The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-16
officials Accused of Filling Their
Pockets with Money Wrung from
the Taxpayers.
OLD TRICKS" FORBIDDEN
UNDER PENALTY OF IMPEACHMENT
AND PUNISHMENT.
People Ordered to stop Carrying
Weapons and Guard Against Re-
newaI of Boxer Troubles.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15.-The State De
pattment has received two interesting
Chinese p-roclamatiOns on an imperial edict
issued from the throne concerning the rails
ing Of the war indemnity. and the other by
Governor Yuan, viceroy of Chilli, ordering
the people to stop carrying weapons and to
guard against a repetition of the Boxer
trouble. The documents are not only
curious, but they are important as showing
some of the results of the war. The i'm
perial edict d~iscloses that China is seeking
to devise a plan for meeting the war in
demnity, and is fearful that the heavy tax
on the people will Cypress them to further
disorder. The edict also accuses the Chinese
officials of filling their own pockets with
the sums taken from the people. The edict
follows:
Concerning the various new plans for
raising the new indemnity there is not a
single good one among them. Edicts have
repeatedly been issued on the subject, IN
structing the vicerOys and governors to de-
liberate on the state of affairs. and 10 de-
wise satisfactory plans of action.
There must be no oppression or irrita-
ton of the people. The throne has pity for
the people and does not forget them, awake
or asleep; and as a special reminder we
command the viceroys and governors 10 do
away with whatever may cause too much
LAANRCA IL NA~A 1AobD ~ Ao@o
demnity.
There should not be the least needless
severity which might lead to trouble. The
people should be made to understand Cthe
circumstances so that they may be willing
TO do their duty gladly
Concerning the officials, in their dis
tricts, connected with the liken who col
lect taxes. it is the more necessary that a
stop be put TO filling their own pockets,
and that they be strictly prohibited from
practicing eXtortion.
IF anybody is found out at their old
tricks, seeking only TO make profit for
themselves, We that they be
justly impeached, so that they may be Sc
verely dealt with. There will be no len
iency shown. 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
Governor Yuan. who issues the procla-
nation against carrying weapons, is re-
membered as the efficient military COVER
nor who sought to cope with the Boxer
uprising. His present proclamation against
carrying firearms sounds much like those
he issued warning the Boxers 10 remain
quiet. The present purpose of disarming
the people, including the train bands and
other organizers. is significant of the pur-
pose to prevent the natives from having
the means for carrying on an effective up
rising. The proclamation follows:
Yuan, Junior guardian of the heir APP
parent. president of the board Of war, pres
ident of the censOrate and viceroy of Chi
Ii. issues this proclamation for the in
formation of the people:
The private possession Of weapons has
hitherto been forbidden by law. In 1906,
during the time of the trouble, a good many
weapons were left among the people, TO
the injury Of various localities. Some time
ago / laid down clear rules for giving up
such arms. In case any train bands are
still in possession Of weapons 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 per-
mitted to carry weapons about his person in
order TO disarm suspicion and avoid trouble.
Year before last the Boxers caused dis
turbances, killing, plundering; but these are
now old scores which should not be raked
up. Aside from instructing all under my
Jurisdiction to comply with the above or
ders, l put out this proclamation. hoping
that the gentry and people will take note
of this and comply.
Hereafter the people and the Christians
must not seek to retaliate against each
other or accuse each other and bring or
further trouble, but be forever at peace
with each other. Tremble and obeyi"