Wow, this document is a circular from Yuan Zhongcheng to the French Consul in Tianjin. On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Yuan Zhongcheng received a letter from the French consul, stating: Last summer, the Chinese Boxer rebels caused a ruckus, and the Zizhulun concession in Tianjin was surrounded. The allied forces moved north, and the Chinese army and Boxers turned the Changlu salt wharf into a trench, which led to significant losses for the French forces. Later, the French authorities seized all that salt, and the French government ordered it to be sold at auction, intending to sell it in the eastern part of Henan after the river opens next year. For safety, all transport routes, docks where ships stop, and shops must display the French flag and be stamped and signed by the French consul general. Therefore, we’re counting on your department to send troops for protection and arrange everything properly. You must also inform all prefectures and counties to comply, and make sure every village and town knows they need to buy this salt. Any merchants holding a salt transport permit issued by the French consul general, or invoices from French trading shops stamped with official French seals, shouldn’t be hassled by military or civilians at checkpoints along the way, nor should they be obstructed.
In short, the French consul means: Our salt is going to Henan, and you must ensure safety, give us a clear path all the way, and don’t cause us any trouble! You should also help promote this, so everyone buys our salt! If you dare to break the rules again on purpose, the penalties will get harsher! If your department cannot manage this, I’ll have no choice but to report this to the ambassador in Beijing, who will then telegraph the Ministry of Foreign Affairs back home. I trust your department will keep the situation in Zhili in mind and definitely won’t overlook small issues that could mess up relations between our two countries.
The salt that is shipped to the areas under your jurisdiction requires you to designate warehouses and shops. Please make sure to hang up signs and display our national flag. I already know what needs to be in those warehouses and shops, so please make sure not to move anything. Once the rent and other matters are settled, we can discuss payment. Currently, the licenses being used in Zhili Province, along with the licenses from the French salt trading houses, have been issued and stamped by our country in the amount of fifty of each. Please notify everyone immediately to comply; otherwise, when the salt arrives, it will be very inconvenient if the local areas have not received the notice.
Well, I will translate this into modern spoken Chinese sentence by sentence, while retaining the original text of poems and couplets.
First, we reviewed all the documents related to our department's dealings with foreign officials and merchants. We have always handled matters according to the treaties signed between the two countries. You (referring to the consul general) want to issue flags and permit the transport of salt for inland sales, but upon reviewing all the treaties, there is no provision for this, and our department has not received any official instructions from our country’s plenipotentiary minister, so it is difficult to approve the request. Moreover, the eastern province is originally a salt-producing area and has never served as a transit point for salt from Changlu. There are hundreds of thousands of impoverished people along the coast who rely on salt production for their livelihood. The salt produced each year is sold throughout the various counties and towns in the province, with sales quotas assigned to various regions, and there are often surplus situations. Furthermore, in recent years, the water conservancy facilities and salt fields in areas like Yongfu have undergone comprehensive restructuring. Salt fields such as Xiyao, Fuguo, and Wangjiagang have also increased their evaporation ponds, resulting in even more salt production than before. The salt merchants are receiving inadequate salt quotas and have accumulated a lot of unpaid taxes, and they are concerned about resolving this issue. If we were to force the sale of Changlu salt at the locations listed in your warehouse and shop list, the salt households and merchants in the eastern province would inevitably face unemployment. This affects national tax revenue and jeopardizes the livelihoods of the local population, creating numerous difficulties and obstacles. We have submitted the flag and other related documents for your review, and we hereby notify you, Consul General, for your consideration and understanding. Thank you! This is a necessary notification.
Year 27 of Guangxu, first month, day.
◇ Telegram from the Commander of the Allied Forces to Deputy Yuan in the East
The area under your jurisdiction has very few Boxer bandits, and the local administration has been quite diligent. Our country's people in the eastern province have been able to protect themselves consistently and without danger, which is truly admirable. Therefore, our military will not send troops to your area for suppression, and there is no need for concern.
◇ Telegram from the Plenipotentiary Minister in Beijing to General Yin
The main point of this message is: We are acting according to the treaty. You requested to transport salt to the interior for sale, which is not provided for in the treaty, and we have not received instructions from our superiors, so we cannot approve it. The eastern province produces salt itself and produces a large quantity, and the salt merchants cannot sell it all. Transporting salt here would severely impact the livelihoods of local salt merchants and the national tax revenue. Therefore, we cannot issue you a flag permit, and the relevant documents have been submitted for review.
The telegram from the Commander of the Allied Forces expresses approval of Yuan Shikai's handling of the Boxer Incident in Shandong and states that troops will not be sent to Shandong.
I have just received a letter from the French minister, which reports that they have received a letter from the clergy in Henan, which mentions that Cen Dao in Hebei, Lü Ling in Huaxian, and Shi Ling in Anyang are inciting the common people to riot, and the local situation is spiraling into chaos! Boxer bandits are running amok, and the remaining property of the clergy and believers has been burned, endangering the lives of foreigners! Therefore, we respectfully request that, according to the previously agreed-upon measures, these officials be punished promptly. Those who warrant the harshest punishment are Cen Dao, Lü Ling, and Shi Ling. Meanwhile, we request that you immediately urge the Governor of Henan to find ways to seriously protect the clergy and believers, and respectfully request that 50,000 taels of silver be allocated from the compensation for the church incident to repair the damaged areas, in hopes of your approval.
In summary, the envoy's letter primarily demands the punishment of three officials: Cen Dao, Lv Ling, and Shi Ling. Although Cen Dao and Shi Ling have been transferred to other positions, they are likely feeling resentful. Lv Ling from Huaxian has not been dismissed and is particularly disgruntled. At this critical period of negotiations, we cannot afford to give them any excuses to stir up trouble. You must address this matter with urgency on your end. Regarding the allocation of fifty thousand taels of silver, in addition to the previous payments made, further compensation is necessary. You need to discuss this with the bishop, investigate promptly, ensure the necessary compensation is made, and resolve the matter swiftly. This is a telegram sent by Qing Li Geng.
I have received Geng's telegram. I will promptly submit requests for the impeachment of Cen Dao, Lv Ling, and Shi Ling as mentioned in the letter from the French envoy. Qiu Lingjin has been designated to act in Huaxian's stead. The case in Wuan, Hebei, has also been discussed by relevant personnel and the bishop. Once the bishop's documents arrive, I will report to you immediately. For the unresolved matters, I have allocated funds for Feng Dao to oversee. As per your instructions, Feng Dao will collaborate with the bishop to ascertain the compensation amount we owe and settle everything as soon as possible. I will also order the diligent protection of the churchgoers to reassure them. Please pass this message along to the French envoy.
- Huang Zhongsu, Chief Official of Shangjiang, to Governor Liu Zhijun
Dear Leader: I have carefully read your decree dated December 6th, 1900, regarding the need to formulate reform plans and implement them seriously in various aspects such as politics, national affairs, governance, livelihood, education, imperial examinations, military, and finance. The entire nation feels encouraged and grateful as a result. Since the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in the year of Yiwei, ministers at court have proposed various reform plans, discussing almost all issues. However, I believe that while these plans are comprehensive, their complexity makes it difficult to adequately consider the urgency, importance, and priorities of the reforms.
I believe that to implement new policies, we must first enlighten the public. If the people do not become enlightened, regardless of how good the policies or clever the methods may be, only one or two individuals will support them, while nine out of ten will be skeptical and may cling to old habits, secretly obstructing progress. For the past forty years in China, various dialect schools, technical schools, and military academies teaching both Chinese and Western methods have been established, but with little effect. Is it really the case that the Chinese are less capable than Westerners? The root cause is the unawakened public intellect and the unchanged social climate. Hoping that these hundreds of students will become valuable contributors to strengthen the nation is simply unrealistic! Westerners often say, "Good governance is like plants, while public intellect is like fertile soil." Once the public's intellect is awakened, governance will follow naturally, and good policies can be enacted without force; moreover, once implemented, it is difficult to abolish them. Otherwise, if the public remains unenlightened and is forced to comply, it might seem to meet the requirements on the surface, but in reality, it's just empty talk. For instance, British economists strongly pushed for a flat tax, but merchants and businessmen obstructed it, and it could not be implemented for a long time. This concept was too complex for the average person to grasp. Later, they turned this theory into books like "Financial Enlightenment," which were widely taught in schools. By the Daoguang era, everyone understood its significance, the resistance faded, and the policy was implemented smoothly, benefiting the entire country. Does this not demonstrate that to implement good governance, we must first enlighten the public? Regarding the methods to enlighten the public, I think there are four main approaches: first, establish schools; second, reform the imperial examination system; third, translate Western literature; and fourth, launch newspapers.
The establishment of our school has had regulations in place for 24 years: elementary schools are run by the county, middle schools by the city, and universities by the province, progressing step by step, with diplomas to prove it; after graduating from university, students are sent to the Guozijian in Beijing to take another exam, and positions are awarded based on their abilities. The emphasis is on practical knowledge, selecting versatile talents, so the country can fully utilize its human resources. Moreover, the common people tend to align their views with those of the educated. If the educated understand both Chinese and Western contexts and share their insights, public sentiment will shift. Various social conflicts and the gap between China and the West can be unconsciously eliminated, which is an effective way to ensure internal stability and external security. Therefore, the school must be established first.
However, once the school is established, the exams still rely on the eight-legged essay format and regular script, resulting in disunity and poor learning outcomes. So, the exams should adopt contemporary writing styles. Consider the newly revised provincial examination regulations coming in four years: the first session tests history and politics; the second session tests Western history and finance; if someone understands specialized knowledge, they can take an additional exam to test the Four Books and Five Classics, and admissions will be based on exam performance, which means those who only rely on rote memorization will be unable to succeed. All examinations in Beijing should also eliminate poetry and prose, focusing solely on practical knowledge, to inspire the common people throughout the country. Even in remote areas, practical skills will be appreciated, and once the atmosphere shifts, we will begin to see results. Therefore, the imperial examination system needs urgent reform.
If you want to understand Western approaches, you have to read Western books. In the past few decades, only military and mathematics literature has been translated relatively comprehensively; fields like chemistry, acoustics, optics, electricity, mineralogy, steam engines, and mechanics have had some translations, but they are not the latest works. Moreover, the translation of important political and legal texts is far too limited, and the significant differences between Chinese and Western languages make translations quite challenging, often taking two to three years to complete a single book. This speed is too slow and cannot address urgent problems. Take Japan, for example; they have translated nearly all significant Western literature, with 17% of the translations in Chinese and only 13% in Japanese, completed in a short time with high efficiency. If it is said that one must learn Western languages before reading Western books, this may work for children, but how can those over twenty engage in extensive reading and in-depth study? Therefore, Western books must be translated quickly.
China's population is enormous, estimated at four hundred million or even more. Although many schools have been built, it is impossible to educate everyone. Only through widespread newspaper distribution can those who haven't attended school stay informed about world events from home. Moreover, those who have already attained recognition often lack the time to read extensively; they can keep up with domestic and foreign situations by reading newspapers, so they are not clueless when it comes to diplomatic affairs and causing trouble. However, some newspaper editors occasionally offer arbitrary praise or criticism, with viewpoints in articles often reversed and nonsensical claims made, misleading people. Therefore, it is essential to translate Western newspaper management regulations into a written format, so that each newspaper strictly adheres to them. If anyone dares to publish articles that violate these regulations, local officials should promptly arrest the editors for questioning and shut down the newspaper. Even valid criticisms should not be overstated. In this way, public sentiment can be more easily conveyed, and public opinion can be clearer. With an increase in newspapers, the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks. Look at the most powerful Western countries; they have many newspapers, and the effects are very obvious. Thus, there is a pressing need to actively promote the development of newspapers.
All of the above are the fundamental ways to enlighten the people and achieve reform and self-reliance. In addition to education in agriculture, industry, commerce, and mining, financial resources will flow freely, and prosperity will be within reach. However, if various schools are not established, the common people will remain stuck in their old ways, which is counterproductive. How can we compete with other countries and regain our rightful interests? Depending on foreigners for everything is not only expensive but also unsustainable. Furthermore, hiring foreign experts at a high price may not necessarily bring in top-notch technicians. Thus, it is preferable to nurture our own talents, let them learn and teach each other, so that we no longer need to rely on foreigners, right? During the Meiji Restoration in Japan, within less than ten years, everything was led by the Japanese themselves. Chinese people are just as intelligent and talented as the Japanese; the key lies in changing our mindset. Although the army and navy are important, the most pressing task at hand is not these. Army training takes several years to form, and the navy is expensive and complex, and it may not be operational even after a decade. In the end, the cost of a battleship could fund schools across the entire province; the funds for a cannon could establish schools in several counties. If the country's finances allow, of course, we can develop the navy, army, and schools simultaneously; but right now, the national treasury is depleted, the people are struggling, and there is a shortage of funds for everything, so we have to prioritize the most urgent matters. Rather than pouring vast sums into costly and cumbersome foreign imports, why not use this money to cultivate talents that can be useful at any time? When we weigh the priorities, the right choice becomes obvious.
China has been engaging in Westernization for more than fifty years, making repeated mistakes, resulting in countless errors. Last year, a war was hastily declared, leading to complete chaos and almost reaching an irreversible point. Had it not been for Li Hongzhang's efforts to stabilize the situation in the southeast, the consequences would have been dire! Investigating the root cause of the disaster, it all stems from incompetence and ignorance, not understanding the domestic and international situation, resulting in a series of calamities. If schools had been established more than a decade ago to cultivate dozens or hundreds of talents who understand the internal and external situation, perhaps they could have mediated from the sidelines, tried to reverse the situation, and prevented blindly following others and ignorant decisions from causing such a huge catastrophe. Some may doubt that the current situation is critical, and starting to establish schools now, even if the effect is fastest, will take three to five years, which is too slow and unrealistic. However, the past cannot be changed, but the future can still be remedied. Establishing schools now can still play a role in the future; not doing so now will lead to complete despair in the future. Moreover, with a large population in China, which province does not have talents? Changing the subjects of the civil service examinations to attract talents widely, implementing special examinations for selection, along with deliberate recruitment and unconventional appointments, with sustained efforts over time, the country is not yet devoid of talented individuals. Persisting for a few years, excellent talents will gradually emerge, advancing rapidly, and talents will emerge continuously, leading to a strong and prosperous nation with a formidable military in the near future. My official position is lowly, my abilities mediocre, my virtues shallow; how could I possibly intervene in the court's major affairs? It is only because I have always been highly regarded by Lord Li Hongzhang, who regarded me as more than just an ordinary official, that I dare to express my humble opinions. As the ancient saying goes: "The words of a madman, the wise man chooses." I hope you will kindly consider my suggestions, even if it is just to make a small contribution to the country's development; it is not just my personal fortune!
To the relevant authorities: It has recently been rumored that the treaties between various countries will be finalized, and there will be specific clauses concerning churches. After this, priests should make efforts to protect their congregants. However, the priests in churches often provide indiscriminate protection to their congregants, regardless of their character or the right and wrong of the matter, exerting all their influence to support them. Local officials are coerced by them, inevitably suppressing the common people in order to appease the churchgoers. The villagers' resentment grows deeper by the day, which could lead to a significant disaster. In my humble opinion, seizing this opportunity to establish a treaty, the foreign envoys must be informed to instruct all priests that all disputes among Chinese churchgoers must be handled fairly by local officials, without any interference or undue influence. In China, there should be no discrimination between common people and churchgoers, and justice is upheld. The priests should also adhere to the rules of the church and not favor the churchgoers, which could provoke the anger of the masses. Indiscriminate punishment of all common people and local troublemakers should be avoided. If criminals seeking refuge in the church should be rejected and not accepted. This aligns with Western ecclesiastical laws and the public laws of all nations, regardless of continent or country. Even the treaties established between China and the West do not allow priests to interfere in legal disputes. If priests exceed their authority and instigate incidents, they are to blame for their own actions and cannot blame local officials. This is indeed the root cause of the strife between the common people and the church, and if this is clarified and a mutually beneficial resolution is achieved, future troubles can be prevented, and harmony between the common people and the church can be established. Otherwise, the influence of the church will continue to expand, the resentment of the common people will increase, and if things escalate, both sides will suffer, which would be detrimental not only to China but also to the West. Therefore, I respectfully urge the esteemed officials to consult with the prime minister by telegram, to reach a suitable agreement and alleviate the current tensions, awaiting a constitutional resolution.
- Governor Jiang, Liu Pi
It is reported that the implementation of new policies must prioritize the enlightenment of the people, which is indeed a difficult task.
The establishment of each section of the school aligns with the intentions of the main hall. It is recommended to consult the academic affairs department for suitable arrangements. This is hereby submitted.
From the letter of the English missionary Timothy Li Fu to Li Shang
Over the past sixty years, China has encountered two major difficulties: first, those who do not understand Western affairs advise the government to go to war with foreign countries, severing all communication. In every war, China is defeated, with each subsequent defeat more severe than the last.
Secondly, foreigners, noticing China's ignorance of Western affairs, have gradually occupied strategic territories, such as Heilongjiang, Taiwan, Annan, and Myanmar, all of which are under foreign control. Now, due to the misguided views of certain individuals, there is a dangerous desire to eliminate all foreigners. The government, misled by these views, has tragically led to the deaths of countless Chinese people, causing great difficulties for the court. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor have barely escaped with their lives, which is indeed a great tragedy. Regarding foreigners who oppose China's strengthening, they fear that if China becomes strong, it may harbor intentions of violence. These individuals often flatter China to appease them, but in reality, they do not want China to become stronger. There are also those who sincerely wish for China's empowerment. Well-meaning individuals from abroad are urging all nations not to partition China. After much persuasion, the nations have begun to agree. This presents yet another opportunity for China's revival, blessed by heaven. For China to achieve revival, two essential elements are necessary: internal stability and external security.
The approach to achieving internal stability: the Empress Dowager and the Emperor must reconcile. The Qing Dynasty has established longstanding family laws that, if adhered to, maintain order, and when ignored, lead to chaos. This is the first principle. The literati should find a reconciliation between traditional and modern perspectives and avoid clashing with one another; those who hold traditional views and those who advocate for modernization should each play to their strengths. Currently, many reform-minded officials have been dismissed or have resigned, and they ought to be reinstated.
These are the two key aspects. All of this constitutes the overarching principles of internal peace. The approach to external peace requires careful consideration of timing. In ancient times, without steamships, railways, or telegraphs, it was possible for countries to not interact with each other; now, the world’s continents have become like a single vast city, where news spreads rapidly within a day. Those who live in the east do not wish to travel to the west, but this is no longer feasible. Those who are perceptive understand this. Without peace, conflict is inevitable. Some want to take China's land, some want to take China's resources, some want to take China's power. If there is further conflict, looking back at past events, the calamities faced by China are countless. The primary cause of conflict largely stems from the exclusion of outsiders, and many discussions and negotiations are not appropriate. Currently, foreign allied forces in Zhili are experiencing unrest due to the exclusion of Chinese participation.
If tens of thousands of Manchus struggle to govern 400 million Chinese, how can peace be maintained for 250 years without incidents? This is because each province and county employs Chinese individuals who possess a profound understanding of the nation's circumstances, so everything is handled properly. Examining the past sixty years of foreign relations, what accounts for the persistent conflicts? It is because the Beijing government and the six ministries have consistently refrained from employing foreigners, and there are no Chinese officials who have traveled abroad to gain insights into other nations, so they are unable to come up with appropriate policies. Currently, there are many foreigners who understand China's situation. Should China neglect to seek their assistance, foreign nations will exploit China's resources, exacerbating its challenges. Thus, to achieve revitalization, China must enlist the support of foreigners who comprehend its circumstances and invite talented individuals from foreign countries to assist. This constitutes the fundamental framework for external peace.
Both internal and external stability must enhance the authority of dedicated officials in the capital. In my humble opinion, the current employment of five categories of foreign experts is essential: first, foreign experts in education should be invited to assist the Minister of Rites in overseeing educational institutions, imparting all useful knowledge from abroad to China. However, the benefits of these schools will only be realized in twenty years, so it is necessary to invite someone to travel to various countries to engage in diplomacy, in light of the recent peace talks and the purpose of the treaty, to position China among the ranks of protected nations, ensuring peace and stability in China for the next twenty years. The so-called protected nations are those in Europe that lack the means to defend themselves, relying on other nations for protection and preventing invasion. If China can be included in this category, it will also be a great benefit to its neighbors.
This is the method for establishing a foundation after chaos. Once the foundation is established, another foreign expert must be invited to assist the Chinese foreign minister in applying this approach and handling all negotiations in accordance with the practices of foreign ministers from other countries, ensuring that China does not suffer losses. Once there is a charter for peace and security in China, another person must be invited to assist in overseeing the railway and mining industries, ensuring prosperity for the Chinese populace. Implementing these major policies requires substantial funding; otherwise, it cannot be achieved. It is also essential to invite a foreign financial expert to utilize financial management methods from various countries.
With the assistance of these five types of foreign nationals, not only can effective laws be enacted in various provinces of China, but new laws and rights from other countries can also benefit China. This way, land will not be encroached upon, resources will not be monopolized, and power will not be usurped. All of these policies are interconnected and must be carried out together, like clockwork—if one part is missing, the whole mechanism fails.
Implementing these measures will yield significant benefits; neglecting them will lead to considerable losses. China's longstanding issue in managing affairs is that, when confronted with challenging tasks, there is often a tendency to procrastinate or make excuses. This is particularly detrimental, as delays can result in indefinite postponement.
I've been in China for quite a while. Whenever the country is about to undertake something significant, if we don't push forward courageously, we say let's hold off for a bit. As a result, after decades, nothing of significance has been achieved. Now is a crucial turning point. If we still want to hold back, I'm afraid that we won't get another chance for China's revival.
