protection Of person and
property is guaranteed to all peaceful and
orderly persons alike, and without charge.
The government of the United States grants
this protection to all within its jurisdiction,
and especially to shopkeepers, and no indi-
vidual letter Of protection is necessary. The
government of the United States has not
made any charge for this protection, and
all parties who have attempted or may at
tempt to collect money therefor from the
people are impostors, and, If reported TO
this office, Will be severely dealt with.
Every citizen has equal right to trade.
and no individual or company will be
granted any commercial privilege not en-
joyed by all. Fair and proper prices must
be charged and extortion will not be toll
Grated. Every soldier and every citizen is
required to pay the dealers price for any
article. but, in order to prevent extortion.
the price may be fixed and changed from
time to time by orders from this office.
All crimes and misdemeanors punishable
in the best regulated governments will be
promptly investigated, and, when guilt at
taches, as rapidly punished All good citi-
zens are urged to report at the office To-
Gated in the Human Club. or at the Office
located in the Hu-Kang Club, or at the Of
flee located in the Cheng-Huang Club,
the peace or good order that may come under
their observation. Interpreters will be
found at each of these offices who can COM
municate with the Chinese.
The aid of all citizens Is requested in this
effort to restore trade, secure the blessings
Of peace, promote cleanliness and health,
protect the good, help the poor and to pre-
vent crime and to bring criminals to justice.
All farmers and gardeners are urged to
harvest their crops, and are guaranteed
protection for themselves and their prop
erty while travelling to and from the city.
AS further protection to farmers and
gardeners market has been established
at the headquarters Of the U. s. army. In
the grounds of the Temple Of Earth, where
without charge, they will be allowed to sell
their produce and will be protected while
engaged.
The following regulations are established:
Until further orders no soldier of any ma
ton will be allowed in the interior Of this
district unless accompanied by a commits
stoned officer.
No armed men will be allowed in the dis
trict except patrols and sentinels when
actually on duty. when they will be distin"
guished by brassard worn on the LETT
arm bearing the words ~. s. Police
Chinese found bearing arms will be ar
rested and brought to these headquarters
fnp triQ
be allowed to wear any article OF SOL
dier's uniform.
No one will be allowed on the streets be-
tween the hours Of pm. and 4:30 am.
except by proper authority.
Shopkeepers and residents will. in ac-
cordance with custom. be required to Keep
light In front Of their shops and resi-
dences at night.
They will also thoroughly clean their
premises and the streets adjoining every
morning, and will turn out their mules,
carts and coolies with baskets TO remove
accumulations of garbage from the vicinity
Of their shops and residences every Sunday.
Scavengers will be encouraged to resume
their work.
A superintendent of police has been ap-
pointed, who is authorized to organize
force of native watchmen and lamplighters.
The watchmen will be appointed upon the
recommendation of property owners or resi-
dents whose property they are to protect,
and will be paid by the property owners
concerned such compensation as they may
agree upon They will be distinguished by
a white brassard worn upon the left arm,
bearing the words ~. S. Waterman"
An honorary advisory board is appointed.
to consist Of the following principal resi-
dents of the quarter: The Earl Tseng:
Prof. Yuen-Yu-Ting Of the Han-Lin Col
lege; Prof. Huang-Isu-Yung of the Han-L,n
College: Mr.. Chia-Ching-Yen, director OF
the Commercial Company Of Shansi; Mr..
Wang Kuan-Tao-Tai Of Chilli.
This board will pass upon all nominations
of natives to office and assist in matters re-
ferred to them in the early establishment
of civil government. under such military
supervision as may be found necessary.
(Sgned) JOHN c. f. TILLSON.
Captain, 14th Inf. Provost Marshal.
Official:
C. D. RHODES,
First Lieutenant, 9th Cavalry, AdJutant Cen
eral LIST Brigade.
PRESENT NUMBER RETAINED.