The Savannah morning news., 1902-08-16
EDICT FROM THRONE
CHINESE EMPEROR TO HIS sTRICK-
EN- PEOPLE.
WCEROYS MUST BE KIND
OPPRESSION AND IRRITATION NOT
TO BE ALLOWED.

Swift Punishment Will Follow De-
lection of Dishonest Holder of
Ofhce-Gov. Yuan Prohibits the
Possession of WenpOns-Use by
People Has Caused Friction and
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Rands to
Possession of Weapons Must Yield
Them Up-Native Christians Not to
He Excluded From the Rule.
"TrembIe and Obey" Says Yuan.
Washington, Aug. 15.-The State De-
partment has received two interesting
Chinese documents. one an edict issued
from the throne concerning the rails
ing of the war indemnity, and the other
by Gov. Yuan, viceroy of Chilli, or
dering the people to stop carrying
weapons and to guard against a repe-
tition of Boxer troubles.
The. documents are not only curious
but they are important as showing
some of the results of the war. The
imperial edict discloses that China is
seeking to devise a plan for meeting
the war indemnity and is fearful that
the heavy tax on the people will OPP
press them to further disorder. The
edict also accuses the Chinese officials
of filling their own pocket with the
sums taken from the people. The
edict is as follows:
No Good Plan for Revenue.
Concerning the various plans for
raising the new Indemnity there is not
IL them
There must be no oppression or IT.
ritation of the people. The throne has
pity for the people and does not for
get them, awake or asleep; and as a
special reminder we command the vice.
roys and governors to do away with
whatever may cause too much friction
in their plans for raising the indem-
nifty
"If anybody is found out at his old
tricks, seeking to make profit for him
self, we command that he be justly i'm
peached, SO that he may be severely
dealt with. There will be leniency al
lowed.
VicerOys Must Help.
THE viceroys and governors have
received great favors from the throne.
and they should from time to time
make investigations, with the special
object of affording relief in these hard
times, and so ease the burdens of the
people.
"Obey these special instructions.
Respect this
Gov. Yuan issues the proclamation
against carrying weapons as follows:
Yuan, junior guardian of the heir
apparent, president of the board OF
war, president of the censorate and
viceroy of Chilli, issues this proclaim
alton for the information of the people:
Must Not Have Weapons.
1.-The private possession of weapons
has hitherto been forbidden by law. In
1900, during the time of the trouble, a
good many weapons were left among
the people to the injury of various To-
calities
Some time ago I laid down clear
rules for giving up such arms. In case
any trained bands are still in possession
of weapons, and have not complied
with the law, they must at once do &c
and give them up, to prevent trouble,
As to native Christians in possession
OF munitions of war, they must also
deliver them up. No private individ-
ual will be permitted to carry weapons
about his person. Year before last the
Boxers caused disturbances, killing
plundering, but these are now old sores
which should not be raked up.
Christians Must Behave.
Hereafter, the people and the Chris
uans must not seek to retaliate agains
each other, or accuse each other ahc
orlng on further trouble, but be for.
ever at peace with each other.
'Tremble and ohey "