“Should the foreign ministers and their families prefer to temporarily retire to Tientsin, he must see they are protected en route [when Baron von Ketteler left the legation walls the following day to visit the tsung-li-yamen he was murdered by these ‘protection guards’]; but as the railway is not now in working, and if they go by cart-road it would be difficult to secure their safety, they would do better perhaps to abide here in peace as heretofore [we had been under fire for six days at intervals] until the railroad is repaired, and then act as they see fit. Respect this.”
“June 21.—Edict: From the foundation of this dynasty, foreigners in China have always been kindly treated. [A tremendous lie.]
“In Tao Kuang and Hsien Feng’s time they were granted the privilege of trading, and they then asked permission to propagate their religion, which request was reluctantly granted. At first they were submissive to Chinese control, but for the last thirty years they have taken advantage of China’s forbearance to encroach on our territory and trample our people under foot while demanding our wealth.
“Every concession made by China only increased their reliance upon force. They constantly oppressed the people, insulted the gods and sages, and so caused the most burning indignation among the populace. Hence came about the burning of the chapels and slaughter of converts by the patriotic militia [the Boxers].
“The throne was anxious to avoid conflict, and issued edicts ordering the protection of the legations and enjoining pity for the converts. Boxers and converts were declared equally the children of the empire in our decrees, in the hope of obliterating the existing feud between them.
“Extreme kindness was shown to the foreigners from a distance. But these foreigners knew no gratitude, and increased their demands.
“A dispatch was yesterday received, sent by the French consul, Du Chaylard, calling on us to deliver into their care the Taku forts, otherwise they would take them by force. This threat showed their aggressive spirit.
“We have in all matters of international intercourse always shown ourselves courteous in the extreme. But they, calling themselves civilized states, have disregarded right and are relying solely upon force.
“We have reigned now nearly thirty years, treating our subjects as our children, and being honored by them as a deity, and, too, we have been the constant recipient of the gracious favor of the Empress Dowager. [This edict pretends to come from the Emperor alone, evidently.]
