The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-08-16
CHINA WILL NOT
Cypress PEOPLE
Two Interesting Imperial Edicts
Issue From the Throne.
MUST NOT CARRY WEAPONS
All Private individuals In China Are
orderd to Immediately Give Up
Any Arms They May Pos
sess-Keeps Down Strife

Washington, August 15.-The state de-
partment has received two interesting
! Chinese proclamations, one an imperial
| edict issued from the throne concerning
the raising of the war indemnity and
the other by Governor Yuan, yiceroy Of
Chi L. ordering the people to stop car
rying weapons and to guard against re-
petition of boxer troubles. The docu-
ments are not only curious but they are
important as showing some of the re-
suits of the war. The imperial ediet dis
closes that China is seeking to devise
a plan for meeting the war indemnity,
and is fearful that the heavy tax on the
people will Cypress them to further dis
order. The edict also accuses the Chi
nese officials of filling their own pocket
with the sums taken from the people.
The edict Is as follows:
Concerning the various new plans for
raising the indemnity there is not a sin
gle good one among them.
There must be no oppression or irri-
tation of the people. The throne has
pity for the people and does not forget
them. awake or asleep; and as special
reminder we command the viceroys and
governors to do away with whatever
may cause too much friction in their
plans for raising the indemnity.
No Severity Needed.
'"rhere should not be the least need
less severity which might lead to trouble.
The people should be made to under
stand the circumstances so that they
would be willing to do their duty gladly
Concerning the officials IN their dis
tricts. connected with the Lil1in who col
lect taxes It % the more necessary that
a stop be put - .uiing their own pockets,
and that they ne strictly prohibited from
practicing extortion
''If anybody is found out at their old
tricks, seeking only to make profit for
themselves, we command that they be
Justly impeaehed, so that they may be
severely dealt with. There will be no
leniency shown.
1.-THE viceroys and governors have re-
eeived great 1avors 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"
Governor Yuan issues the proclamation
against carrying weapons as follows:
Good Lesson to Birmingham.
YUAN, Junior guardian of the heir APP
parent president of the board of war;
president of the censorate and viceroy Of
Chi Ii, issues this proclamation for the
information # the people:
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 peo-
pie to the injury of various localities.
Sometime ago. laid down clear rules
for giving up such arms. In case any
trained bands are in possession Of weap
ons and have not complied with the law
they must at once do so 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 individual will be permitted to
carry weapons about his person. Year
before last. the boxers caused disturb
anees. killing, plundering. but these are
now old scores which should not be ralxed
up.
Hereafter the people and the chris
| tians must not seek to retaliate against
| each other, or accuse each other and
bring on further trouble, but be forever
at peace with each other.
'TREMBL.E AND OBEY"