The I. G. in Peking: letters of Robert Hart, Chinese Maritime Customs, 1868-1907, Vol. 2 9780674443204

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THE I. G. IN PEKING

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[962] THE I.G. IN PEKING

men in London while in China they only get silver. Of course I know what a valuable man you are and how well you work, but economy may force another I.G. to bring you to a port in China and reduce expenditure—if not stop it altogether—in London. If silver would go up to 6/8 = 1 tael again, the thing would be easy, but, down to 3/1, the expenditure of an additional £1000 means the issue of 6000 taels and we have not spare sums of the kind. Or if people would pay duties in gold, we could get the grant increased, but, so long as duties are not paid in gold, so long will it be impossible to have salaries issued in anything but silver, I fear. We have all fallen on hard times and everybody is appealing to me! Whether IJ shall be able to do anything for you, or for the hundreds of others out here before I go away, I cannot to-day say. As it is, I fear we'll have to issue Retng. All*. in silver too. I remember St. John in 1861+2 when Sir F. Bruce was here.” I am glad they received you nicely at Berne. Meantime the Yamen is again delaying, and the Local P.O. are coining money by issuing new postage stamps—chiefly for sale to collectors!* I fear this note will not help to put you in good spirits, but, as a matter of fact, we are all anxious and worried—and nobody more so than myself. This Service Allowance and Service Pay business is a dark figure in the background of all my thoughts and as yet there is no opening in the clouds. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Hutchins Dusuzeau Miss Bredon 1. The Red Button was worn by officials of the ish navy, which he entered in 1851. first of nine ranks. 3. This was the Shanghai Local Post of the Shang-

2. Admiral Henry Craven St. John served in the hai Municipal Council (see letter 871n2). Far East in the early part of his career in the Brit-

Z/607 5 February 1894

[Red. April 6, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/844 and A/368 came a few days ago: I have not yet had time to read the latter’s enclosures. Jim was married on the 29th and left India on the 30th for Hongkong, hoping to pick up Bruce and self at S’hai, but this year’s doings will probably delay me a bit.’ His wedding present from China was the Red Button of the First Class. The Detrings arrived last night to spend a fortnight in Peking: the girls, Elsa and Lucy, have grown up very nice indeed, and all Peking is exerting itself to cater for their amusement while here. Unfortunately my cough has again re-appeared, and I fear I shall not be able to go about with them.

[963] FEBRUARY 1894

Thanks for “Dunmore” and “Landsdell” both interesting and well illustrated.” The latter’s dedication is amusing, and the letter of introduction from Canterbury to Lhassa is (he read it to me) one of the “rummiest”’ bits of literature perpetrated! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Yesterday’s telegram from S’hai quotes the tael exchange at 2 1114! This makes the situation even worse where home expenditure has to be freed. You will see that I have already commenced to relieve the pressure by wiring for King to return. We’ll have to give you fewer men and on less pay in London. R.H. 11 Feb. ’94 Miss Hart Boulger Greville Rendel Mrs. Bushell 1. James Hart was married in India to Phoebe mission to enter Tibet itself (which he never could) Keble, daughter of John Alford Keble, a captain he had seen James Hart in Darjeeling in 1889 and in the East Surrey Regiment. He was forty-eight, Sir Robert in Peking (see letter 707). He had car-

she twenty. ried with him a letter from the Archbishop of

Canterbury to authorities in Lhasa attesting to his 2. Charles A.M. Dunmore, The Pamirs; Being a peaceful intentions, a signed document which LansNarrative of a Year’s Expedition on Horseback and dell had had printed with “‘a lithographed border of on Foot through Kashmir, Western Tibet, Chinese flowers. .. mounted on a piece of rich yellow satin, Tartary, and Russian Central Asia (2nd ed., Lon- {and] placed asa scroll in a red morocco satin-lined

don, 1893). case.” Having dedicated his first book to the Em-

The Rev. Henry Lansdell, D.D. (1841-1919), a peror of Russia, he was finally permitted (by way missionary and the author of Russian Central Asia, of the British legation and Tsungli Yamen) to dediincluding Kuldja, Bokhara, Khiva, and Merv, 2 vols. cate the latter to the Emperor of China, whom he (London, 1885), in 1893 published a companion addressed, throughout a rather lengthy dedication, work, Chinese Central Asia: A Ride to Little Tibet, as “Sire.”

2 vols. In the course of his efforts to obtain per- ;

Z,/608 19 February 1894

[Red. April 16, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/817 of 29 Dec. came yesterday. We are now waiting for the river to open and preparing for spring changes. Detring and his daughters spent a fortnight with me and Peking was merry-making all the time—four balls, three picnics, two dinners with music after, two dinners with dancing after: although a fortnight here they only spent four evenings in my house, and they went away carrying the admiration of everybody with them. They are really very nice and girls for a

[964] THE I.G. IN PEKING

father to be proud of! Bruce has gone to spend a few days at T’tsin and see “Pinafore”—in which Elsa, a superb singer, takes the principal female part. He is still as devoted to Brighton as ever, and of course this means a career ruined—est socio prorsus sat dare caerulea!' | try to be jolly, but with a leaden heart I fear! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Flora is one of five sisters that Bobbie Harte’s father left by a later marriage!? R.H.

Rendel Byron Flora Harte 1. “It is quite enough for a companion to give” 2. Robert Harte was a “country cousin” of Hart’s (source unknown). (see letter 41).

Z/609 11 March 1894

[Red. May 1, 1894]

My dear Campbell,

Your 848 to 851 came this last week. A set of Hertslet for Stat. Sec. would be at all events appropriate.’ Mrs. White has written to me also. White is at F’chow on the Miscellaneous List on reduced pay (Tls. 300 monthly). The political horizon is far from clear and I fear this century is likely to go out sadly. I have not answered Arthur. Sir J. Cowell has written thanks for the Queen’s tea. I am glad to see Argentines again paying a dividend. The Chicago Gt. Western is too bad!? Iam so constantly going home that I am ever putting off writing any instructions, thinking I shall be at hand to act myself. As regards Lights, etc., do not let them be at any time sent off in a hurry: it is best to pack well and to send everything together. We are far away and the plant of any light is a big thing: so leisurely and safely will always be the best policy. Calder is a decent fellow and I have no objection to your helping him. I don’t understand how either the Queen’s tea went without advices or those three watches (in the box with the Double Dragon Insignia): the watches are those which King & Co. supplied—none of them give satisfaction and I sent them to be repaired, cleaned, regulated, etc. On one of them the hands always stop at a certain point, and this was explained in a memo. I wrote to accompany them.

- The new name “‘Old Queen St.” is better than any of those suggested for the place you are _. 3 in.

[965] MARCH 1894

The Yamen has given me my leave but I am not to take it till after the November festivities.* Meantime I propose going round the ports in May & June: I must have a change and

rest. Bruce is still here and I don’t know what his movements will be, whether to stay with : me or go home in advance. Exchange again falling—the tael is now 2/8! The Yamen begins to feel the difficulty of providing for its people abroad and the cost of anything from abroad is doubled! I fear one of the results of this civilised mismanagement of money tokens will be to convert the East into the manufacturing section for all the world. Poor England—parliament wrangling over parochial matters and the empire going to the dogs! Some measure of “protection” is absolutely necessary, and it is absurd to think that the laws etc. of Political Economy are mathematical certainties: they change and must be accommodated to time and place and circumstances. I am very worried over the exchange question from a Service point of view and your affairs come in for a good deal of thought too! Little Kitty Mears died yesterday I’m sorry to say,> and Tsui—my old (1861 to 1894) mafu—just came in to say his wife is dying. We are all growing old: but death takes the young too—and often first.

Yours truly, Robert Hart The letter addressed Lord—is for Rendel. R.H.

Lady Hart Mde. Chavannes Lord (Rendel) 1. E. Hertslet, Treaties and Tariffs Regulating 3. The street where the London Office was located, Trade between Great Britain and Foreign Nations formerly Great Queen Street, was renamed Old

(London, 1875-1879). Queen Street.

2. In 1890 the banking house of Baring collapsed 4. The November festivities were in honor of the because of unfortunate investments in the Argen- Empress Dowaget’s sixtieth birthday on Notine (see letter 780). The Chicago Great Western vember 7, an occasion of special importance. was presumably a railroad in which Hart had in-

1880. |

vested, adding to the British capital currently 5. Kitty Mears was the daughter of Christopher B. . being invested in American railway development. Mears, a gas fitter on the Customs roster since

Z/610 25 March 1894

[Rced. May 5, 1894]

Dear Campbell, Your 24th telegram has just come in re man from Harvard. I know nothing whatever about him, and he is nothing whatever to me! Your 853 came 22nd and 852 18th. Is not Wilson a cousin of Colin Jamieson?

a, [966] THE I.G. IN PEKING Just now Bruce and IJ are having it out. “Disquieting news” reached him and he insists on going home and having a wife this year! I nursed the I.G.-ship for Jim and he won’t have it,— I provided a fine future for Bruce, and he scorns it! Isn’t it too provoking? I have been worried and headachy all the last fortnight, and other people’s affairs are more than I can manage! You'll see the de Berniéres family, and the Denbys,’ and Mrs. Glover, in London this summer. I too have my leave—but not to be taken till after November which means wintering in Australia, Mexico and India, and home in spring 95: I'll then be 60. Code Telegrams—Better order as many as we’ll require: say 50 copies.

truly, 4 RobertYours Hart Lady Hart Atkinson Jeanne de Noidans 1. De Berniéres was on leave for two years from March 31, 1894. June 30, 1894, E. Denby for two years from

Z/611 1 April 1894

[Red. May 14, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

We are having some little official excitement here at Peking over the S’hai opposition to tank-steamers and oil in bulk, and the S’pore Govt. is threatening to withdraw the cooperation Sir C.C. Smith sanctioned in opium matters:' further the German Legation has just sent in Kleinwachter’s complaint and claim for some £20,000 because no longer in the Service. Then the Pamir question is a difficulty, for, while Russia and England are almost ready to agree, China is not so keen to sign any arrangement which includes recognition of Russian right to ground China previously considered, and vaguely claimed, as her own. Russia and France are increasing their fleets out here and there is an uneasy feeling in the air. Privately, I am seedy, and Bruce’s affair is still a worry. He’ll marry in spite of me, and, if the G. family refused him the girl without my consent, he’d go to the dogs completely. He’s really in love and he does not show the slightest appreciation of other women or girls. That Harvard applicant for a father is a queer gentleman: never heard of him before and Canton wires a reply to say that no Harvard student is supported through the Commissioner there. I wonder who could have put him up to the game? The American ex-sec. Foster and party are here, and we are to have a week’s feasting.” The de Berniéres left yesterday and will be in London in June via America. Bruce, too will probably soon return to England. As I said before, his doings have knocked the bottom out of my bucket completely—“‘For whom do I labour and bereave my soul of good? This is also

[967] APRIL 1894

vanity, yea, it is a sore travail!”* But, in fact, a wife is his affair and not mine, and he has the right to be happy in his own way: what I object to is that he will not build a nest!

Lady Hart | : Yours truly,

Robert Hart

Lonsdale

1. See letter 887n1. ception at the T.ungli Yamen and T’ung-wen kuan as well as by Hart. See also letter 966n2. 2. In his Diplomatic Memoirs, 2 vols. (Boston and

New York, 1909) John W. Foster describes his re- 3. Ecclesiastes 4.7-8.

Z/612 8 April 1894

Dear Campbell, [Rcd. May 19, 1894]

Your Z/854 & 855 arrived this week. Thanks for the certified copies of the Baronetcy Patents, etc. They are amusing and interesting. I suppose it would shock Garter to be told there were at least two errors in the “true copies”, e.g. two “our’’ instead of one, and the word “order” omitted. Bruce is in bed: we feared brain fever but I hope it will not go beyond an alarming nervous attack. Since the “chancery proceedings’, this, I believe is the third time he has thus suffered, and I begin to think that to save his health, intellect, and life, we'll have to give way, and let him be happy after his own fashion for he’s bent on marrying Miss G. and nothing that I can say will move him a bit. Under the circumstances I don’t know that it would be even wise to try and get her people to object! This has been a sore trouble and constant worry for me these twelve months past: love spoilt his college work and matrimony will make any career impossible: so I suppose we must allow for the swing of the pendulum—I have done the work and the gathering, and he can now enjoy the leisure and scattering! Pamir question looking nasty and Yamen at loggerheads with everybody over the “ma- _ chinery question’. Gérard expected this week—with a big policy and the elements of another row in his dossier, I hear. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 2.

[968] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/613 15 April 1894

[Red. May 29, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/856 came 13th.

Bruce is improving, but there’s no turning him from his sweetheart, and, between ourselves, I admire his constancy! “Magnifique, mais ce n’est pas la guerre—héelas!”’ Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart

Z/614 | 22 April 1894

[Red. June 4, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Yours from Paris 9th March arrived yesterday. Barbier’s last work, the light for Hoihow harbour, is bad: it came badly packed and the glass is inferior. Engineer’s report will go to you. Tell them I send orders to them because their work is uniformly good, and that the out-turn of the last order is very disappointing: we pay the price they ask and we want the best, the very best materials and work. I don’t like changing firms, but I suppose we shall have to try that new establishment. Germany, too, begins to ask for orders. Bruce goes homewards on 24th: a year of wasted time and full of worry, and ending with an unpromising lookout ahead! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart

[969] APRIL 1894

Z/615 29 April 1894

[Red. June 9, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/858 came yesterday. I think Mr. Gladstone will be more powerful and more formidable in this retirement than in office: the “‘old man eloquent” will husband his strength and let out when big questions want a push from him, and, as his sayings will then be less tinged by party feeling, their value will be all the more felt.’ Bruce left last Tuesday and will be in England in August. I think it will be best to let him have his way! He’s obstinate and he’ll simply “go to the dogs” to punish the attempt to thwart him. And he has his rights—for it’s he that’s to marry, and he that’s to live on after I’m under the sod. I’m as grieved as it’s in my nature to be grieved, but he’s beyond the age for moulding and it’s better that he should be happy in his own way (with a possibility of unhappiness) than be unhappy in mine (with the possibility of happiness). I think I shall give him my blessing and say “‘All right my dear boy—marry by all means. I make no objection and sanction the engagement, but as you will not adopt my advice regarding the work of life owing to your desire to marry, I hand you over to your father-in-law—let him arrange for your future!” How proud and delighted I should be were he working as Bobby, your boy, is! To think that all my work, and all my ambition, and all my gains,—as far as the future generation was kept in view in it all,-should have the “bottom knocked out of it”’ this way, is maddening! However “‘———sua quemque sequuntur Fata.-’”?

America is now beginning to feel some of the difficulties of government. They’ll have to submit to lower wages and the struggle for life like other states! Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart |

P.S. Notovitch’s “Issa”’ caught my attention last November but I forgot to send on the enclosed. Is it published in English?

R.R. Campbell R. Stat.Sec.(2)

1. Gladstone had resigned on March 3, to be suc- 2. ““Each man’s fate pursues him’’ (source

ceeded by Lord Rosebery. unknown).

[970] THE I.G. INPEKING

Z/616 6 May 1894

[Red. June 19, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/859 came 2nd May. As said before, no hurry about that second (spider) crest! As to “Journal d’un Mandarin” —I doubt if anybody pays any special attention to its points, and its errors are hardly worth noticing—all the same errors are mostly worth correcting in the interest of simple truth!’ Yes—the F.O. made a mistake, as it often does, in publishing those telegrams! It was only after Ferry was out and our affair seemed to be in extremis that I let O’C. know the situation. As to “John Hart”—I think, I have already spent enough money!? I feel queer to-day: I am on the verge of a precipice—I shall either go over and break down, or draw back and be stronger than ever! I think the latter. Bruce’s affairs have worried me beyond expression, and, as, owing to the things that kept me here and kept him in England, I did not “‘train up the child in the way in which he should go”’, I must regard myself (however reasonable my excuses) as one among the causes which now produce unsatisfactory results. That Parsee youth’s doings are curious.

Races over: I did not go. Mat Bredon’s pony “Bunkum” sent up from Chefoo won his two races the first day, beating the crack ponies ‘“‘Despatch”’ (British Legation) and “‘Sengraf”’ (Detring’s); but the second day in the “Champions” he only came in second, beaten by “Sengraf’’ (ridden by Wagner, a Frenchman), but beating the other winner of the meeting. . You'll see that my staying at home has added seven or eight circulars to the hundreds already existing. Really those circulars make a considerable show! Yours truly, Robert Hart Mde. de Noidans

Jeanne No time to get home letters finished for courier to-day. Gordon

Mrs. Price

3/13/94 Miss Erna v.Fritsche

" Bredon Vapereau Lady Hart

[971] MAY 1894 1. Journal d’un Mandarin was yet another publica- had identified the author as an unscrupulous

tion of misinformation about the Sino-French Frenchman.

treaty negotiations. Supposedly written by a Chinese official, it claimed that the negotiations had 2. John Hart was an “‘impostor,” a blackmailer; started with a telegram sent by the Chinese minis- see letters 929 and 930. ter in Berlin. Cogordan, on Campbell’s request,

Z/617 20 May 1894

[Red. July 2, 1894]

Dear Campbell, | Your Z/860, 1, 2 have all arrived. Thanks for your doings in the “Impostor” matter—I wonder who put him up to it! The unhappy part of it is that the real son—Bruce—is just as likely to cause me even greater trouble; his condition is not at all satisfactory, and, to fall back on metaphor, my ship is becalmed—the wind that filled the sails is gone, and it is only by laborious sculling that drifting to leeward is avoided. “‘Alas! poor man, for all my pains— for all my pains!” I presume Edgar has written a full account of White’s accident and death to Mrs. W. I only know by telegrams that he fell from the verandah in the Assistant’s house—a very high verandah—at F’chow and died a few hours afterwards. Poor White—I am really very sorry for the way his career ended, and I now am again an instrument in the hand of destiny, seeing that I sent him to F’chow to inhabit that house and fall from that verandah and die. But I am again very sorry for the poor wife: I met her in 1876 at H’kow,—one of the most charming and most sympathetic and most prepossessing women I ever met! I don’t know how she is left, or how she will live—poor lady! Bardi (Italian) had his Audience yesterday in the Ch’eng Kwang Tien, and it went off well Ihear.' Bit by bit we are working out this problem and all are falling into line: France and Russia, however, still holding aloof. I like Gérard the new French Minister—he’s a superior man and of fine culture. Cassini, the Russian, is also very nice—but “‘scratch him, and—!”’ All the same, a man should have his national “‘back-bone’”’.

Detring is out with Li inspecting forts and fleet (28 steamers). Jem is coming here on a visit. I could not get off to S’hai. Bredon goes to Frisco in June and return in September and then I decide either to be off in Nov. (via ““The wide wide world’’) or hold on till March and go home direct. Thanks for Dodo and ‘“‘Heavenly Twins’—the last is one of the choicest and most interesting books I ever read! Who is “‘Sarah Grand?’’”

Kindly tell Poole to send the enclosed for summer wear: I shall want them if I spend Christmas, as is likely, in Australia, where it will be hot summer in Decr. All to be of the least heavy material, and to have no lining except what is absolutely necessary. Same measurements as were used for things last sent a year ago. To arrive in Nov. will do. Yours truly, Robert Hart

[972] THE LG. IN PEKING

Bowley had better send me one pair of walking boots—elastic sides—in the same box.

Lady Hart Mrs. White 1. Alessandro Bardi was Italian minister from 1894 2. Sarah Grand was the pen name of Frances

to 1898, succeeding Alberto Pansa. Elizabeth MacFall, author of The Heavenly Twins, 3 vols. (1893).

Z/618 27 May 1894

[Red. July 12, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/864 & 865 came 26th. Sorry you had so much to do over the “Impostor” affair, but probably it was an agreeable change! I don’t know why Mr. Wylde should be inquiring about my whereabouts. To others you can say I shall be at home probably—“next spring!”’ The “Echo” amusingly echoes the “‘Figaro”’ but omits my “faible” for the fair sex generally. It’s amusing to see one’s features in another man’s pen and ink. ‘°O wad some power the giftie gie us!”’ M. Cvaibis [?] from Corea takes Cassini’s place in Russian Legation. Jem and party will be here this week—Bruce too, I think! Bredon off to Fr’isco next week on 3 mos’ leave. Insurrection in Corea—also in Kirin: both alarming!’ And prospect of Peking rioting in autumn over fall in silver and rise in people’s currency the tiao.* Plague—hitherto confined to Mengtzu and Pakhoi—raging at Canton, Macao, and Hongkong: S’hai frightened, and Legations are beginning to show alarm!? So the year is not to be uneventful! My boy Li—Cartwright’s old servant—after being with me some 20 years, left lately and went mad. Yesterday Li stormed into the house, went to my bedroom and walked off with one of my big, loaded, revolvers: the servant told me nothing of it for hours after. I feared we’d hear of some terrible tragedy and that J should be in for it in Chinese eyes as supplying the weapons! Fortunately we caught him at seven yesterday morning, and disarmed and handed him to police. Might have been very serious indeed! This the third boy whose brain softened after being long in my house: Liu, Chih-szu, and Li. I fancy their life is too dull, and J don’t rage and row enough! Too late for me to reform, I fear. Silver is hitting us all hard, and I am forced to take in sail to prevent an official breakdown in Audit department: hence Silver Ret® All circular!* “‘Sapienter idem—”’.

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. When Poole is sending those things I wish to have added to them a loose overcoat,

[973] JUNE 1894

paletot style of the sort men wear in summer in England, either of a snuffy-brownish, or olive-green-brown, colour, and either silk or velvet—preferably silk—collar, very neat, and suitable to my age “60/2”! R.H.

Lady Hart Mrs. Cartwright 1. The rebellion in Korea was inspired by the (10 strings of 100). In practice, however, money Tonghak (“Eastern Learning’’), a syncretic reli- changers deducted a few cash from each 100, so gious movement organized in 1859 in opposition that the tiao’s value might be anywhere from 970 to Catholic Christianity. By 1893 the movement to 980 cash. had several hundred thousand adherents and was

strongly antiforeign. A Tonghak rebellion broke 3. An extraordinary epidemic of plague swept out in the spring of 1894 while unrest was intensi- through Canton and Hong Kong in 1894, two fied by the murder in China on March 28 of Kim years later spreading over India. Ok-kyun, one of the leaders of the 1884 rebellion in Korea (see letter 508n1). By the end of May the 4. This was Circular no. 646 (second series), ““ReKorean king was sufficiently alarmed by the in- tiring Allowances: All Will Be Issued in Silver after creasingly widespread activities of the rebels to re- 1894,’ dated May 14, 1894. The Indoor Staff up

quest aid from China, as Korea’s suzerain. ‘ to this time had received its retiring allowances in the old sterling equivalent of three Haikuan taels

2. The tiao consisted theoretically of 1000 cash per pound sterling, which was no longer feasible.

Z/619 3 June 1894

[Red. July 16, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/866 arrived 30th May. Bruce has just got back from S’hai (with Jem and the bride) and I'll tell him what you have done with his Oxford things—thanks! It is now probable he will cross Siberia with the Russian Minister’s party, but the start is delayed by the troubles in Corea and Kirin: any outbreak in those places interests Russian diplomacy and we have to guard against their making profit out of it at our expense! I don’t quite understand the object to be gained by depositing those Atchison Bonds with G.M.C. & Co.—but the whole kaleidoscope of finance is bewildering and even “‘the sweet simplicity of the three per cents” is vanishing! Bredon is off this week for three or four months. Farag6 will be off®. Chief Secty. and von Grot Actg. Chinese Secty. If Bredon brings his wife with him in September, I'll be off home at the end of November, but if she does not come he’ll probably be later and in that case I may spend another winter here. I am running it very closely in holding on so long, for I am very—very weary. Alexander (Op. Soc. Secy.) is here hoping to see the Yamen and carry home “‘the real feeling of the Chinese Govt. on the opium question’’.’ I tell him if he can get at that, he’ll _ be mighty clever! Amusing reading Lay’s and Wade’s evidence! The crusade is doubtless philanthropic, but “the wide wide world’’ has windmills everywhere for Don Quixotes to

[974] THE I.G. IN PEKING

level lance against! To my mind the education of the individual and not the legislation of Govts. is what must prevent things from being abused.

, Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart 1. J.G. Alexander was secretary of the Society for 149n1). the Suppression of the Opium Trade (see letter

Z/620 4. [Rcd. JulyAugust 1894 20, 1894] Dear Campbell,

I have scarcely had time to breathe since the beginning of June, what with social doings in honour of Jem’s arrival and bride and speeding and welcoming Russian, French, and Spanish Ministers,’ etc., and official doings in connection with the Corean trouble which looks very like plunging China and Japan into war—although they have one object in common in Corea, viz. to make it strong enough to oppose, and quiet enough not to provoke, Russian aggression.” One good is coming out of it: China is learning another lesson and some more improvements will result—her army and navy-are not what she expected them to be. Bruce went 17th June via Kiachta and Jem yesterday via Australia and Canada: Bruce ought to be home in Sept. and Jem in November. Mrs. Jem is uncommonly nice, and a very fine musician. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Hutchins 1. The Spanish minister from 1892 to 1894 was and many Japanese reportedly entering at Pusan.

Don José Delavat. The Tonghak rebels had already been defeated by

Korean forces, but the Chinese and Japanese 2. China began to send troops to Korea on June 6, troops remained. in response to the king’s appeal. In accordance On June 17 Japan proposed that China and Jawith the Li-Ito Convention (see letter 520n1), pan jointly undertake a reorganization of the China informed Japan of her action, and Japan Korean administration, and when China refused to also sent forces. By the end of June there were interfere in the domestic affairs of its vassal, Japan some 18,000 Chinese and Japanese troops in announced her intention of proceeding on her Korea: 3000 Chinese at Asan and a few hundred own. On June 28 Japan demanded that the Korean Chinese guards at Seoul and Inchon, 5000 Japan- king declare Korea an independent state, disavowese around Seoul, a large Japanese force atInchon, ing China’s suzerainty.

[975] JULY 1894

Z/621 8 July 1894

[Rcd. August 20, 1894]

Dear Campbell, . The outlook is very serious and we are on the very verge of war—a war into which Japan will dash gallantly and perhaps successfully, while China, with her old tactics, will have many a defeat to put up with before stay and numbers begin to turn the scale in her favour. Fraser’s death occurred at an unlucky moment as the Brit. Legation in Japan needed somebody old enough to put on the air of speaking with authority,’ and the ad interim chargé d affaires is too young and too junior to do that: I hope the new Minister will soon arrive and I think it a pity the Govt. did not utilize Beauclerk, he being at hand here and to be spared for a special occasion like the vacancy at Tokio. We are trying to keep the settlement in the family—i.e. let China and Japan come to terms without any prominent or formal intervention, thinking that would be the safest for the future for all interests, but at T’tsin, where the Russian Minister has delayed, a Conference is being planned—and if it comes to that Cassini will score and China will have to “pay the piper!”’? I wish I had got away in spring: I have had enough of these worries and anxieties! The “plague” —nothing new, for we have it at Pakhoi and Mengtzu every two or three years—has scared the ports, and the stupid doings of the H’kong Govt. have added to the alarm. Only four or five Europeans have had it and these were brought into the closest contact with its causes and victims, and, overworked, anxious, and underfed, it is no wonder they become receptive: otherwise only Chinese have felt it—but eight or nine out of every ten attacked seem to have died. War and plague alarms apart, China is well enough this year.

Yours truly, Robert Hart

P.S. Some fiddle strings, please.

Lady Hart 1. Hugh Fraser, who had earlier been British sentatives in Korea of the United States, Britain, chargé at Peking, was the ambassador to Japan at France, and Russia jointly, and vainly, appealed to

the time of his death. both China and Japan to withdraw. Now Cassini,

whose departure had been canceled, entered upon 2. The Western powers were greatly alarmed at the a futile conference with Li and Detring at Tientsin. prospect of war in Korea. On June 25 the repre-

[976] THE LG. IN PEKING

. Z/622 15 July 1894

[Rcd. August 27, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Things do not improve and I fear the difficulty is the same I experienced in 1884—the Yamen is calculating with too much confidence on foreign intervention and infers too much from Japan’s willingness to discuss: thus we now have got to another deadlock—the Yamen refusing to discuss till after Japanese troops withdraw, and the Japs refusing to withdraw

: till after discussion and settlement. Meanwhile the Japs are pouring more men into Corea, strengthening their position, and ramming independence and reforms down the King’s throat in a really masterful way; on the other hand China is getting her fighting material into line and is horrified to find how poor it is and how unfit for the present affair. Japan will probably safely wait in Corea and China will have to drive her out: the Japs can put 60,000 drilled men into it—every one of them a fighter thirsting for glory, while China can only spare half that number of semi-drilled coolies followed by twice as many “braves” on the lookout for loot but who will skedaddle when rifle-bullets drop among them and shells burst close by. The Powers are at work trying to induce Japan to withdraw and discuss, for they don’t want war, but Japan is very bumptious and cock-a-hoop, and, knowing that none of them want to treat her to a Navarino,’ thanks them for their kind advice, goes on her way, and would probably rather fight them all than give in! Russian “flirtation” at T’tsin lasted a fortnight and then Russia backed out—to Li’s awful disgust, and meanwhile Li, expecting to win with Russia “up’’, got the Yamen to scratch its promising colt—negotiations at Peking: Russia has now put some battalions on the Corean frontier—collected her fleet at Vladivostok and is waiting for “‘the pear” to “ripen”. If the Powers don’t force Japan to withdraw first and then discuss, China must either fight or eat dirt without fighting: if she has pluck and stay China will win—in three or four years, but I fear a first reverse will make her

| knuckle down, accept Japan’s dictation, and pay Japan’s bill! All the Powers assure China of sympathy and say Japan is altogether wrong to break the peace thus: at same time they also all say that what Japan wants to obtain—real reform in Corea—is most desirable: that is, they are against Japan’s method but with her aims, and their only reason for sympathy with China is the fear of the damage war may do themselves! Japanese chargé had audience Friday to thank for silver wedding congratulations, but then wrote to Yamen holding China responsible for consequences of Corean embroglio,—and so I fear further negotiation will not be easy. I am wiring about a Loan: could we get six millions if issued at 98 for 4%?? Or on what other terms? Bruce arrived Kiachta 10th “‘all well’. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart , Bruce " :4

1. At the Battle of Navarino on October 20, 1827, | French, and Russian naval squadrons that had a large Egyptian fleet bearing transports for its ally | come to the aid of Greece in its long war of inde-

Turkey was almost entirely destroyed by British, pendence from Turkish rule (1821-1830). The

[977] JULY 1894

Egyptian fleet was anchored at close quarters 2. The loan would be for money to finance a war in the harbor of Pylos (formerly called Navarino), against Japan, should it materialize. As the threat when Greece’s allies entered the harbor and ini- of war increased, it was coming to light that vast

tiated the battle. sums designated for defense purposes had been squandered.

Z/623 15 July 1894

[Red. September 3, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

protectorate!

Since I wrote this morning a Reuter says the Novoe Vremya says Russia must uphold autonomy of Corea and rather than let Japan assert supremacy will establish Russo-Chinese This is “The Horse, the Man, and the Deer” with a vengeance!? If China disregards a few defeats and fights on she must win in the end, but the Japs are sure to score the first successes and I fear China will funk it, cry peccavi,” and pay! Yours truly, Robert Hart Jeanne de Noidans Bruce Hart 1. In Aesop’s fable 86, ‘““The Horse and the Stag,” his back. The moral: Revenge is too dearly pur-

a horse wanted revenge after a stag damaged his chased at the price of liberty. pasture. A man agreed to help, with the proviso

that he put a bit in the horse’s mouth and get upon 2. Peccavi: “I have erred.”

Z/624 22 July 1894

[Rcd. September 5, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

I enclose, open, a letter to Bruce, which I want you to read before closing and then sending on. Don’t make any more inquiries about the young lady: if I must have her for a daughter-in-law, I don’t want to think myself—or have her think—that anybody had put spies on her track at any time. I take it for granted he’ll marry and live a useless—probably disappointed and embittered life, perhaps a perfectly happy and fully occupied life—who knows? After all man’s “three score and ten” soon pass—earth is soon done with—and it is by our faults and failures rather than by our good points and successes that we learn to be fittest for what comes afterwards: and if Bruce must learn the lesson of life in his own way, better that he should learn it so than cross the frontier without learning it at all! All I can do at his age is to give him good advice: he’s too old to be treated as a child, and I don’t want our re-

[978] THE I.G. IN PEKING

lations to be embittered. But I fear, if he marries, that young lady will feel some disappointment when she wakes up to the fact that they are not independent and must live in a very small way. There’s nobody I’d like Bruce to talk to more than Hutchins, have they ever met?

, Could they be brought together—if they have not? The young fellow is so mad with the Chancery proceedings that the name of Hutchins is like a “‘red blanket” to a “‘bull’”’, and so, in my letter to himself, I did not name him. I’m puzzled: that is my combination has failed, and I have to choose between “‘blessing” and “‘cursing’—for his sensitive nature makes me fear that any disappointment (either inability to marry, or a refusal on her part) would smash him completely. We are in extremis as regards Corea: I don’t see how war can be escaped, and its consequences will be very, very serious. I hope the B/E is giving you some hints of a guiding kind re loan: we can bring in the F.O. later—if gone on with. And the “Yoshida” twin-cruiser,—I hope A. & Co. give you categorical answers. A Kiachta: tel. just in re a cruiser and a torpedo catcher: I suppose it’s the same ship—the cruiser; but it omits price etc., and, of course, is not a reply: one group is wrong and I can’t guess “‘xco dvz mym una’’—or is it right and does it simply mean what it means “elsewhere’’?

Robert Hart }

Yours truly,

Bruce - 2. Grevedon Happer Hughes Lady Walsham Mrs. Simpson Mrs de Berniéres! 1. Happer was on twenty-eight-month’s leave, due T.F. Hughes was on “short leave’’ from his post

back in September 1895. as commissioner at Newchwang.

Z/625 27 July 1894

[Rcd. September 17, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

I ended my fortieth and began my forty-first year in China last Wednesday: on that day in 1854, July 25th, I landed in Hongkong. But this forty-first year is not commencing pleasantly: the Corean question has grown to be a big one and the doings of the last week suggest that it has not done growing. On the 23rd the Coreans fired into the Japs who had run up their military lines too close to the Royal Palace: the Japs returned the fire, thrashed the Coreans; seized King and Palace,’ and then started off a column to Yashan, a place on the coast 30 or 40 miles south of Chemulpo where the Chinese General Yeh,” with a couple of thousand men is entrenched. About the same time a lot of steamers left T’tsin with re-

[979] JULY 1894

inforcements for Yeh (10,000 men); two of them the “Irene” and the “Feiching” landed their men all right (1200 and 1000) during the evening or night of the 24th, but—on the morning of the 25th, when the “Kowshing” with 1500 men on board and the “Toonan”’ with as many more, escorted by the “‘Chi-yuen” (a “Vulcan” built cruiser with a steel belt) the ““Tsaokiang’’, and the ‘““Kwang-yi” (a Foochow-built torpedo catcher), appeared off the Yashan harbour three Japanese men-of-war were there to intercept them: the Japs took the Tsaokiang” and the “Kwang-yi” capsized and sank—the “‘Chi-yuen’’, damaged, bolted and got to Wei-Hai-Wei—the “‘Kowshing”’ and ““Toonan’’, with their crowd of Chinese soldiers, were fired into and sank, and on board the ““Kowshing” was poor von Hanneken who had taken a passage—unofficially to have a peep at the military situation.* We all stand aghast at the Japanese way of dealing with the transports and a curious question about the ““Kowshing”’ arises. She is English and had just been chartered by the Chinese Govt. with the approval of Consulate and Legation—war not having been declared how is the Japanese act to be judged, and is it China that must deal with the matter (England saying to China “You chartered the ship—it is your affair!’’) or is it England that must take it up (China saying to England, “Where are our soldiers whom we put in your vessel for transport?’’) If England feels forced to take up the matter, China’s position will be much easier, but, if not, we are going to have a very bad time of it. Meanwhile China is keeping quiet for a day or two to see what England will do, and also to give time for the joint endeavor of England, Russia and

Germany (France holds off) to persuade or force Japan to put out the war torch. But in a day or two if waiting shows no promise of being rewarded, China will herself act: and I fear only disaster will follow. The Japs will win everywhere at the start and China in a funk will cave in: if China would bravely go on fighting, I think victory would be hers in the end, but money, men, supplies etc. are all difficult questions to face, and, without them, what use in an angry mob holding out? So far I have kept out of the matter, except that at the first I voted for sending troops to Corea to put down the Chulhedo insurrection, and, later on, got Yamen to re-open negotiations with the Japanese Chargé Komura.* Li at Tientsin with Detring and Cassini, etc. and O’Conor here at the Yamen, were handling the business, and I thought it best to keep out of it: and now I don’t see how I can cut in to any advantage except to get China to “settle quickly” with the adversary, and of course 999 out of every 1000 Chinese are sure big China can thrash little Japan,—but the one per mil thinks otherwise!

There is another side of the affair which begins to create uneasiness: the somewhat rowdymilitary under Li’s command round Tientsin, etc., will be furious when they hear of the deaths of their comrades in the two transports and they will probably attack the Japanese consul, etc. at Tientsin—a proceeding which would end in looting the settlement and a general massacre. Here at Peking we are in a rat-trap and at the mercy of the Chinese: if we could all get together we could hold out against a mass mob, but we are scattered—there are women and children to be looked out for—and if there should be a row I doubt if many of us will escape—and that’s the position in which we are after fifty years of intercourse under treaties, and attempts to teach and be friendly! I must do the Chinese this justice; when dealt with fairly and reasonably, they reciprocate—as far as their difficulties will allow them. I think it best to send you for safe-keeping a copy of my Will (it was signed lately in triplicate), so that if I get knocked on the head my family affairs may be no more hurt by it than if I died of any ordinary sickness. Iam sorry the B/E would not give you a word of advice: of course we should have to get the F.O. to do what is necessary later on when its intervention would have a fact and not a hypothesis to deal with.°

[980] THE I.G. IN PEKING

The £340,000 cruiser at present exchange would cost China something like 2, 700,000 taels: and I fancy we must hold our hand for the moment. If we get out of this scrape, there will be serious reforms and considerable expenditure. Admiral Ting’s entire fleet is supposed to have left Wei-Hai-wei on the 27th to search for,

| find, and destroy the Japanese ships (or themselves go to the bottom). The 28th, yesterday, was the Emperor’s birthday, and we are now wondering whether it was distinguished by victory or defeat: the telegraph is working badly—refusing my private messages—and so we can’t be sure of getting news quickly. Do you know the name of R.L. Thomson (a “Times” correspondent)? He is now here. Is he a power in that establishment? Yours truly, Robert Hart Hutchins Miss Mary Hutchins Maclean

Cogordan |

Miss Bush Miss Carl

Lady Hart

1. The king and queen and their children were been a mutiny on the Kowshing at the height of taken as prisoners to the Japanese Legation. The battle and she had been abandoned before she was

Japanese appointed as regent the king’s aged sunk. father, the Taewongun, who on July 27 declared

war on China. 4. Komura Jutaro (later Marquis) was to become Japanese minister to Peking in 1901. 2. General Yeh Chih-ch’ao (see letter 938). 5. The Bank of England, consulted by Campbell

3. Von Hanneken, a soldier engineer (see letter about Hart’s loan proposal, rejected it as too 423n2) who was a military instructor to the Chi- speculative. Further, it would be regarded as a war nese army, was one of 170 men who managed to loan and so would require the sanction of the Forswim ashore after the Kowshing sank. There had eign Office.

Z/626 5 August 1894

[Rcd. September 24, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

War is on us and we now must make the best of it: Zi would willingly do a great many things now that could not be got a hearing for a month ago—but it is too late!’ He wants ships and leaders and gunners. Yeh’s successes at Yashan are inspiriting and show how Chinese can fight when they will to do so, but his force is, we fear, almost annihilated and will probably be cut to pieces before the Ping-yang* and Yaluh reinforcements can join them—a great pity, for he’s a gallant fellow and has good stuff in him, and cannot now be spared. If

[981] AUGUST 1894

the war lasts long enough we must win: Chinese grit, physique and numbers will beat Japanese dash, drill and leadership—the Japs are at their best now, but we’ll improve every day!* In the negotiations O’Conor played his game well, and one pretty bit of colour he has put into it is that the French are awfully taken aback at the entente between England and Russia—this seed of suspicion sown on French soil will help us in Egypt, Africa, and Siam possibly. By the way, thanks for Loir’s ““L’Escadre de Courbet”’—very interesting and very amusing; also for Notovitch’s “Vie de Christ”’ and Portal’s Uganda.* What a loss to the Service Portal’s death caused! I read and finished all three after dinner this week, and now it is ‘““Montezuma’s Daughter” that nestles in my literary heart!> To the end of July trade has been good and revenue: I fear war must spoil the rest of the year. I had thought of sending ladies and children away from Peking, for disaster would madden the Chinese and riots involving all indiscriminately would result: but Yeh’s successes have given a direction to popular feeling, and I think we can let them stay where they are with every chance of safety. Yours truly, Robert Hart Yuan and staff fled from Corea,° but Brown and our people still at their posts. Lady Hart Rutherford Mason 1. War was declared by both China and Japan on Discovered in a Buddhist Monastery in Thibet

August 1. (first pub. in French, English tr. 1894). .

Sir Gerald H. Portal of the Foreign Office died

2. Ping-yang is the Chinese name for P’yongyang. in 1894. Hart had just read The British Mission to Uganda in 1893 (London, 1894). The book was

3. On July 29 a Japanese force of 20,000 had written by Sir Gerald and edited by Rennell Rodd, attacked Yeh’s forces at Yashan. A five-hour who added a memoir and the diary of Captain battle ensued, from which Japan emerged com- Raymond Portal, who had also been on the Uganda pletely victorious. General Yeh and the remnants mission and who had died on May 27, 1893. of his forces withdrew to Ping-yang, there to join

the main Chinese force in Korea. Hart’s enthusi- 5. Sir H. Rider Haggard, Montezuma’s Daughter asm for Yeh’s courage and capabilities presents a (London, 1894). puzzle, for Yeh was subsequently imprisoned for

cowardice, following his failure to put up a fight 6. On Yiian Shih-k’ai, see letters 508n1 and 719n4. on September 16, when the Japanese defeated the After his return from Korea in 1894, Yiian :

Chinese at Ping-yang (see letter 945). achieved great political and military power, largely by virtue of his skill in developing a well-equipped

4. Maurice Loir, L’escadre de l’amiral Courbet and disciplined army that eventually numbered

(Paris, 1892). 20,000 men, and his support of the existing regime Nikolai Notovich, The Unknown Life of Jesus in the 1898 reform movement.

Christ, from an Unknown Manuscript Recently

[982] THE 1.G. INPEKING

Z/627 12 August 1894

[Rcd. September 24, 1894]

Dear Campbell, After a quiet week business begins. On the 10th 22 Jap. ships cannonaded Wei-Hai-Wei and on 11th Port Arthur. To-day they are either pitching into Ting between Ping-Yang and Wei-Hai-Wei, or landing a land force at Shanhaikwan for Peking or at Newchwang for Moukden. Chinese are building up a respectable force at Ping-Yang (inside the Ta-tung River between Chemulpo and Yaluh River) and if it can be left quiet till it grows big enough it may do something. Meantime Japs are marching from Seoul to attack it. The Japs have now almost 30,000 men in Corea! also 60,000 are said to have left Shimoneseki on the 8th for Peking and Formosa—but I think that figure is too big! In any case we are about to see stirring times. The best news is that the Generals Yeh and Nieh’ (Yea and Nay—as Bland says!) have got away from the Japs at Yashan and having passed through KungChow and Ch’un Ch’uan are making their way to Ping-Yang round by the east of Seoul: I’m awfully glad, for they are capital leaders and their men can fight.

Charge £100 for Kingsley’s passage to A. advances. Hope Archie won!

Yours truly, Robert Hart

P.S. I suppose de Berniéres has the Lemaires’ address. .

Miss Hughes . Lady Hart

Mde. Lemaire

1. General Nieh Shih-ch’eng became a leader in 2. T.H. Kingsley was an employee of the Kaiping army modernization in the late 1890s. He died Mining Company, from which he resigned when defending Tientsin against the Boxers in July that company came under British control in 1900. 1900.

Z/628 19 August 1894

[Rcd. October 8, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

I am very glad Archie has got in and I trust he’ll come out high up and so secure what he covets—a commission in the R.E.:' I think it is on the place a man takes when leaving that his commission depends—and not on that at entering. Bobbie’s first place is also pleasant news.

[983] AUGUST 1894

Extensive preparations going on all around—naval and military: but so far, excepting the interchange of shots at Wei-Hai-Wei and Port Arthur, no fighting has occurred since war was declared on the Ist. This delay is in our favour, and, if the Japs will only wait, we'll be ready for them: were they to come on now, we’d eat humble pie! Your telegram re Loan and German Syndicate is in: you see how nearly the B/E stupidly spoiled a good thing! We English are losing ground every day here—not through defects of agents out here, but because of the way officials and business men at home proceed! I am wiring to arrange for telegrams between you and Detring:” sender to deduct and receiver to add one hundred using Slater’s code—but whether he means the numbers or the corresponding words 1 don’t know. T’tsin is not supplied with our alphabetical code. My health is not quite what I like: latterly I have had curious swimmings in the head and a feeling as if I were just about to wind up. In fact I want rest—but this confounded war will keep me, perhaps bury, me here! Peking is dull and the weather is abominable—you never saw such streets! Between this and the Yamen there are places where the axle tyre touches the mud and the mule is up to his belly in it, and one bit of road for about 150 yards is a lake, with a twelve-foot causeway a foot under water and ditches from four to six feet deep alongside for carts to meet on: and yet Peking is China’s heaven, and Lady Walsham would give anything to be back in it!

By the way, are those Californian doings affecting Chicago neighbourhood’s railways in value?

; Yours truly, :

Lady Hart Robert Hart

1. R.E.: Royal Engineers. wanted von Brandt appointed as a special ambassador for China in Europe, there to present China’s

2. The telegrams with Detring may have had to do cause, raise funds, and procure ships and armawith Detring’s proposal with regard to von Brandt, ments. Von Brandt declined, however (see letter

the former German minister to Peking. Detring 952).

Z/629 26 August 1894

[Red. October 8, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/878 & 879 arrived 21st. War is on us, but as yet no special fighting. Middle of Sept. will see weather improve and also from 15,000 to 20,000 Chinese face to face with as many—probably more—Japs at PingYang: then there will be a battle and its result will introduce the key-note. If the Chinese win that fight, they will probably be outnumbered and destroyed in another one a few weeks after; if the Japs win, Manchuria and Moukden will fall into their hands and then China will either capitulate or stand at bay—but we have no drilled reserves, no spare vessels, guns, rifles, or ammunition, and, such being the case, I shall probably “cut in” and arrange things the moment an opportunity presents itself, for—the sooner we’re out of it, the better! There’s a big question at stake—the civilization of the East, and, though I have always felt sure China would herself, although slowly, go through the revolutionary process in a healthy

. [984] THE I.G. INPEKING way and come out right in the distant future, [pelieve to be thrashed by Japan will get the wheels of progress out of the mud of antiquity and free China to march in the right direction—and on the other hand, China’s victory would throw progress back centuries! The Japs deserve immense praise for what they have done the last thirty years, and the reforms they are introducing in Corea command our best sympathies and good wishes: China was in- — vited and advised to co-operate and was near doing so, but some adverse influence got at work, and things turned out differently. All the same there is a national right at stake and it must be supported: pity that, while doing one’s best for it, one’s sympathies should be on the side of the other party’s aims and method! Of course politicians will be angry with Japan for starting the war-fiend in the East, and will also look 'with something the opposite of complacency on the new power—for Japan is a power—in this part of the world, and combinations and calculations will have to be arranged over again. I would still rather have China than Japan for an ally—but, of course, only on condition that she’d follow my advice and accept my guidance and nursing. I have wired leave for Maze: if he does not now improve, I fear I must arrange otherwise. Also I wired to employ Smith and de Hiis and to send out Hansson.’ The weather is very wet, and the streets are indescribably awful; going to Yamen yesterday I thought my guts would be ruptured and my hips pulled or rather jolted apart. The cannon of the Peking field-force were in the street—abandoned till weather improves—in a rut and at the mercy of any bold spiker! That’s how Chinese go to war—and isn’t it hopeful. I mentioned it at Yamen, and they said ““The public ought to be warned to keep away from them”’ —not ““The soldiers must stand by them!” 4% Loan: request signed enclosed (42,000)

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Price 1. A.F. Smith, British, entered the London Office November 1894. on probation as 4th assistant B in September 1894. De Hiis is not in the Service Lists and presumably

P.C. Hansson, Norwegian, arrived in China in did not join the Customs.

Z/630 2 September 1894

Dear Campbell, | [Rcd. October 14, 1894}

Yours Z/880 recd. 31 August. As to Loan—I believe the German syndicate and the H’kong Bank are still discussing de-

. tails. ’m sorry the B/E would neither take, nor give, an opening this time! As to contradicting the Report—no: never contradict anything! keep out of the papers!

[985] SEPTEMBER 1894

No war news yet to send you. Either the Japs will now arrange an expedition against this place and dictate terms here before December, or they’ll have to face and be worsted in a winter campaign in Corea: every day’s delay is a day’s additional strength for our side. War came upon us shockingly unprepared, and Li’s boasted fleet, fortifications, guns, and men, all proved below what was properly expected: just now the difficulty is munitions—the southern fleet has only 25 rounds per gun, and, as to the Northern fleet, they have no shells for the Krupp’s, and no powder for the Armstrong’s! Von Hanneken has been made I.G. of Northern Defences and he is crying out for powder and shot, and his cry, recd. at the Tientsin arsenal ten days ago, has not elicited anything yet! He wants enough to fight a big naval battle of some hours’ duration and has not got it—and what’s worse, looks like not getting it! When the Chinese let Lang go they made a pretty mess of it! And when & while they had him, they did not make the best use of him. However “‘the milk” is “spilt” and now we’re trying to arrange for new pails: unhappily the cow, too, is a kicker! “Yellow Aster” is far behind “Heavenly Twins”, and I don’t believe in such inability to “love” or such final awakening. Similarly the weak part of Sarah Grand’s fine production is the breakdown of Evadne, at least so I think, but my criticism may be perhaps, valueless before some actual fact known to the authoress. I wonder was she at H’kong in 1879: I could almost swear I saw that face and attitude (vide portrait in “Our Manifold Nature’)? when there: the lady was leaning over a parapet watching soldiers drill, and I noticed her specially—I thought she looked so tired and sad. Bruce was with me—on the way back to Peking in March ’79. But I do not see the name McFall in the Directory. It’s a question whether it will be prudent to keep ladies here this winter: we cannot wait to the last moment and then hurry them off in a panic, and I am puzzled now.

Lady Hart ) Yours truly, Robert Hart

R.H. Maze

1. Sarah Grand (the pen name of Frances Elizabeth a collection of stories (London, 1894). Macfall) was the author of Our Manifold Destiny,

Z/631 9 September 1894

Dear Campbell, ) [Rced. October 29, 1894]

Nothing new: I précis’d the situation in yesterday’s telegram. Chinese confidence is growing and the Japs commence to see they have a big job in hand: the Ping-Yang fight will perhaps be a turning point—if it comes off this month the Japs ought to win, but, if later, I think the laurels will go to the other side. The country is working and men are coming along in plenty: but what I dread is want of arms and ammunition—fists won’t hit as far as bullets, and nails won’t scratch as deep as bayonets! By the way have you seen Kung? I wish you to

[986] THE LG. IN PEKING

cultivate him—he’s a very good fellow and of a practical turn of mind. I wonder has the Duke of Connaught been civil to him!’ I sent five boxes home to you some time ago, marked B/1 to 5. They are Bruce’s, and contain books, clothes, violins, and curios. I hope this week to send the Queen’s tea. No news from Bruce since Tomsk, 6th August. If he goes with Galline to the Caucasus, he'll not be in England before October much, but, if he went on with Kleminov to Petersburg, he ought to be nearing the end of his journey as I write.? Nothing was settled between us when he left, and I have endeavoured to free my mind from worrying over what had passed beyond my control—I cannot control Bruce, but of course I could follow up doings of his in various ways of my own: well, I am not going to fall out with him—if he will not be happy in my way, I want him to be happy in his own! Whatever his wrong doings they will punish themselves later on: I wish rather to break his fall than to accentuate it! It is not nice leaving college without a degree—it is equally unpleasant that he does not take up the diplomatic career—it is folly, but it may be very sweet, to marry so young and without means (neither money, or a profession to make money by) of his own—and the other party may be more moved by interested motives than by love: on the other hand, providence may be shunting him on to another line and he may in the end make a spoon and not spoil a horn —he’s beginning well, the spooning fellow, if the proverb that comes up by chance tells his fortune! And so, whether he marries or not, whether he works or not, he remains my son: and I’ll do for him just what I’d have done had he followed my views and not his own—only I shall do it so as to protect him from himself and others.—This defection of Bruce’s has, of course, hit me hard, and life has changed for me more than I can explain: I wish so much he were like your Archie or Bobbie! With the start I can give him, what a career he might make! However, if he’ll be a good man, and be happy in his own way, and work out his destiny on his own lines,—that must do! Yours truly, Robert Hart

Show these remarks about Bruce to Hutchins so that he may understand my point of view.

F Lady Hart Bruce Hutchins

J. de Noidans 1. The Duke of Connaught, third son of Queen 2. Galline and Kleminov were Russians, now en Victoria, had a military career, mainly in India. He route home from their tour of duty at the Russian was now in England in command of the district of Legation in Peking. Aldershot.

[987] SEPTEMBER 1894

Z/632 16 September 1894

[Red. October 29, 1894]

Dear Campbell, | Your Z/883 arrived yesterday. | fancy Hutchison is possibly the English master in the Naval School at Seoul: I don’t know anybody of the name at Chefoo. Yamen is inquiring about a loan again but the Emperor will not touch sterling and will only borrow silver. The question is just put to Walter who happens to be in the neighbourhood. I saw a cutting the other day which says that Ting is very pro-Japanese that “in fact they have mesmerized (moosmei-ized) him!” This is probably the secret of the liking for Japan which so many show, and, in fact, the girls are charming! As to the men, they have put western coats on their backs and western learning in their heads, but their hearts are still what their fathers’ hearts were, and very little scratching brings that fact to the front. Some fighting beginning at Ping-Yang and this week may possibly see a battle there. The Chinese are outnumbered—25,000 Japs to 15,000 Chinese—and out-generaled, and I fear they'll be beaten, but they ll fight well. So far the outpost encounters have shown the Chinese are doing very well. The fleet will no longer be inactive and to-day is convoying troops from Talienwan to 7a-tung-kiang (Ping-Yang River); but the Jap. fleet is also out convoying troops to the Yaluh Kiang—just north of the Ta-tung-kiang and there may possibly be a naval battle also this week. On the whole Chinese confidence is growing and the Japs are impatient and disappointed at the slowness with which success marches. Perhaps Denby will bring proposals for peace from Japan—due here this week or next:* China does not want war—but I hope, now that war has been forced on her, she will not accept anything but a proper solution, i.e. withdrawal of Japan’s pretensions and recognition of Corea’s tributary condition. The curious thing to look out for will be Russia’s action at the end of the fray! I think England will reap the reward of the “lukewarm’”’, for ménager la chévre et le chou? does not pay well in these parts.

This mail takes home the White and Booth Retiring All cheques: you can make them payable to Mrs. White and Mrs. Booth respectively, without further enquiry or arrangement.* I am wiring for more notepaper and envelopes of this kind: I am anchored here, at all events till spring. If Kopsch sends you 10 copies of his Bimetallism tract, pass on one each to Cernuschi,° Barbour, London Chamber of Commerce, four or five leading ’papers, and two to Rendel. Without discussing standards, it contains a weighty warning! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. White

Rendel-2. [988] THE L.G. IN PEKING

Mrs. Kerr

1. Loans made available in a Western gold-backed 3. Ménager la chevre et le chou: “have it both currency, such as British pounds sterling, would ways.” be liable to produce less in silver if the value of

silver fell (as it had been doing) in terms of gold. 4. Commander A.J. Booth died in July 1893, F.W. White in May 1894.

2. Charles Denby, the American minister to China,

hoped that peace proposals might come to him via 5. Henri Cernuschi, an Italian politician and econoMr. Dunn, the American minister in Tokyo. Denby mist, was an ardent champion of bimetallism. himself did not go to Japan; he remained in Peking. See letter 953n1 and letter 955.

Z/633 23 September 1894

[Rcd. November 10, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/884 arrived 20th. The Reuter account of Lang’s opinion of Ting is too good: Ting _ is an excellent old boy to get on with, but he’s neither soldier nor sailor! The Ping-Yang fight on 16th was entirely in favour of the Japs.’ Yeh again skedaddled with success! The Yaluh naval engagement was a Chinese success: they landed their convoy, and the Japs first drew off, but the Chinese lost five ships (4 in battle and J wrecked retiring) and the rest are unfit to go to sea for six weeks to come: so that the coast is now literally clear and Japan can land men and march on Peking.” It is said the Imperial city will be fortified and held: this means street fighting if Japs come, and street rows if they don’t—so I purpose sending away the ladies and children to err—if erring—on the safe side. But it will inconvenience, and be expensive for, everybody,

and is a great nuisance officially for myself.— | :

The Yamen wants me this afternoon on “important business’, but I can’t say I want to be dragged in at this hour, for what can one do? The Japs’ ambition is growing and they now talk of ruling China, and refusing all foreign intervention. So, to tell China how to fight successfully—or how to negotiate successfully—having no soldiers on the one hand, and an enemy that does not want to settle things on the other—is not easy, and, besides, the moment one hints at the possibility of being able to do one or other, the Chinese withdraw a bit and clip one’s carte blanche very materially! It’s odd that I warned them of to-day’s doings in 1866 when I gave Prince Kung that “Bystander’s” Memo!° The Navy has also its successful skedaddler—Capt. Fang Po Chien.* He ran away at the sinking of the ““Kowshing” and deserted his escort the “Kwang-Yi’’; and while the Yaluh fight went on during the move at 5 p.m. hours of the 17th, his vessel disappeared: he made for Port Arthur, arrived, and wired to T’tsin that his damages forced him out of the fight after

seeing 4 Japanese ships sink! |

[989] SEPTEMBER 1894

There were 8 foreigners with Ting: two escaped unhurt, two were killed, and four wounded —among the last was von Hanneken. Detring wanted to charter, and had arranged with J.M. & Co. for their steamer the ““Kwangsang’’ to go to Port Arthur and bring the wounded to T’tsin for proper treatment. At the last moment Li drew back—would not pay the Tls. 5,000 for the charter—and left the poor fellows to rot there! That’s a pretty thing! This affair will turn out badly for the Chung Tang everybody says!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. The Chinese were completely routed at P’yong- command of the seas to the Japanese ships. yang, losing 6600 men, as against a declared Jap-

anese loss of 632. Neither the Chinese officers 3. Hart presented his ““bystander’s” or “‘spectanor their men acted with distinction, and General tor’s” memorandum (chii-wai p‘ang-kuan lun, lit., Yeh had wanted to raise the white flag at the end a discussion by a looker-on outside the situation) of the first day of battle. The Japanese occupied to Prince Kung on November 6, 1865; it was then P’yongyang, and the remaining Chinese forces presented to the throne on April 1, 1866, and

withdrew across the Yalu. fills nineteen pages in the court record, Ch’ou-pan i-wu shih-mo (T’ung-chih 40, 13b-22a). See also

2. The Yalu battle was indeed a tactical victory for letter 30.

the Chinese. The Chinese ships succeeded in land- .

ing the troops and military supplies they were 4. Fang Pai-ch’ien, captain of the Chi Yiian, was convoying, and the Japanese withdrew from battle beheaded after the Yalu battle, accused of having first, at 5:00 P.M., when supplies of ammunition run away from two battles. Fang is one of the

became low. controversial figures of the war, accused generally But the Japanese fleet withdrew intact, while of gross cowardice but praised by some as a hero the badly damaged Peiyang fleet took refuge in slandered by jealous colleagues.

Weihaiwei, where it remained at anchor, leaving |

Z/634 30 September 1894

[Rcd. November 14, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

The Japs 30,000 strong are approaching: they'll land on the 3rd-6th and be here before end of month of October. I am getting all the married away and replacing them by bachelors to the personal discomfort of all around and much to my own official inconvenience—but it secures the safety of women and children and that’s the main point. There may be no row— but we may all be knocked on the head—and it’s best to err on the right side. I am sending you “899” special telegram for R. to-day: diplomacy humbugged China and prevented des patch of troops so that Japan had whip-hand from first—now there’s a chance for action—if | England will act China is hers for ever—if not, Russia takes the stakes! Prince Kung just reinstated: but what can he do?’ —if England will not act (and by act I mean order the British Admiral to stop the Japanese from landing by force) he will accept Russia’s hand! The fable of “The Man, the Horse, and the Stag” teaches a lesson of course, but there may be an exception and China could make that exception. I don’t admire England’s China policy a bit— it has been of a lukewarm kind and is valued, or undervalued, accordingly. If China goes to Russia—the fate of the East is changed!

[990] THE I.G. IN PEKING

I am doing a loan with H’kong Bank for 77s. 10,000,000—a silver loan, 7%; and there are loans talked of all along the coast. C’ton is raising one for 5,000,000 taels, from Chinese, and propose to act through Commissioner—this is the right thing. If lenders could trust holder China need not go to foreign market at all! S. Campbell made Dept. Com". for S’hai (Returns Desk). He’s a very reliable workman, but slow.

If Japs take this place they’ll seize telegraph and I may not be able to wire except from S’hai after end of October—though perhaps I may be off to a country for which I can leave no address before that date! Yours truly, Robert Hart

Cosmopoli- ease

Russ. Von. Grot (Actg. Chinese & Act. Chief Secy.)

, Brit. Aglen—Actg.Asst. Sec.

tan staff! French — Wagner—Actg.Asst. Chinese Secy._ German Miiller—Actg. Audit Secy.

Dutch Ferguson " Chief Accountant? P.S. Queen’s Tea sent last week. J.D.C./T.94

Lady Hart Bruce Mrs. Grosvenor 1. Prince Kung had remained in obscurity since Grand Council. his dismissal in 1884 (see letter 474n1). He was

now recalled to head the Tsungli Yamen once 2. G.F. Miiller, in the Customs since 1869, had just again and to serve on the Board of Admiralty and been promoted to acting deputy commissioner. the council created to direct the war against Japan. T.T.H. Ferguson, who joined in 1888, had just In December 1894 he was also made head of the been made 3rd assistant B.

Z/635 7 October 1894

[Rcd. November 28, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

It is the eleventh hour and the last quarter too, and so our chiefs now call me in. It is fortunate nature has blessed me with a temperament which always grows gayer in difficulty, and makes me more careful in easy times: otherwise our many trials and Chinese methods would have killed me long ago! The telegrams for R. tell you all worth knowing. This govt. now realises the situation, and sees what a poor thing the “great satrap” has made of his opportunity to create army and navy: but they still require their eyes to be opened further and to see that honesty must be

[991] OCTOBER 1894

the rule of the court itself—e.g. the Admiralty has had big sums paid to it yearly the last ten years and ought to have a balance of 36,000,000 taels, and lo! it has not a penny, having allowed the Emp. Dowager to draw on it for the many whims she has been indulging in!— Yesterday Sun and Hsti (Yamen and Grand Secretariat Ministers) were with me from 4 to 6— literally in extremis, ready to accept any good suggestion and promising all sorts of things for the future:' they said a week ago nobody dare propose peace—and two months ago nobody dare say anything but “declare war” —and that, even now, the moment peace is sought for becomes known, the Govt. will be denounced by all the talkers in the capital—men who know nothing and have no responsibilities—but, they added, the Govt. that has responsibility now knows further fighting is unreliable and an early settlement the best step to be taken, and so they ask me what’s to be done. I doubt if Japan will willingly stop short of complete conquest, and I also have my fears that the people to the north will not like neutralization of coveted territory—but this is the first and best move towards peace and we'll see how it turns out. I have not had a minute to myself the last ten days and I am very glad to have no social duties to attend to and am quite alone—work is less worrying. Yours Z/885 & 886 arrived 2nd and 3rd Oct. I believe I am to see Prince Kung this afternoon—it’s about JJ or 12 years since we last met, and now over thirty-three since our first talk.2 How quickly the time flies—how full each moment seems and how important for the moment—and how quickly a gone second and a done work loses its interest and its importance: what motes in the sunbeam we are! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Rendel 1. Presumably Sun Yii-wen and Hsii Yung-i, who 2. Hart’s first meeting with Prince Kung took place were both members of the Grand Council and of on June 15, 1861, when in Lay’s absence Hart was its subcommittee the Tsungli Yamen. We believe acting inspector general and at the invitation of Hart’s reference to the Grand Secretariat was a slip Sir Frederick Bruce went to the newly opened lefor Grand Council. (The Hsti then in the Grand gation in Peking to discuss Customs organization Secretariat was Hsti T’ung, an arch-conservative.) with the Tsungli Yamen. Hart was twenty-six at

the time, Prince Kung twenty-eight. .

Z/636 21 October 1894

[Rcd. November 30, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/888 came last night. Things look bad here. The officials have no fight in them and despair is gradually settling down on all: it is a very bad lookout indeed, and if Japan will not accept “the olive leaf’,

[992] THE I.G. IN PEKING

I don’t know how we'll get out of it. While doing all we can in the matter of negotiating, I daily tell Yamen, etc. to push on war preparations more briskly than ever and they say they are doing so, but, without leaders and insufficiently armed, what will numbers do? They’d like Lang back and they want to buy rifles, etc.: but they, Chinese-like, defer | everything to the last moment, and then nothing but the best of luck or a special interference of providence can save them! It’s heartbreaking! If we could only get one year to prepare,—do some drilling,—get some leaders, provide ships and guns and powder and shot, it would be all right: but we must now reap what we sowed—we did not sow, and what crop except weeds can be looked for? The stake an Empire, and the results, if Japan wins and takes China, the biggest empire the world ever saw—the most go-ahead and the most powerful! P’ve no doubt politicians are perplexed: shall they bolster up rotten China for another try for health and strength, and thereby alienate Japan—the empire of the future—for ever, or shall they side with Japan and take shelter ever after under its friendly wings? As to ourselves—are we to leave or be wiped out? I mean as a Service! Personally we are safe enough and our only danger will be during the two or three days of panic and lawlessness sure to precede the entry of the Japanese troops—then we’ll have to look out!

The Russian Emperor’s fate will also have a telling effect at home and abroad.’ Thanks for the books you send in Porter’s parcel. They'll help me through the winter evenings which will be very lonely this season. I’m feeling very well—my head is all right— and, as to my Spirits, I am fortunately one of those who grow more gay the blacker the outlook is: in fact, I fear I must seem to the Chinese to be indecently undisturbed and serene with the house tumbling down about our ears! But what’s the use of either funk, despair, or madness? Best live one’s life as in ordinary times!

} Robert Hart Yours truly,

Lady Hart “County Families” 1. Alexander III died on November 1, 1894. He nation was to be held in 1896. was succeeded by his son Nicholas II, whose coro-

Z/637 28 October 1894 [Red. December 13, 1894] Dear Campbell, The Japs are across the Yalu and the Chinese are retreating on Feng-Hwang-Ch’eng: we shall probably have the Emp. Dow.’s birthday (7 Nov.) celebrated by the capture of Liao Yang—I don’t think they can march to Moukden by that date! Here everything is as bad as bad could be—there’s no head—no strong man: past misdoings

[993] OCTOBER 1894

have bred present impotency! I have advised them to make v. Hanneken commander-inchief—but even at this moment they hesitate—truly “‘the chapter of accidents is the Battle of fools!””!

The 180,000 Austrian rifles have been authorised, but—where’s the money to come from? That question is not settled and till it is, I can’t move further—for I can’t let myself, you, or the Bank, in for any such outlay without full documentary authority! Circumlocution—delay—distrust—hope—dismay—astonishment—despair—pride—all sorts of

feelings combine to make work difficult, so long as its inception must be formally authorised by Chinese officials, and, without money or arms, what can one do? Chinese blood has been well cooled by the training its brain has had the last twenty centuries, but I think it quite possible that one of these days despair may find expression in the wildest rage, and that we foreigners will one and all be wiped out in Peking—“‘If it had not been for those cursed fan-kwei’’, every one will say, “this would never have come upon us: let us teach them what destruction is, before we have to meet it ourselves!” The state of affairs is truly too pitiable: and it is so horribly threatening, and the danger so close at hand and so little likely to be averted, that it cannot quite be realised. The fierce glare of the sun blinds one—perhaps the magnitude of the impending catastrophe acts similarly! I have just drafted a despatch in which China again invokes the intervention of the Treaty Powers. I think it’s a shame that nobody will step in and stop Japan. China has given no offence—has done no wrong—does not wish to fight and is willing to make sacrifices: she is a big sick man convalescing very slowly from the sickening effects of peaceful centuries, and is being jumped on when down by this agile, healthy, well-armed Jap—will no one pull him off? We'll have a queer Xmas here!

Your telegram re Bruce is very disturbing: it leaves one to infer so many things! I can only take it he’s seriously ill; so I have sent one word “Yes” in reply—it covers everything: permission to be engaged, authority to pay debts, and appointment to L.O. To think that after thirty years of I.G.-ship and as many of paternity, China should be so helpless and my son so bent on having his own way—it’s very disturbing to one’s equanimity! Your 791 just in. Wonder if it brings any light just as the ““Make ready, Present, Fire!”’ order is about to be launched!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. ““The chapter of accidents” in from the Earl of ary 16,1753. Chesterfield’s Letters to His Son (1774), Febru-

[994] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

Z,/638 4 November 1894

{[Rcd. December 25, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

My Tel” “‘seesaw” explains the position! We are losing time, and the dynasty, I fear, is doomed; but Gérard is a very ambitious man, and I shall not be surprised if he carries off both laurels and substantial advantages and with the thanks of both China and Japan! England has botched the business between ourselves: what an opportunity to have lost of ruling with success all along the line, although indirectly! As to the “Wenzels’”—thanks: if our friends change their minds, I’ll wire!’ As to Loan—my inquiry through you re Gold ought not have prevented H’kong Bank London from wiring properly to its agent here that the 20 years loan was arranged and Edict could be applied for.? By the way, that change from 10 to 20 ought have been wired authority for first: vis-a-vis Yamen, both that and the suggestion of indemnity payment have harmed our channels—and | don’t wonder at it! Detring and Hanneken here:* one day a force of 100,000 with 2500 foreign officers is authorised, and the next countermanded, and indemnity offered! It’s shocking—the flabbiness and want of backbone. I have been half mad with lumbago this week—but I have to work all the same. I feel rheumatic twinges in wrist, fingers and thigh and IJ fear I’m approaching a time of horrible suffering: the worst was one twinge across the belly—by Jove! I felt as if all the agony of the

; universe had just touched me and fled! _ As to Bruce I want him to be healthy and happy, and, although his doings are disappointing, I am not letting them or anything else worry me. Did you hear poor Jack Holwill, aged 21, dived into three feet water and broke his neck a couple of months ago?* Poor boy—what a sad ending and how unexpected! Hiis puzzles me:—I wanted him out and not for L.O., but his unwillingness to pay his share makes him an undesirable recruit. I fear you'll have to officialise it—if Goelet does not take my private explanation wisely! Rumour says the Japs passed Wei-Hai-Wei in force Friday night steaming west: I fear they’ll land in the Ta-Tsin-Ho (38°) and attack Peking via Paotingfu—a line of march quite unprovided with means of resistance—in which case they'll be here by 30th.> When going away Komura paid the Legation servants to the 15th/ The rush of business in this office and through this unlucky head of mine the last five weeks has been something unprecedented, and I fear devotion to work, etc., is to be of no avail!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart

[995] NOVEMBER 1894

1. The Wenzels were the Austrian rifles mentioned 3. Detring and von Hanneken had been summoned

in the previous letter. to Peking. Von Hanneken had at least one audience with the emperor and both conferred at length

2. The “twenty-years loan” was the loan nego- with high officials as to what steps should be taken tiated by Hart and the Hongkong and Shanghai in view of the Japanese approach. Banking Corporation (see letter 946). This was

a silver loan for 10,000,000 Kuping taels 4. See letter 769n3. (10,900,000 Shanghai taels) at 7%, to run from

November 1, 1894, to November 1, 1914. The 5. The Japanese were en route to the Liaotung issuing price to the public was 98, and the loan was _ _— Peninsula, where a Japanese army of 20,000 men

secured on the Customs revenue. had been landed on October 24 at a point northeast of Port Arthur.

Z,/639 11 November 1894

[Rcd. December 25, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

Read the enclosed to von Brandt and Rendel: then close and send on; they’ll tell you what I have not time to write. The Japs took the Talien Wan forts on the 6th and will probably have Port Arthur before the end of the month; China is as little prepared as ever—her best troops have been beaten and dispersed and her navy does not enter the sea.’ As Sun ta jen” said to me a few days ago ““The lid has been taken off the box and—there’s nothing in it!’’ He was referring to all the expenditure on arms, soldiers, forts, ships, etc. Every step in this affair has revealed some fresh rascality, and, although it’s hard to believe, some very big folk are making money out of every disaster!> A fortnight ago I was easier for that day the idea was to make von Hanneken Commander-in-chief with ample funds and ample power: had it been done, China would have been safe and Japan would have eventually had to pay her an indemnity. But

vacillation, delay, difficulties about peace and trifles, etc., etc., etc., came to the front, and then fresh proposals for (useless) intervention: and to-day the Yamen hugs the idea that it’s all right—they need do nothing—they’ll get out of it somehow! It’s deplorable. I think Japan will possibly negotiate from Port Arthur, and, if given Corea, Formosa and Indemnity, will come no further; but, these refused, she’ll be here in spring, and after that qui vivra verra!* That Macartney incident is curious, and it’ll be odd if he does not burn his fingers this time!° Bruce has not written a word since he left Peking: I am surprised, or rather—no, not surprised—grieved. If we get peace I shall possibly have him out here at once and his voyage out may be his honeymoon. Meantime I hope you'll be working him hard and making him earn his pay; don’t let him regard it as “play pidgin!’”® The Loan went off splendidly and I think it will be a safe thing for investors. Whether Gold will be borrowed or not, I don’t yet know. Genl. Tscheng is manipulating a T’tsin sterling loan, but I am sure there is no edict for it.’ I thought I was over my lumbago last Wednesday morning, but, just as I stooped to pull on my socks, it caught me again like a shot and—it was anything but pleasant. I am now improving again, but at my age it shows how death is coming along. I was sorry personally to hear that Billequin is dead,® but his disappearance will relieve the Tung Wen Kwan-you re-

[996] THE I.G. IN PEKING

member coming out in 1866—now where are von Gumpach, Badham, Kelsch, Billequin and Lepissier? By the way, the anxieties of the last three months have decidedly affected my whiskers and beard—I am much whiter! I owe my godson several letters—when shall I find time to write I wonder! Excuse him to me, please. Merry Xmas to you all!

Von Brandt , Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lord Rendel Lady Hart Bruce

, 1. On November 6 the Japanese took Talienwan 5. London’s Morning Post of November 7 reported (Dairen) and completed the investment of Port on an interview granted by Macartney to a German Arthur. Port Arthur was the strongest fortress in journalist. The Post implied that in that interview China, on which the government had spent over Macartney attacked Rosebery, the prime minister, sixteen million taels. But its defenses all pointed for his handling of China’s appeal for intervention seaward, and Japan applied here the strategy that by the Western powers. Macartney denied the was later to serve her well in similar circumstances: statements attributed to him, in a letter published she attacked from the landward side, behind the in the Times on November 9. forts, and took Port Arthur on November 21. 7 The Chinese fleet, holed up at Weihaiwei, took 6. Bruce joined the Customs Service in November

no part in the defense of Port Arthur. 1894 asa secretary in the London Office.

2. Sun ta jen: Sun Yti-wen. 7. Ch’en Chi-t’ung seems not to have been deterred by his previous experience with loans; see letters 3. Li Hung-chang’s own son-in-law (Chang P’ei-lun) 729n1 and 788n2. and his nephew were cashiered and tried for peculation, for example. Both held high positions 8. Billequin was professor of chemistry at the

in the ordnance department, which had supplied T’ung-wen kuan from 1866 to 1893, when he

the fleet with defective ammunition. went on leave (see letter 12n1). He died in October 1894. 4. Qui vivra verra: lit., ““who lives will see’’; “time will tell.”

Z/640 18 November 1894

[Rced. December 28, 1894]

Dear Campbell,

I shall probably wire to-day to buy those three Chilian ships, but I can’t quite understand how Keswick said a week ago they absolutely refused to sell any and now finds some, perhaps all, can be bought. But we want them well equipped and if possible man’d and officer’d!

You work the Lang business very slowly: can’t he say “Yes” or “No” and have done with it?’ And, as to other men, what have you done? or are you afraid of Neutrality Ordinance and doing nothing? If so, you should let me know, that I may try elsewhere. The Macartney-Rosebery episode is amusing: will it shake him at the F.O.?

[997] NOVEMBER 1894

Von Brandt answered wisely: I’m sure the Powers would not like it and some would not receive him. It was Detring’s idea—not mine. Yamen now says T’tsin wants those Wenzels! But this is the way they do things—delay, circumlocution, refusal, and then consent! I am a little shy of taking it up again, for I think it is for our T’tsin friend Sheng and he does not record well as a payer!” The carriage was only slightly rubbed on the top fortunately and we got it put to rights and duly presented: the Empress Dow’. is pleased with it and uses it!? But it has not been

officially acknowledged yet. |

J am again upset here and I am lending Michie to von Hanneken: Bruce ought to have remained instead of going home in June—I hope we'll thrash the Japs yet, but, if we don’t, where’ll the Customs be? The days are fuller of work than ever—not a minute to spare; and, I am still suffering from lumbago etc., but it has shifted into the left hip and I was afraid yesterday was going to develop into Sciatica! J begin to fear there is “stone” at the bottom of it all and that [ll have to follow Denby to Paris.* Capts. Burns and Cavendish have just joined Legation and are going to the front—the Chinese front; but where’s it I'd like to know? A telegram just in says the Japs again tried Motien Ling pass between Liao-Yang and Feng Hwang on the 15th and were again driven back with serious loss on both sides. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart

P.S. Fearing the Japs may come here and seize my archives, etc. I am getting rid of balances by paying Retg. All*. in silver down to 1894.

Bruce

1896. graph Administration.

1. Lang was not officially asked to return until to control the China Merchants’ Co. and the Tele2. Sheng Hstian-huai (see letters 222n1 and 408n3) 3. The carriage was presumably a birthday present was now the Customs taotai at Tientsin. He was to the Empress Dowager. The festivities honoring appointed to that post in 1892, after six years in the royal birthday, for which the sum of ten mila similar capacity at Chefoo. The Tientsin post, lion taels had been allocated, were all canceled. which was newly created by Li Hung-chang, in-

volved Sheng in foreign affairs, defense, and the 4. This was E. Denby of the Customs, who was on collection of Customs fees. Sheng continued also leave (see letter 922n1).

Z/641 25 November 1894

[Red. January 7, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Detring is off to Japan to interview Jto in the hope that peace may result, and Japan has said she can be approached either through the American Minister at Peking or Tokio: whether the two will clash or help each other remains to be seen.’ Japan did not like European

[998] THE LG. IN PEKING

intervention, and, face to face with them, whether she will dictate impossible terms or magnanimously cry “quits”? and shake hands, remains to be seen. Port Arthur has been fighting this last week and rumour says has fallen, but in the Motien-Ling neighbourhood the Chinese have held or been allowed to hold their own—possibly to take their hands off doings elsewhere. In fact we are thrashed everywhere: we deserve it! And the Japs equally deserve success—but why they will insist on fighting when we say “‘stop” seems only explicable by their alleged desire to reduce China to the most pitiable extremity. And if we get over this scrape, positively I begin to fear that sleep—heavier than ever—will succeed. China is not a warlike nation—her antecedents, her civilization, her idiosyncrasies, all make for peace, and it’s a pity that the rough world should disturb it: however that disturbance is the only way to cure peace of its special ailments! As to ships—warlike stores—men, etc. It lay with Hanneken to say ““Buy”’ and having, for several days said ‘““Yes—you ought to buy” he suddenly turned and said ““Don’t—they are not worth buying, unless the rest can be got too!”’ And this change puts us all in a big difficulty. If we get out of that by not buying, I fear the State will suffer through not having the ships! And as for rifles, etc.—Yamen at T’tsin’s wish, is again saying ““Buy!” Iam not keen on it; for I think it is too late in the day to waste money on such old things—half of which may prove to be useless. Then, as to men, etc., of course we know that the “‘Neutrality Act” exists, and it is our duty as good Britishers to keep our country’s laws, but we are in Chinese employ and China wants to get some qualified men—there are such to be got, and we must try and get them,—if not English, then others. Hutchins is perfectly right in his view and in what he says—as far as legality goes: but, although it’s dangerous to go beyond legality, it sometimes must be done and sometimes can be done with safety, with advantage, and with éeclat. Such a war as the present gives us one such time, and we want and must get some foreigners to lead and to direct. As to Loans, credit, etc.; the world will be governed by hard facts in such matters, and we have only to act with a free hand to get the money our ability to repay warrants people to lend. It is said Port Arthur fell a few days ago, but I’m not sure it’s true. Inglis would never do; the men that taught Japan would not be welcome. Lang’s strong point is that his name is known and China has confidence in him. I myself do not consider him anything above the common—except that his uncommon experiences have given him a fitness in certain respects not commonly found in Naval officers. My bodily ailments are a bit easier to-day, but I have had a bad week: suffering and care are rapidly whitening my whiskers!

. Yours truly, Robert Hart Mabel 1. Detring arrived at Kobe on November 26, but through the American Legation in Peking, prowas refused recognition as an accredited envoy. He posing peace in return for Korean independence

was recalled at once by Prince Kung, who was and payment of an indemnity to Japan. currently pursuing Japan’s hint that she might be Ito Hirobumi was Japan’s premier at this time approached through the American ministers. On (see letter 518n1). November 22 the prince had made direct overtures

[999] DECEMBER 1894

Z/642 2 December 1894

[Red. January 21, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/895 is the last to hand. A week ago peace was looked for through America, but the Japs changed front and said “Let China send her own man to us,” but China does not see this, and “fighting it out’ is the order of the day. If, as I advised, they had taken this decision last July and acted on it then, our chances would have been better; as it is, the troops have got thrashed and have disappeared, and everywhere recruits neither know how nor have the pluck to fight, while the officials, by protecting friends, and the people, by willingness to obey any Emperor, make the task of conquest all the easier for the enterprising enemy. As far as right goes, Japan has no rights whatever—except the right that nations may be thought to have to redress what they choose to consider the wrongs of another people: I myself do not believe in right alone any more than I do in eating with one chopstick—what we wanted is the second chopstick, might, but this people feels encouraged to put on its velvet gloves because it considers right is on its side and it hopes that this right will in the end be too much for the might that the iron hand of Japan both has and increases every blow it strikes. I think the Japs will try to come here—if they succeed, they’ll take these premises (Govt. buildings) and they’ll either expel or imprison—myself possibly. Their idea is conquest and they’ll upset everything. Whether the West will interfere or not is a question: I think intervention will come, but too late to either save China’s present dynasty, or prevent Japanese ambition from causing the anarchy which half-measures must produce. Japan could conquer and reconstruct and rule— but fancy what the next century would have to deal with in the shape of a Japan-ised China! We are trying for funds and arms and men: can we do anything? If we fail, the Customs will of course disappear: the Japs will put in their own men. I am sorry, but I don’t see how to prevent such a catastrophe. The B/E official a/c for Sept. quarter came (original and duplicate), but my private a/c for Sept. qr. has not arrived. Hippisley vows that poor Mrs. Russell is lying!

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Wonder how the former I.G. likes all this! Is it “nuts to him’’, or is he magnanimous and sorry? and what says Wade? Read what I say to Bruce a propos of the situation. I fear it will perplex and worry him, but, like all others, he must look facts in the face! R.H.

Lady Hart

Bruce :

[1000] THE I.G. INPEKING

Mrs. Maze Miss Miller Price

"°

Dr. Johnston

Z/643 | 9 December 1894

[Red. January 28, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

It is hopeless! China goes on in a half-hearted way to secure peace and prepare for war, the consequence being, that, unable to resolve on the sacrifices necessary to secure one or other, she will have to swallow one or other in its most repulsive and detrimental forms. The majority—is in power, and the minority can do nothing. In fact the Bible of the moment is “The chapter of accidents!”’ .

The Denby intervention is hovering on the brink of a fiasco and Japan is laughing in her sleeve over successes of every kind. I shall not be surprised if either Prince Kung, or Li, or the two in company, settle matters by a coup d’état. Li, however, although very powerful, through those troops that are devoted to him, has lost “‘face” all over China, and would be badly received by the Chinese public although likely to be supported by Japan. But there’s no use speculating! As to Loans the Yamen hopes the H’kg. Bk. will float its Five million stg. loan.’ As to ships—that affair is in von Hanneken’s hands.

As to Austrian Rifles, nothing is authorised: but really I think the only reason for buying is to please me, lest, after bargaining, I should feel, or be, hurt by not buying! Official stationery just arrived in very bad condition, and lots of things missing!

| Yours truly, The von Hanneken army is not likely to come to anything.

Robert Hart

Lady Hart Bruce 1. Hart was now negotiating with the Hongkong refused to go higher than £3,000,000 (see letter Bank for a second loan. This was to be a sterling 961). loan, for £5,000,000 it was hoped, but the bank

[1001] DECEMBER 1894

Z/644 16 December 1894 [Rced. February 9, 1895] Dear Campbell,

If we pull through without disappearing, the Customs will probably grow: native opium ; and possibly Likin everywhere, may be confided to us. Just now I think I am nearer the proper status in respect of loans and I think Yamen, I.G. and H’kg Bank will be the only ones to touch them in future—as I wire to-day. Peace negotiations through American Legation progressing, but very slowly, at China’s usual snail’s pace. If this falls through, conquest will be the only solution: still, time and difficulties may be too much for the Japs, and, even if they win, they may burn their fingers over their own bonfires and conjure western demons on to the stage by their very successes! China is a very big country and very hard to rub out!

Isn’t it cold? I can hardly hold the pen! The wind is roaring and the ground is frozen hard, : with snow—it fell a week ago—wherever no sun’s warmth can melt it. This goes by overland courier and won’t reach you much before the middle of February: wonder how we’ll all be situated then! It’s very interesting, but exasperation, amazement, and a dreadfully mixed feeling of inability to do anything and inability to understand things, make it painful occasionally. The cool way in which some of the officials take occurrences is surprising, and the dignity they exhibit on trying occasions elicits one’s sympathy: but to all suggestions they in their heart of hearts say it’s not the thing for China! and in fact the national love of peace and detestation of war shows itself all through to an extent which must, or should, shame Christian civilisation: but alas! these people have on the other hand many qualities that are quite as blameworthy.

The Japs are close to Newchwang to-day, but whether they’ll take it or go west to Liao Yang remains to be seen. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Miss Kankoff

Z,/645 23 December 1894

[Red. February 18, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Your telegram announcing Bruce’s marriage does not convey the pleasantest news!! Knowing that his marriage was not to be opposed he ought to have waited till January and gone

[1002] THE I.G. IN PEKING

through the ceremony, etc. in proper style, and in any case he ought to have arranged matters with his mother and yourself. But why did you give him leave so soon after joining the office? However, the thing’s a fact now and we must accommodate ourselves to it: I’m not going to fall out with him for marrying his sweetheart, nor will I refuse him on his lines of life the interest I should have felt and the support I would have given him on mine. If Japan smashes the Customs his career is, of course, ended, and he’ll have to try his hand at something elsewhere; if peace negotiations go through all right, I suppose he’d better come here at once. Chang yin Huan and Shao yu Lien (a Shang-shu and a Fu-t’ai) the first Minister some years ago in America and the second Chargé at St. Petersburg (and my colleague at H’kong in 1886), are to go to Japan to arrange for peace if possible:* but what a task, and how will they dare to consent to such terms as a killing indemnity and cession of territory? If they have the pluck to consent, there’ll be peace—but their future will be a hazardous one; if they don’t, the Japs will spend Easter in Peking and dictate still more crushing

. terms. Then it will be interesting to see what the powers will do: they made a big mistake in letting Japan go so far! My lumbago is not troubling me, but I have to cough with care and take precautions before sneezing: otherwise I may get caught, mauled, and made helpless any moment. I am feeling restless and irritable to an extent that tries all my philosophy: officially, socially, privately, and personally I have my “teeth on edge!” In fact I ought to have gone home and put off harness years ago—or a year ago: the great Li ought to have retired when China gave him that glorious 70th “birthday”, and I ought to have cleared out when the Baronetcy was conferred—but it’s always after the event that we are wise! Now I'll hold on and see it out! Loans and Munitions are a nuisance—simply because there is no one department but an unknown number—to deal with! I am trying to work things into one channel for transmission and execution and into one Yamen for initiating, controlling and distributing: but it’s weary work and slow! Just now having arranged that Five Million loan apparently, I am in a difficulty owing to a flirtation the Board of Revenue is getting up with the German Bank! The H’kong Bank, I fear, is too much given to accepting and acting on personal impressions. By the way I wish you’d try and economise in telegrams: Your 853 with its 227 groups might have come in 30 or 40 groups. Remember I want categorical answers to questions and not a lot of explanations and “‘lectures!”’

, Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart McKean Mrs. Price de Berniéres 1. Bruce married Caroline Gillson on December19. dent of a Board, i.e., head of a ministry. Shao Yu-lien was now governor (futai) of Taiwan (see

2. Chang Yin-huan (see letter 484n1) was now a letter 358n3); the Hong Kong event in 1886 had

Tsungli Yamen minister and senior vice-president been the opium conference. of the Board of Revenue; shang-shu means presi-

[1003] DECEMBER 1894

Z/646 30 December 1894 |Rced. February 23, 1895] Dear Campbell,

Z/901, 902, and 903 arrived 28th. Z/901 did not enclose any Rendel letter. Z/902 keep King for the present. Maze will not return to L.O. I’m sorry Bruce would not see Hutchins. Z/903 you ought to make one of the young fellows decipher telegrams: I give that to the Private Secy. here—could not find time for it myself. I’m amused to hear Panmure Gordon is still to the fore: he was at Shai in FitzRoy’s time.' The Silver Loan Prospectus also came in your cover. How could the Bank make such mistakes in a published paper about a foreign loan as 1° to make payments begin 1904 and 2° after stating there would be 10 equal payments, go on to say the whole would be paid off in 1914? I dare not go to the Yamen about either making 20, 19, or giving 1912’s undrawn bonds an option between 1913 and 1914: this explanation would make the Bank ridiculous in the eyes of the Yamen. But I’m not a bit surprised for we all get a very loose way of doing things in China! Jackson is courageous and speculates boldly and successfully, but I doubt if the Bank works on London bankers’ lines as far as attention to detail, etc. goes.” I shall probably wire tomorrow that the Sterling Loan is to be floated at either 6% or 5% just as the Bank thinks best. Yamen and Board (of Revenue) have ordered outside officials not to borrow themselves, but to apply to Board and Yamen, when the money will be provided. So I cannot understand how Kung should be inquiring—unless indeed he has orders from Li, who I hear is very wroth at the Yamen for taking loans etc. out of his hands and perhaps wants to make difficulties for the Yamen’s borrowing. New Year festivities in Palace abandoned. Chang not yet gone. No change in situation, but Legations seem like providing themselves with questions. Can’t say how it will end, but, just now, the future is too uncertain to allow of my bringing out Bruce and his wife.

The covers for the Banks enclose cheques for my private a/c. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart Lord Rendel B/E H’kg Bank Hutchins Mrs. Osborne 1. Panmure Gordon and Co. were stockbrokers. 2. Sir Thomas Jackson had been chief manager of FitzRoy had been in charge at Shanghai under the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Lay in 1863. since 1876.

[1004] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/647 6 January 1895

[Red. March 5, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

The L.O. letters by the mails of the 7th and 16th Nov., received here on the 2nd, have not turned up yet. Probably they were registered and S’hai could not get them in time for our courier. I have just wired that the Sterling Loan is sanctioned by Edict, and your 862—with long telegram from and for Bank incorporated—has just come in, but is not yet deciphered. I add that ‘““Bruce may come’”’—I suppose this will be the best place for him at present, but I'd much rather not have him here. I fear his procedure must have angered his mother terribly— and rightly so, but I hope her good sense accepted the fact and that she saw it would be best to try and help him towards happiness and also avoid the increased sorrow for ourselves which estrangement now would entail. ‘At illis (—deis)—notum qui pueri qualioque

futura sit uxor’”’. Juv x.320.'

How wonderfully wise the old poets were! Hillier has just sent me the formal contract: what a lot of legal rubbish there is in it, and what a lot to re-arrange.” I have backed up the H Bank here as honourable and reliable, but faith there seems to be more “‘rule of thumb” than precision about it—that Prospectus simply made me shudder!

Chang starts tomorrow and peace is hoped for, but I fear both money and territory are to go to buy it. It’s awfully riling that China should have made such a bad fight, and it’s still a question whether it would not be better to fight on—we might improve and exhaustion might cripple the foe. If I had the reins in my own hand Id fight it out, but, not having them, I fear to advise the Govt. to push on to what might be its ruin. If they'll undertake reform seriously the future will be all the better, but I fear that without an occupation of Peking, the need for reform and the quality wanted will not be understood or properly met. These Loans will lengthen Customs’ existence and possibly extend Customs’ work—but I fear the necessity to extend indemnity payments over many years may give me a Japanese colleague!

Happy New Year to you! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Aubert

" Daae

[1005] JANUARY 1895

Mrs. Grevedon

"de Berniéres 1. “But they know what sons, what sort of wife edgeable about the language and manners of the

there will be” (Juvenal Satires X.352/3). Chinese, had been manager of the Peking branch of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corpora-

2. Edward Guy Hillier, brother of Walter and H.M. tion since its opening in 1885. Hillier and a talented financier who was also knowl-

Z/648 13 January 1895

[Red. March 9, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

This Loan business is simply maddening! Why can’t people at home understand that an Edict is sufficient and that it pledges all the Emperor can command? This legal logomachy about bonds and priority is all unnecessary for the payments are to be made on fixed dates, and neither priority nor posteriority can change that! Your 867 & 868 just in with this mail—and I see there’s more to follow. I am wiring to ask if you can’t get Five million, and also if Peking will not do instead of ‘““London” in the 10th clause which withholds proceeds. Your Z/904 to 906 arrived 6th.

That © affair is amusing and the F.O. cannot be found fault with if it takes him to task. Dunlop just wires from S’hai but I don’t know what he has come for: that is, J had nothing to do with his being asked for by the Legation. I knew him in the olden days when he was a great rider: I think he rode up in a few hours from T’tsin once and called on me the same day about 4 P.M. Starting back, his pony fell on the bridge, his leg was broken and the Alcocks nursed him for weeks. Of course he, too, can’t serve in war and China is not likely to buy ships till more is seen of the course peace negotiations will now take and the indemnity and conditions. The Japs are now nearing N’chwang from the south and the 3d corps is expected at WeiHai-Wei. Chang will not reach his destination much before the end of the month and Japan’s conditions will be known only after Bruce starts in February. If we don’t get peace he'll have to move on to some other place and occupation! Rumour says Wang takes with him a secret treaty to Russia.’ I know nothing about it, and, if made, it has been very cleverly concealed. Yours truly, Robert Hart

J.H. Hart | Lady Hart

1. Wang Chih-ch’un, Financial Commissioner of Czar Alexander III in 1895. In the next year he Hupei, had headed a delegation to the funeral of was instructed to attend the coronation of Nicho-

[1006] THE I.G. IN PEKING

las II, but because his rank was too low to nego- in which some Chinese joined. Li Hung-chang, tiate such a weighty matter as a secret treaty, his therefore, was sent to the coronation. appointment was cancelled at Russian insistence,

Z/649 20 January 1895

[Red. March 18, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

There’s no time to explain past or present doings. ’ Tm sorry the Bank makes it Three and not Five millions: this and the backing out of the offer to advance largely in January have not strengthened our borrowing combination! The S’hai contract-form was most offensive—Banks to collect duties, and Emperor, Heirs & Successors to remain indebted, etc., etc., etc.! In fact the Edict is all the security required, and beyond that all one has to fix is the place and time of repayment. Your Z/909 and 910 came 8th. The outlook is very bad, and not only is there no time for improvement in men and method but the Chinese act as if they thought the old ways the best: better sink with Confucius,

etc. than win with Wellington!

We are all sitting as tight as we can, both here and in Corea, and I intend, if I live, to see it out—although I wish to heaven I had got away on leave a year ago! The weather is horribly cold: I am again a cripple with a bad toe (broken chilblains) and inflamed foot, and can’t take any exercise: in fact I have hardly had any exercise since the end of October and I am run down pretty completely. No time to write home letters this morning, but I enclose one for Hutchins: show him Cir. 662.' I think the most likely outcome will be a Chinese-Japanese-Corea alliance steered and perhaps manned by Japan: let 1900 look out! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Hutchins Mde. Chavannes

"Pritchard | "Von Brandt

Bn. Sadoine

1. Circular No. 662 (second series), ““China-Japan Peking, August 23, 1894. War: Status of Customs Service and Individuals,”

[1007] JANUARY 1895

Z/650 27 January 1895

[Red. March 22, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/911 and 912 arrived 21st—just as a telegram from Chefoo announced the arrival of a second grand-daughter!? The Legation Loan doings are curious: but indeed all one can do is to be sure of the ground one is standing on and to avoid being worried by the attempts others make to win a footing. I do not consider the H. Bank people first class bankers, nor do I believe in Panmure Gordon for finance or brokerage—although he may be doing a good business and is probably worshipped in certain quarters; but the H. Bank has a large Chinese connection and it is easier to work through it than go to others who again would have to use its assistance. If the H. Bank works well with me now, it may establish a valuable Government connection, but anything put forward to be afterwards withdrawn—the withdrawal proving the demand unnecessary— has a bad effect: irritating discussion, loss of time, and un-operativeness leave a bad flavour in the Chinese mouth. We signed Silver and Gold contracts yesterday—Chinese New Year's Day! 1 think H. Bank went beyond its powers in refusing to pay Kung till signature of final silver contract. I wonder will it be able to raise the sterling Loan?? If it fails, another agency will find an opening and have its innings! The “alarming circular’ was disloyally divulged, misinterpreted, and criticised by some Customs’ man. I feared the Japs were coming this way and that one of their first steps would be to seize me and impound all balances: I therefore decided to lessen the balances at once by paying off at Silver Rates all Retiring allowances to date, expressing the hope at the same time that later on there would be an extra issue. I did not consider it prudent to come out with any public explanation. It is not incidents of this kind that will settle the campaign! Chang and Shao went to Japan from S’hai by the “Empress of China” this morning and we shall be either out of the scrape or fighting it out when this reaches you. Now that telegrams give the pith of contemporary history, letter writing and newspaper reading—at this distance —are of little value, love letters always excepted! My chilblain broke and festered and I have scarcely been able to put my foot to the ground, but I must do it, for a week past. What a nuisance when one wants to be out and about! All the same I have stuck to my work daily and gone to Yamen as required, but nowhere else. I dine at the German Legation tonight—their Emperor’s birthday—and this is the first outing I have had since the middle of Oct. When James H. Hart reaches England, wire his arrival, please.

Lady Hart | Yours truly, Robert Hart

1. Evey’s second daughter, Hilda de Vere, was 31, 1914. The issue price to the public was to be

born on January 21, 1895. not less than 95%, and this loan also was secured on the Customs revenue. On this loan the public

2. The sterling (“Gold”) loan for £3,000,000 at took only about one-third, leaving the under6%, to run from December 31, 1894, to December writers to raise the rest.

[1008] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

Z/651 3 February 1895

[Red. April 12, 1895]

Dear Campbell, Wei Hai fell on Wednesday and Chang arrived in Japan the same day.’ There’s a very strong party for war growing and now that the real soil of China is touched national feeling commences to show itself: the C’ton guilds at S’hai would not let Chang (a Cantonese) enter their gates! A big Hanlin, Wang, native of Shantung, has just started off there to enrol volunteers—and in fact the whole of China will be of one mind in the matter before long.” I say ‘“‘make peace at any price if you will at once turn round and introduce all necessary reforms!’’—I equally say “Fight it out, if you Tl make a generalissimo, arrange a plan, work with one heart and soul, and fight it out to the very end!’’ But my “ifs” just cover impossible conditions, and yet they contain the only germs of safety in either case. The great Wu Ta Ching,*? who closed the Yellow River breaches some years ago in Chinese fashion, is now in command at Shan Hai Kwan: he will not allow foreign officers with his troops, alleging that foreign instruction has only muddled native methods—of course we know, all of us, that a “‘little’’ knowledge is a dangerous thing! I fear we are far from reforms yet: now and then this huge giant, China, jumps up, shouts, yawns and stretches—is evidently awake and going to do great things: the next minute the giant sits down, sips tea, lights a pipe, nods, and then dozes off as before! It is truly curious—and would be heartbreaking for most folk. To me it is a beautiful play of evolution and the many acts and scenes are intensely interesting; but, all the time, mother earth is whirling through space, the sun is the centre, the stars shine at night, and humanity is going its steady course, cause and effect, natural selection, and the survival of the fittest, all working regularly and harmoniously and showing the Maker’s wisdom in every arrangement and man’s freedom of will under all circumstances —and so as house of cards after house of cards tumbles down, and a wrong hand at the helm sticks the vessel’s nose on a spit or throws the sails aback, I simply say “‘All right: try again! We’re not near the end yet—quo circa, vivite fortes!* Of course I sympathise with sorrow and hate to see all this suffering and stupidity—but it is the natural result of causes that neither you nor I set agoing and which we can’t very well control—much less stop acting, and we must just do the duty of the day to the best of our abilities and “possess our souls in patience’. Fortunately I can meet the worst in this Christian and philanthropic armour, and so I swim where many would sink. I hope the three million Loan will go well tomorrow: others here want to oust the H’kg Bank, but now that it is in, only failure will put it out: advise Cameron to confine himself to the indispensable in requirements, avoid what is sentimental, unnecessary, or merely technical, and give us proper time for each step—Edicts are big things and not easily got!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. The Japanese invested Weihaiwei by land, with little resistance. The guns of the forts they then an army of 30,000 that they landed about thirty turned on the Chinese fleet anchored below (see miles east of Weihaiwei on January 20. They began letter 945n2). The last of the forts surrendered

an assault on the forts on January 26 and met on February 12.

[1009] FEBRUARY 1895 2. Wang I-jung, recently promoted to sub-reader, charged with the defense of Shanhaikuan. He was had been in the Hanlin Academy since 1880. deprived of his command in March 1895, when his troops were defeated at Newchwang. 3. Wu Ta-ch’eng (see letters 619n1 and 662n3) had

been governor of Hunan since 1892. He volun- 4. Quo circa vivite fortes: ‘““wherefore live bravely” teered his services when war was declared and was (source unknown).

Z/652 17 February 1895

[Red. April 15, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Things could not be looking worse! China is paralyzed—the western Powers are watching each other, half-afraid to move lest motion should bring on a general scrimmage and halfinclined to let things slide, cut in at the end, and divide the spoil—and Japan is developing her might and pushing on with growing plans, increasing ambition, and wonderful vigour. The Chang mission ended in fiasco and now Li is to go: this is not bad inner policy—the Govt. muzzles the man it feared might rebel, and the man has the chance to whitewash himself and reappear stronger than ever.’ Wei-Hai fought fairly well, but ammunition gave out and they had to put up the white flag on the 12th., Adml. Ting at the same time committing suicide. China has any number of so-called soldiers in the field: but they have had no drill—they can’t handle their weapons—they have no leaders—and when, one of these days, want of funds stops their pay, they'll disband and, even simply to get food, will have to plunder right and left. The outlook could not be worse! It’s the eleventh hour, but, even so, if they’d give me a free hand for a year, I'd pull them through:—but they won’t do that—and—it’s simply maddening to see such a splendid inheritance thus thrown away! The people care very little about the matter so far: for them it is merely a change of “button” and their lives will go on as before and their condition, if anything, improve. The officials and literati are of course raging and raving, but that is vox et praeterea nihil!” Your “Inter arma silent leges’’ reply came yesterday.? Of course the thing has its risks and uncertainties: but it possibly may prove to have been a splendid opportunity lost! I wonder what Bruce will do when he reaches S’hai: I may have to send him straight home again, for, if the Japs are in Peking and have seized the Customs, there’ll be no place for him here! The Hainan Lights are all finished (3); tell Barbier that their towers are disappointing and have many defects and traces of bad workmanship.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. Chang and Shao arrived at Kobe on January 30. Taku on March 15 with an entourage of 135 perOn February 2 they were rejected by Japan as sons, and arrived at Shimonoseki on March 19. insufficiently empowered to negotiate. On February 15 Li Hung-chang was appointed ambassador _2. “‘A voice and nothing besides” (source un-

extraordinary to negotiate peace with Japan. His known). credentials being accepted by the Japanese, he left

[1010] THE I.G. IN PEKING

3. “In the midst of warfare, laws have nothing to changed the order of the words from Cicero’s

say” (Cicero Pro Milone 4.10; but Hart has Silent leges inter arma).

Z/653 24 February 1895

[Red. April 20, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

The great Li is here getting ready to go and negotiate with Japan and all the Legations are busying themselves. Peace can only be got by great sacrifices and the man who has to sign them away has a very ungrateful task before him—the nation will execrate him and the Govt. at least pillory! Foreigners will only give the advice to make peace, and their hint that they will interfere if their interests are touched can only be used with caution: unless leaving their relative positions much as they are, rather than see China and Japan settle matters themselves out of court I fear the powers, or some of them, would try to force on a congress or welcome a smash-up, seeing their way on the one side to recording a right to have a say on many things for the future and on the other to sharing the dead intestate’s estate. My advice is for the principals to settle things themselves, but Li has been so over-loaded with advice the last two days that he probably has a very confused idea of the line to take and may mix, muddle and mess! He has floated, so far, on the top of a wave he was lucky enough—like myself—to settle on when young, but—and again I say like myself—he is a commonplace man and it is only his elevated position that makes him remarkable. He is a Chinaman and is just as poor “‘a lot” as the other officials when you strip him of a certain “tat homeness”’ he seems to have when foreign subjects are introduced. Detring worships him—I don’t! The Chinese fought better at Wei Hai and then the best men suicided—among them that plucky fellow Yang who fought the “‘Chi-Yuen’”’.’ But the men mutinied and refused to fight—so what could be done? Had there been Indian troops in the forts the Japs would never have taken them! The Jap. fleet is now stretched between Breaker Point and Formosa, looking out for arms-laden vessels—a lot for von Hanneken and those rifles for me, and [ fear there will be prizes made! Von H. marries Elsa Detring on the 5th March and goes to Europe where Krupp takes in hand a splendid invention of von H.’s in big guns: he is a gallant fellow and a superior man! Your Z/918 & 919 arrived 22nd. Bruce’s doings have been very objectionable and have grieved me very much; but, of course, I'll try to make things pleasant—there’s no use meeting living fact of that kind by rubbing in other people’s disapproval. We have had shockingly cold weather lately; I fear the earth’s axis has gone wrong and another glacial period is coming along! Strange that mother Earth’s wobblings should so discompose her children! What a funny rig they give me in “Vanity Fair’—the dress of a Taoist priest.” I must confess to “‘bad wine’—“‘old clothes” —and “‘shocking hats’: but ‘“‘a man’s a man for a’ that!” I enclose £100 for Bobbie’s second year. My love to all your young people and say that for the moment they must excuse my silence! Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1011] MARCH 1895

Lady Hart Mr. Robb Wade

Saunderson° 1. When surrender of the fleet at Weihaiwei be- an article entitled “Chinese Customs.” A cartoon came inevitable, Admiral Ting handed over com- showed Hart in green Chinese robes with his black mand to Liu Pu-chin and committed suicide; Liu English suit showing at the neck. in turn handed over command to a third officer and committed suicide, as did also the general in 3. Enclosures: Saunderson, who on June 30, 1893,

command of the forts and his second. had gone on six-months leave from his post as 4th assistant A at Seoul, resigned as of December 1893

2. Vanity Fair of December 27, 1894, contained without returning to China.

Z/654 3 March 1895

[Red. April 20, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

We are not near the time for Gordon’s financial mission and we must still await various new developments. As to the Railway, it was Detring who came to me about it and I don’t care to go further in it than he himself wishes.! He has had more to do with railway matters at T’tsin than any other man, and whatever may be his German proclivities, he is sufficiently cosmopolitan in action: what we want is the best possible for China and he has that at heart quite as much as anybody else. To-day Hillier was with me and he will wire about an offer for a given concession, and this I can support for it does not run foul of Detring or touch the Shan-Hai-Kwan line question. Rendel’s dictum that the mortgagee would not be protected and the Bank’s offer to lend the money out of the Gold Loan did not encourage Detring to say more and so my intervention ended. As it is the affair is provincial and local, but had it gone further in my hands

it would have become Imperial and national. We'll have a big bill to pay for indemnity and if I have to find the ways and means it may put much more than the Customs in my hands. Unless the dynasty goes to the dogs the Customs will last through a third of the next century—and perhaps much longer. Li gets his final instructions tomorrow and then goes to Shimonoseki to negotiate: Foster will meet him there and Pethick accompany him—the show, you see, is run by the citizens of the power whose policy is non-intervention!? Li’s powers are full, but Fifty millions and Formosa will be very hard to swallow. The treaty to regulate commerce and intercourse will probably open up all China—“‘Niagara”’ with a vengeance, as manufactures and the west will know before this day hundred years. This Japanese development and performance will be one of evolution’s biggest feats and it is only beginning! As it proceeds the Japs will fall in love with the work and all the East will feel the strong hand. I enclose the letter to Bank of England to authorise you and Hutchins to have access to

: Tin Box No. 1 and take away my deeds. It would be well to take this opportunity to compare contents with list and see that all’s right.

[1012] THE I.G. IN PEKING

A lot of spring moves are hanging fire: I can’t make up my mind what to do amidst all the sorrow and uncertainty—the more especially as it involves reconstruction here. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mde. d’Arnoux Gordon B/E Wade?

P.S.a) I enclose some private a/c queries. b) Send me more paper of all the three sizes and envelopes to match—also more envelopes to take a sheet this size without folding (they are very useful). c) Japs now in Newchwang, and Taku forts to be bombarded Sunday! 8/3/95. 1. Both Detring and Hart put forward plans that 1893 when illness forced the resignation of Secrewould protect China’s railways from the Japanese tary Blaine, and in 1894 traveled around the world, and also bring China some money secured by other __ being entertained by Li Hung-chang in Tientsin

than Customs revenue. and by Hart in Peking in March-April 1894, as Detring tried, without success, to organize a Ger- _— well as being received by the Tsungli Yamen (see

man syndicate that would advance 5,000,000 taels letter 923). (As a Washington lawyer he had been in return for a lien on the Imperial Railways of counsel to the Chinese Legation there.) In DeNorth China, the bureau created by Li Hung-chang cember 1894 the Yamen invited him to be an to control the Shanhaikuan railway line (see letter adviser to the Chang-Shao mission to Japan. He

756n1). subsequently wrote Diplomatic Memoirs, 2 vols.

Hart’s plan, also unsuccessful, was to mortgage (Boston and New York, 1909). the Kaiping mines and the railway from the mines William N. Pethick, who was American vice-

to Tientsin (see letter 669n1) for £300,000— consul at Tientsin in 1873, was Li’s confidential preferably to a British concessionaire. Lord Rendel _ secretary. was consulted and immediately counseled against The “‘power whose policy is non-intervention”’

the plan. was the United States, which had repeatedly re-

fused, on grounds of that policy, to join the other 2. John Watson Foster (grandfather of John Foster Western powers in their efforts to stop the war.

Dulles) had had a distinguished diplomatic career

as American ambassador to Mexico, to Russia, and 3. Enclosures: Gordon was probably Panmure

to Spain. He became Secretary of State in 1892- Gordon.

Z/655 24 March 1895

[Red. May 13, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

I want more paper of this description in my three sizes—some of the largest, more of the medium (this), and most of the smallest, with envelopes of four sizes. I enclose some queries that the B/E private a/c for Dec. qr. suggest: kindly look into them.

[1013] MARCH 1895

We don’t know what is going to happen. The Jap. demands for the surrender of Shan-HaiKwan, Taku, Tientsin, etc., as conditions for granting armistice, are most unwelcome and | unacceptable, and we fear they foreshadow deadly terms for the re-establishment of peace.’ England will do nothing save talk amiably, but amiable talk is worthless as help and is besides likely to be regarded as meaningless by the side of the Queen’s selection of Inglis for Naval Aide; so do not be surprised if my old prophecy comes true and Russia puts her arm through China’s! Bruce is probably at Hongkong now. I hardly know what to do with him for the moment, seeing that we may have a Japanese occupation in April or May. I, of course, am tied here and I shall hold out to the last. Yesterday the Japs began to bombard the Chinese forts, etc., on the Pescadores and that means they’ll take Formosa soon.” I have just wired to Morse and Spinney to send their wives away and I hope they’ll catch a steamer before the Japs land.° I think Liu and his men will fight pluckily (the fellows who drove the French back to their boats at Tamsuy in 1884-5); but it is quite possible that official squeezes may have disgusted Liu, and that, if not bought over, he may be quite ready to welcome Japanese masters.” In spite of all my loyalty to and work for this Govt., I cannot blind my eyes to this fact that Chinese mandarins are “weighed in the balance and found wanting’’, and that the Japs would be an improvement. But it’s galling to see the Japs win in this unrighteous war—and if they are allowed to maintain their conquest, let Europe look out—the East — changes!

As regards the sixty millions—to issue at 90 and charge 7 to 8% will as a proposal stagger the Yamen. Such fiascoes as the Finch-Stewart-Chang affair do good and drive this Govt. to the right agents;> but, unhappily, we have not such a blast for getting steam up as the other —bribery, etc., and J will not dirty my fingers by climbing into influence up such a dirty rope—a greasy one too!

Yours truly, Robert Hart James Hart

Mrs. —

"Reeves " Saunderson

HS. — Maitland 1. Li’s first request at Shimonoseki was for an 3. Morse was deputy commissioner at Tamsui, armistice, to which the Japanese would agree only Spinney at Tainan. Spinney remained at Tainan. if Shanhaikuan, Taku, Tientsin, and the railway Although Morse is recorded in the Service List for connecting all three places were surrendered. Li 1895 as having been recalled to Shanghai, it is not rejected such terms, and hostilities were resumed. clear when he left. In his International Relations (III, 48-52) he writes as a participant in the events

2. On March 24, the date of this letter, the Pes- at Tamsui in late May that culminated in formal cadores fell to Japan. Also on this day the third cession of Formosa on June 2. conference at Shimonoseki took place, and Li

abandoned the request for an armistice and asked 4. Liu Yung-fu was the Black Flag leader who was instead for a statement of Japan’s conditions for active in Tongking in the early 1880s (see letter

peace. As Li was leaving the conference he was 397n1); he had brought his troops to Formosa shot in the face by a Japanese fanatic, an outrage early in the present war. The Liu who had prethat Li was able to turn to China’s advantage in vented the French from landing on Formosa in

settling the peace terms. 1884-1885 was Liu Ming-ch’uan (see letter

[1014] THE IG. IN PEKING

504n1), not Liu Yung-fu. Liu Ming-ch’uan had from many sources, one of them from a man named been governor of Formosa until 1891; he was now Finch, who wanted to lend the £3,000,000 that was

ill and in retirement. being sought by Chang Chih-tung, with the support of Macartney and the Chinese Legation in London.

5. Hart, in anticipation of a heavy war indemnity, Two other sources had offered to lend £1,000,000 had alerted Campbell to China’s possible need for each, to issue at 90 and pay interest at 7%. as much as £60,000,000. Offers of loans came

Z [656 7 April 1895

[Red. May 26, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Again it is post hour, and I have no time to write! Read the letter to Rendel before sending it off and that will give you my present train of thought. The two steamers arrived, one the day before and the other the day after Bruce, at S’hai: | don’t know how the rifles turned out, but I hear the Taotai opened one case and pronounced them all—worthless and unfit for use. I suppose he had not cleaned them, and compared them with modern weapons; and, in any case, not having had a squeeze out of them, he’d pronounce them bad! The peace conditions have come—they are killing!’ The world will applaud Japan but China will shudder: and I fear the harshness of some innocent-looking provisions will neutralize whatever good the others will have seemed to contain. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Rendel .

Lady Hart

1. The Treaty of Shimonoseki, signed April 17, treaty ports (Shasi, Chungking, Soochow, and 1895, called for the cession to Japan of Formosa, Hangchow), to pay an indemnity of 200 million the Pescadores, and the Liaotung (South Manchu- taels, and to negotiate a commercial treaty with ria) Peninsula. It obliged China further to recog- Japan. nize Korea’s independence, to open four more

Z/657 21 April 1895

[Red. June 3, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Peace is signed and Li is back, but I fear reform is again only too likely to hang fire: many Chinese, who want reform, are sorry to-day that the Japs did not come here for they say that China, as a whole, does not feel itself beaten and will just go on as before. The indemnity loan will probably keep the Customs on its legs till the middle of next century if China

, [1015] APRIL 1895 holds together so long, but unless Silver goes up a Customs’ career will have few charms beyond the simple fact of interesting work and enough to live on. If serious reform is not undertaken I need not stay here much longer: I believe they would give me the Navy if I so desired—why did they not do so ten or twenty years ago? It’s too late now—that is, not for China, but for me. Loan talks are going on but until Zi comes here we can decide nothing. The terms in your Tel. 918 are awfully hard,’ and my way of putting it is the best with the Chinese (vide my tel. 628): they don’t mind big interest, but they can’t stomach the loss of an issue at 90 or the charge of 6% for launching the loan! If there’s time and the Japanese can be got to agree P’ll propose to pay them from Customs Revenue 20,000,000 taels yearly for 5 years, i.e. half their indemnity, and then borrow £15,000,000 to pay off the remainder. £40,000,000 at 64% for fifty years would cost China in the end £/30,000,000, wheras my plan would bring down the bill very considerably. I don’t know that it is possible, but I must try and work it. I hope these further loans will be so much “ballast” and give superior steadiness to the ship of state!_As Newchwang and Formosa go to Japan, we lose revenue to the extent of Tls. 1,500,000 and Customs allowance Tls. 108,000 annually—this is all very crippling!

Koch’s letter to you (March Ist) is excellent—clever, practical, business-like, and to the point. —As to Railways and Railway Loan—we really did not want money so much as protection, and we thought that more likely if there were a “‘for value received”’ transfer and not anominal one; and as for Railways generally I thought Cameron—so long in China— would know at once what was meant: but, in fact, very few merchants or bankers know anything about the country! Geography and popular talk tell where lines are possible or wanted, and we only wanted the Bank to say “‘we’ll give you so much for all necessary rights for a line from, e.g. Peking to Hankow via—”’ seemingly revenue will suffice for Loan purposes, and China will now be more likely to try some old method of raising money for everyday expenses than new ones involving internal changes and introduction of innovations, etc. Will you kindly have the enclosed (dist of) books sent on a/c Z all but one. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Price Miss de Berniéres

Stat.Soc.Sec: 2 1. Campbell’s telegram would have given the terms international syndicate of European financial

being proposed by the Hongkong and Shanghai firms. Banking Corporation, which was prepared to take

up the £60,000,000 loan, in cooperation with an 2. Koch was Panmure Gordon’s partner.

[1016] THE I.G. INPEKING

Z/658 28 April 1895

[Rced. June 10, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Intrigue hard at work here! Germany, France and Russia all advise China not to ratify— England simply says “‘we cannot say anything to encourage you not to ratify!”’ I say “Ratify’! And why? These powers will not guarantee to stop a Japanese march on Peking or steps to insure China’s safety afterwards: it is with Japan that their cause of complaint must rest if they dislike the treaty, for it is a treaty forced on China after applying to them all vainly for intervention. The game to my eyes is this: if China ratifies, these powers, when ready, will go at Japan and take from her and retain the provinces formally surrendered to Japan by China and therefore no longer hers: but under present treaty those provinces will be only Liaotung and Formosa, whereas, if China refuse ratification now, Japan will go ahead unchecked by the powers and will take some additional territory after which the powers will tackle Japan and taking all her prizes will have more and bigger plunder to divide and perhaps be able to square Japan by letting her keep some for herself. It is not love of China but a very sharp look-out for what can be got for self that is at the diplomatic helm (English excepted) just now, and, of course, we who advocate the lesser of two evils—ratification and surrender of two provinces—are not so popular as these powers who preach nonratification and refusal to surrender these provinces. That’s my reading of the puzzle and we'll see how it works out. Bruce has got up from Taku to T’tsin and will have to spend weeks there before his wife can be moved. It’s most unfortunate—this miscarriage: poor young couple! the worries of matrimony assail them at a very early point in their matrimonial and domestic career! I have just sent off Afang and a good Amah, but work will not allow me to go, myself.’ Awfully busy and worries! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Aglen Mrs. Low 1. Chan Afang had been Hart’s servant since 1859 (see letter 212n1).

[1017] MAY 1895

Z/659 5 May 1895

[Red. June 17, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

The ratified copy of the treaty has gone to Chefoo and the bearer will receive telegraphic instructions to either proceed with or withhold exchange of ratifications on Wednesday (8th May). The Russian fleet will be at C’foo tomorrow—some 30 ships, and there are 65,000 troops massed on the Russian frontier touching Vladivostock.’ So we are evidently on the verge of big doings—and England is being left out in the cold, having lost chance after chance and having played her cards very badly: she might have carried everything her own way and without opposition had she stopped the Japs before they left Corea and appeared on China’s soil. I understand, too, that over and above this another step is on the cards which will estrange China completely; if it comes off, my present intention is to resign forthwith.” The central Govt. here knows it alone cannot fight Japan and so makes peace, but the other officials all demand war: the Emperor’s position is a very hard one and it’s an empire that is at stake! The Russian hand is hard to read; the fleet at Chefoo on Monday is of course intended to have the effect of not proceeding to exchange of ratifications: if it has this effect, Russia will then draw off and let China and Japan go on fighting it out themselves—if it does not produce this effect Russia will hold her hand till it suits her to act. So I advise China to

ratify—I consider that the safest line to follow. ,

The Bank’s hysterical shrieks over fresh Loans and danger to Chinese credit cost too much money for telegrams and are really of no practical value or use: China won’t listen to them, and, when a real transaction comes off, the money market will scarcely follow sentiment. Of course I want the Govt. to assert itself and monopolise the loan work,—and it is coming , to this: but, with such a “drove’’, there will always be brutes that will break the line and scamper off on their own account. The H’kg Bk. must however be prepared for competition, for America, Germany, and France are all at work, and other British financiers are asking for particulars and proposing tenders. The Rifles and Cartridges appear to have reached S’hai all right, but, of course, officials whose hands were not greased, find fault and run down quality. The Govt., however, thinks 100,000 Rifles, with 200 rounds each, at a Pound £ apiece a very good bargain! Bruce’s wife is doing well, I am glad to say; but the accident may produce damaging effect as long as she lives. They are at T’tsin still, and must spend May there. I begin to doubt if they will ever see Peking together! The future is hard to forecast, I tell you. Yours truly,

Robert Hart ,

Lady Hart Mrs. Beauclerk Higgins 1. The Russians were not alone off Chefoo at this viewed with disfavor the cession of the Liaotung time; warships of other nations were there as well. Peninsula. On April 23 Russia, France, and Ger-

The treaty terms were disturbing to the interna- many sent a joint note to the Japanese government tional power balance, and Russia in particular suggesting that Japan give up Liaotung.

[1018] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Ratifications were exchanged at Chefoo on May toms, p. 658) Campbell had learned that the Ger8. Subsequently Japan agreed to the retrocession mans were scheming to join forces with the French of Liaotung, at a cost of 30 million taels in addi- and the Russians to cut China off from Britain.

tional indemnity. Their plan was to seize control of the Customs, get rid of Hart, and place the Customs under joint 2. According to Wright (Hart and the Chinese Cus- controllers of their own nationalities.

Z/660 12 May 1895

[Red. June 24, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Liaotung is saved but this will probably increase the indemnity. Formosa’s fate is not yet quite certain. Glad that Rothschilds’ cooperation is secured but I fear the continental competition will be embarrassing and hampering.’ Cassel I think can’t get his second or final Edict (approving of terms) and that loan is likely to hang fire.” I am awfully busy these days and can’t keep work up to date so many outside things require my attention. Just now I’m off to the Yamen for some serious business and can’t do more than scrawl this line. It’s too bad to have one’s Sunday forenoon spoiled this way! I enclose draft of a telegram I was going to send instead of ‘nous verrons!”’ on the 10th, but I thought it would be less expressive than the two French words and also too expensive. With von H. at Berlin there will be a very active German-Chinese policy, and he knows how to work and use the Chinese Minister there and has a good interpreter—Arendt—to do his talking, etc. We are on the look out here and I am not specially afraid—so long as our own F.O./Downing St. does nothing foolish! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Miss Bush Barton Mde. Billequin Rocher

Birch .

C/10.V.95. 759. They played that game thirty years but signal service three powers

WJ. Co rendered Chinese while British stood aloof will now harass me although oo influence increasing not decreasing. Berlin under secretary will capture

Nous verrons! ; er

Chinese representative and display mischievous activity while British merchants roll lazily along old grooves. Treaty ratification completed 8th.

The Bantam cock Japan crowed lustily one day When barn door fowl of Chinese race were, spurless, scared away;

[1019] MAY 1895

But when the great white bear appeared With French and German eagle, Tail ’twixt his legs—the Japan gang Fled fast as any beagle. These elfish dwarfs are flatterers, They imitate for fun. The Yankees worship them: so they Set up Japan’s bull’s run! 1. Rothschild cooperation was sought by both the 2. The “‘Cassel’’ loan was a 6% gold loan for Russians and the Germans in connection with a £1,000,000, for which initial imperial sanction China loan. The Russians, who were eager to make had been given on April 22. It was confirmed in a the loan, with necessary French assistance, wanted second edict on June 28 and the agreement was Rothschilds in Paris, who were the bankers of the signed in London by the Chinese minister there Russian government, to take it in hand. A German and Mr. (afterward Sir) E. Cassel. Hart disapproved syndicate had already approached the firm on the of the loan, whose terms and unusual demands for same subject. The Rothschilds refused the Rus- security he felt to be exorbitant (see letters 978 sians, and also the Germans unless British partici- and 983). This was another twenty-year loan,

pation was secured. See letter 977. running from January 1, 1896, to July 1, 1915.

Z/661 19 May 1895

[Red. July 3, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Yesterday’s telegram explains the situation (859). Things look as mixed—as bad—as hopeless—as they could possibly be; but I am not in despair and I expect English people will not be ousted so easily as the continentals imagine, and I think the Chinese will see clearly by and by and will then know how to compare England’s friendly abstention with the “‘three powers’ interested intervention. I notice a change of tone in the bearing and language of the three powers not only at the Yamen but with myself, and it forebodes difficulty; but

that’s our chronic condition and the wind has blown quite as hard many a time before | though never from precisely the same quarter; as I said in a former telegram “Nous verrons”’, and the mot d’ordre of the day must be ‘‘Flectes non frangas!”’! We may have to bend to the storm, but I think we’ll raise our heads once more later on: I wish I was twenty years younger! as O’Conor says, “the others hold most of the trumps and we have only the long suit!” The Bruce Harts arrived all right last Thursday and are shaking down. Her influence over him is certainly for good and she is very quiet, composed and self contained. If the powers

. exclude us we'll all go home together with spring—or this fall perhaps. _ There’s trouble in Tibet: the Tibetans refuse to allow Sikkim delimitation unless the antetreaty boundary is maintained! The Amban is helpless, and all the Yamen can do is to wire

to him to admonish the natives: possibly the first step this to a march on Lhassa. | No time for a home letter. Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1020] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Mrs. J.H. Hart Jones 1. Flectes non frangas: “bend, don’t break.”

Z/662 26 May 1895

[Red. July 10, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

I have just sent off C/757 telegram re the independent republic of Formosa!’ I suspect we are on the verge of a cataclysm, but whether the boulder will be heaved over the cliff by Japan, by the “three” powers, by England, or by China must wait for time to show. The situation is comical all round and at the heart of it is tragedy. Japan looks like losing all her territorial gains, and Formosa’s fate will cause considerable discussion: popular sympathy must follow Formosa’s action, but unless supported, what can the islanders do? If the powers were ail to agree to support and neutralise the new republic, it might flourish and cause no difficulties, but the Japs would probably reduce it by force before such neutralization could be hammered out and any one power’s attempt to rush a protectorate now might provoke a general scrimmage. The interesting item will be the fate of the Pescadores where there’s a wonderful harbour and where, too, the command of the China Sea can be centralised. But

what’s the use of writing?—it will be all over before this reaches you! | News of Sir Nicholas’s K.C.B. arrived yesterday.” None of us are perfect—neither is he: but the F.O. has a very valuable man in him. The Rothschild combination is perhaps the best thing to free China from the control some of the continental powers aim at instituting: thus it has great political importance; if their conditions are not too onerous I suppose they'll be accepted by us, but I’d far rather work through the H’kg Bank and avoid official intervention. The Cassel affair is not quite intelligible and J prefer simply taking the position that the loan is inexpedient: Chang ought not to have the money, and money ought not to be got in that way!° I don’t understand your “secret” telegram re Noble,* Macartney and Grey: what were they doing? Bruce has settled down to work and seems very happy. My “‘service movements’”’ are all in a fix owing to these Formosa doings and Cartwright’s refusal to go to Kowloon; I consider the appointment a compliment! A lot of strangers here just now including Capt. Dunlop, Capt. Mortimer Sullivan, J. Keswick, Valentine Chirol, Fripp and others.> Weather still cold and unseasonable.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. Formosa’s unrést after its cession to Japan cul- pendent republic of Formosa, to be headed by a minated in a proclamation on May 24 of an inde- president and a parliament elected by the gentry.

[1021] JUNE 1895

Though encouraged from the mainland, this re- Hart. public was shortlived, falling practically without

resistance under rapid Japanese attack. 4. Noble was a member of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank. 2. Sir Nicholas O’Conor.

5. Captain Mortimer O’Sullivan (erroneously called

3. Chang Chih-tung, acting governor-general at Sullivan here) was connected with the Morning Nanking, was pressing for the construction of Post (see letter 1003n3). Sir Ignatius Valentine the Lu-kou-ch’iao-Hankow Railway and for a Chirol was from the Times of London. Charles E. loan of £30,000,000. In this he had the support Fripp was an artist who had done work for the of Macartney and of a man named Finch (see Graphic during various wars, including the Sinoletter 967n5), whose efforts got in the way of the Japanese War. He had been in the Far East also in Hongkong Bank’s feelers, already suggested by 1889-1890.

Z/663 2 June 1895

[Red. July 15, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

China’s excessive gratitude seems bent on putting on Russia’s golden fetters: Russia insists, and all I can do is to stiffen China against accepting killing conditions. If R. fails to find the money in Paris, the political reductio ad absurdum will be delicious!* The Japs are now tackling Formosa: the north will be in their hands in a fortnight, but the central part and eastern shore may give trouble all the year. The “powers” don’t seem now like intervening and this splendid prize will in itself pay for a dozen such wars. It seems possible that Japan may have to take her hand off Corea too, but whether that country will resume her former connection with China is a question. Our people are still there “‘sitting tight”, and it will be curious if they outlive the cataclysm.” If Russia finds that 700 millions for China, the sum will suffice for the first two indemnity payments, and, as the third will only be due in May 1897, it is quite possible we may not hear a word more about loans for eighteen months to come. I am bringing back the Campbells, Pirys and Van Aalsts to Peking, and shall possibly have Spinney as Actg. Chief Secy.* Cartwright, posted to Kowloon, refused to proceed and resigned: I am exceedingly sorry to lose such a good Chinese scholar and old hand, but I think he might have strained a point, pocketed his objection for the moment, and gone on to the place where J considered him wanted. His action has caused some confusion and embarrassment, but “the old ship” is not quite on her beam ends yet! Bruce is working cheerfully and well enough, but he has a deal to learn.* Mrs. B. is very pleasant and her music is good, and she influences him for good. I ought to have a fortnight’s run this summer, but so long as things are simmering I can’t move. The Japs appointed a new minister,” but China has begged he will not come till all territorial questions are settled and commercial treaty made: how the proposal will work I don’t quite see—for a moment I thought it might re-open the war. While Russia tries to force her money on China, France, i.e. Gérard is busy with a TonkinYunnan convention, taking advantage of the situation to try and get various concessions:° so far the Yamen has held its own pretty well, but unhappily there is no good man to the front at the moment—my own special friend, Sun, being ill and on sick leave (I fear he’s

| [1022] THE I.G. IN PEKING shamming a bit and keeping out of an affair in which he wants to do the right things but can’t). Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Norman Dumontier Rendel 1. R. is doubtless Rothstein, director of the Inter- as acting chief secretary, A.T. Piry in July as acting national Bank of St. Petersburg, who had been audit secretary, and van Aalst in June as assistant sent to Paris to find the financial backing for Rus- acting audit secretary. sia’s proposed loan to China. Russia herself was

quite incapable of supplying the funds. 4. Bruce was appointed personal secretary, I.G., in May 1895.

2. In the Customs Service Lists a change took

place between 1894 and 1895 in the listing of 5. The new minister was Hayashi Tadasu, and he personnel in Korea. In 1894 the ports there are had arrived in Peking by June 30 (see letter 978). listed by name with their staffs; in 1895 Korea is

not named, and the officers are listed as assigned 6. Gérard was seeking improvements, from the

to Shanghai but “detached.” French point of view, in the border trade agree-

ment that had been reached after the Sino-French 3. Smollett Campbell came to Peking in June 1895 War.

Z/664 9 June 1895

[Red. July 22, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

China is drifting—no one knows where, and Britishers for the moment look on from the bank and are out of the swim completely. Russia and France have bagged their game and now the Russ. and Fr. consuls (du Ghaylard and Dimitrevsky) at T’tsin, who were presented to the Empress here on the 7th, are to assist Li and Wang in their negotiations with the Jap. Hayashi.‘ News too has come that Russia has found £ fifteen millions for China in Paris at 4% issue 93, and this financial success will help the new confederacy to score considerably, and I fear at our (and particularly the I.G’s) expense. You will hear nothing more about loans in London—unless a Russian failure should shift the scene of operations. Reuter to-day

| says France is not doing well in Madagascar,” but unfortunately China has destroyed the French Mission, etc. at Chin-tu in Szechuen® and Madagascar failures will not much affect France’s power to squeeze something fresh out of this frightened and demoralized Govt. here. The outlook is very black indeed. The Formosa republic has received its first blow: the “‘President’’ fled—the capital in the hands of the Japs—the Tamsuy customs closed:—it will all end in fizzle, but guerilla warfare may go on for some time inland. If it were not for the scramble there would be for the vacancy, I should feel much tempted to be off. By the way, if the Russ. really gets that cheap money, I fancy they’ll pay off the H. Bank loans so as to have full grip of the Customs.

[1023] JUNE 1895

We are still having astonishingly cool weather—quite unseasonable according to the ideas of us old acclimatised people, but rejoiced in by the newcomers as giving the lie to all former records.

| Robert Hart Yours truly,

Lady Hart 1. Wang Wen-shao had been a Tsungli Yamen min- never fully by Madagascar itself. The French ister in 1878-1882 and governor-general of Yun- landed an expeditionary force on the island in nan and Kweichow 1889-1894. Called to Peking February 1895, but it was bogged down for early in 1895, he succeeded Li Hung-chang offi- months by fever and transportation problems. cially, as Chihli governor-general and commissioner

for the northern ports, on August 28, 1895. 3. The antimissionary riot at Chengtu, Szechwan, which had occurred in May, was directed against

2. France’s protectorate over Madagascar was French, English, and American missionary estabrecognized by Britain and Germany in 1890, but lishments.

Z/665 23 June 1895 Dear Campbell,

Last from you is Z/945 of 10th May, and last telegram C/747 of 22nd June. We appear to be like a colt tied to a post—cantering round till the rope tightens, dashing back till it is loose and pulls us up the other way, and mistaking circular movement for progress! China is fighting the word “‘guarantee”’ and its awful consequences and Russia is quietly substituting iron chains for hemp rope:' how it will end is not clear, but possibly the German loan will straighten things.” I fear, however, that the H’kg Bank must take outside place and perhaps not start at all. There is actually nothing to be done but wait: there’s no use hammering China with supplies till she shows the existence of a demand, and she does not do so now. Yamen has just signed treaty ceding a bit of Kyiang Heng to France in spite of O’Conor’s protest: he says it violates 5° article of the Burmah treaty, and consequently English relations are a bit strained.° I fear on the top of this England is going to claim from China compensation for the loss of the ‘““Kowshing’’* —if this is done, how can J hold on? Of course the jurists support the claim, but I cannot think of anything more impolitic or inexpedient just

now. Work is again growing too much for me and I can’t keep up to date. Smollett is Actg. Chief Secy. I expect he’ll have the office in good orderly condition but he’s a slow worker. Bruce is very willing, but he lacks experience and knows no Chinese, and his assistance does not lighten my cares much. I hope you’re sending the paper written for in April: I have only a few more sheets and

envelopes of my own colour. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart

[1024] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Rendel Archie®

1. The French and Russian bankers were insisting of the Franco-Russian loan, out of it was to come that their loan be guaranteed by the Russian gov- in the next year the second £16,000,000 indem-

ernment, a potentially dangerous condition that nity loan.

the Chinese, with O’Conor’s encouragement, tried /

unsuccessfully to avoid. 3. The treaty, signed on June 20, ceded to France some territory in Kianghung on the Yunnan bor2. Rothschilds had informed the Hongkong Bank der. On the Burma treaty, see letter 910n1. agent in Peking that the German syndicate was pre-

pared to offer a five-per-cent loan of £16,000,000 4. See letter 937. at 93 and was willing to let British interests partici-

pate and lead the negotiations. 5. Enclosures: Archibald Campbell. Although the Yamen rejected this offer in favor :

Z/666 30 June 1895 Dear Campbell, The Cassel Loan is now authorised—which I consider a mistake: issue 95>. 6%. The other Loans are all getting more and more muddled, but I have no doubt Russia and France will handle 100 million taels and Germany and England as much more (£16,000,000). The outlook here is not encouraging: I see no measure or man coming above the horizon of hope as yet! Your Z/946 arrived 28th.

The new Japanese Minister Hayashi is here; he accompanied Rev. Mr. Lloyd (chaplain) to England in 1866. He is genial, intelligent and self possessed, and I think he’ll turn out a good man. The Customs people on Formosa will leave tomorrow I believe: the Japs have taken over our rules procedure and tariff! Tell King that he will not remain in London after September and to arrange accordingly.

I want you to report officially on Porter and Smith: are they in matter of health, education and work worth confirmation and retention? Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart

[1025] JULY 1895

Z/667 7 July 1895 Dear Campbell, The Russian Loan is settled and its 6 months—China not to borrow—clause has knocked the ground from under the German feet for the moment:' I suspect the rest of the loan will go to France and Russia in the end, and if they can produce the money and on cheaper terms than others, I see no objection—except, of course, that it is a political and not a financial operation, and may consequently involve political consequences and obligations. The new Jap minister, Hayashi, has audience to-day and dines with me to-morrow. | like him! At the college a Japanese class is to be formed: I suspect the Japanese—“‘cheap labour’ —will oust the European professors first of all, and secondly that their teaching will cause a competitive enthusiasm in the students and their method find acceptance with the Chinese governing officials, in such a way as to prove the solution of the problem—How is China to be changed? Just now it is heartbreaking to see how helpless this unhappy Govt. is, and how hopeless the outlook for the future. Except that J continue to wear the I.G.’s “boots”, I don’t see that I am much use here or doing anything either to earn my pay or recompense for continued exile.

Where is the Wenzel Rifles £4,000 balance? Hold on to it till everything is in order and I instruct you as to its return! A wire says Morse has reached S’hai and Spinney Amoy: so that except that the South Cape Light is still in our charge, we have disappeared from Formosa! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. My paper is running out fast: I suppose the new stock will be here this month. Lady Hart Maze

Von Brandt 1. The Russian loan was a 4% gold loan for the other loans, it was secured on Customs reve100,000,000 gold roubles (roughly £16,000,000), nues. to run from July 1, 1895, to July 1, 1931. Like

[1026] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/669! 28 July 1895

[Rcd. September 14, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

I have sent on the Queen’s tea in a box marked J.D.C./T.95, and also by a later steamer Z

another box R.H. containing a ’cello which I wish to be sent to Hill for repairs: a wretched No.35 tuner trying to take out the sounding-post split up the belly and irretrievably damaged a lovely instrument which had escaped without a scratch for over 150 years—I could have sentenced him to the block! If Hill can house this, please ask him to keep it till I return: I don’t want it back in China again. Everything looks bad: reform can scarcely be hoped for: and China will probably precipitate matters and provoke protection by doing what seems to many the best course now— throw herself into the arms of Russia and France! Sun Yti Wen has got leave to retire and the Yamen has now no strong man in it: in the Emperor’s Cabinet the big men are Weng Tung Ho and Li Hung Tsao (old tutors) and both of them are blindly conservative and opposed to reforms and changes.” Bruce has been seedy: we feared diphtheria. He is now improving, but run down: I fear this place will not suit him. She is very nice indeed and I like her better every day. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart

Mde. de Berniéres , Miss —

"Eva Price

Wakefield Hutchins 1. There is no letter Z/668; Hart apparently mis- emperor also to this need. This earned him the en-

numbered this letter. mity of the conservative party and of the Empress

Dowager, and led to his dismissal from all his posts

2. Weng T’ung-ho was imperial grand tutor, grand in 1898 (see letter 1112). councilor, and president of the Board of Revenue Li Hung-tsao was one of the grand councilors when he was appointed to the Tsungli Yamen, and Yamen ministers dismissed with Prince Kung

against his wishes, in August 1895. Although a in 1884 (see letter 474 and note). In 1894 he was conservative at that time, he was soon persuaded reinstated as a grand councilor and in 1895 was by the Sino-Japanese conflict of China’s need for again appointed to the Tsungli Yamen. He died on reforms. As his tutor, Weng helped awaken the July 31, 1897.

[1027] AUGUST 1895

Z/670 4 August 1895

[Rcd. September 18, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/952 came 2nd and your 742 telegram also. The bank will do well to get its share of whatever’s going, but, if it does not look out, the other party will nobble the money and the Bank’s balance from the transaction will be “the experience’’—as the Yankee’s story puts it. All is chaos here and independent wire-pulling is the order of the day: no central initiative, or control, or plan! By the Prince’s wish I have drawn up 80 suggestions and they have gone to the Emperor: perhaps they’ll take and be acted on—in which case I shall have another busy year, but I fear theyll be docked cut down and pigeon-holed—as before. The French are scoring right and left. Gérard is clever and active and the Russ. can do as he pleases: England is far away to leeward. Perhaps the murder of five English missionary girls by a mob near FooChow—just telegraphed up—will give the F.O. and Legation the handle ' for righting matters; but “‘recognized procedure” if followed on this occasion, will effect nothing beyond burying the incident.’ Bruce is improving and is now at the hills. I have had a bad week, but I never quit my desk and work is good medicine—I get very little other, but plenty of that!

: Does Kopsch amuse you? His pamphlet-review and bimetallist productions have made him a bit bumptious, and he’s now lecturing myself! I am too matter-of-fact where business is concerned to let that sort of thing ruffle me. Have you seen Henderson? Consult him about young Child, so that his last year at home may fit him thoroughly for mechanic’s work out here. People don’t like H., but, viewed simply as an Engineer and workman, he’s A./. and worth his weight in gold. What about Porter and Smith? Are they to be retained or not? We are badly off for able Britishers—the Americans, Russians, Germans and French in the Service are far more “goahead’’, and also fitter and better educated!

Lady Hart Yours truly, Robert Hart

Mrs. Barnard

1. The murders occurred at Ku-t’ien, in the hills of summer. Four other adults and two children were Fukien, on August 1, in a riot against British and also killed. American missionaries who had gone there for the

[1028] THE I1.G. IN PEKING

Z/671 11 August 1895

[Rcd. September 24, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/953 arrived 5th. It is hard to say who’s the “coming man’, but certainly, so far, Chang holds his ground. The Yamen has just lost Sun, Hsii and Liao: and has got Wéng and Li (Emperor’s tutors):+ I rather think Prince Ching’s position is also critical, for Prince Kung seems to be clearing

; out all who superseded himself and party in 1884. So far, however, chaos reigns and I don’t care to prophesy what men will do: circumstances are stronger than men and circumstances will bring in progress—but progress may mean much that none dare whisper, and the Govt.’s old game of humbugging the barbarian cannot be safely indulged in longer—and it, I’m sorry to think, is perhaps what Prince Kung most believes in! The SzeChuan missionary outrages and the Ku-tien massacre are receiving very scant attention, and I think both will disappear as nasty questions before the glare of some new Edict. Diplomacy will inter them decently—and there will be occasion for similar funerals in future. Death is busy all round and at the ports we have just lost Parkhill and Stokes.” I am at work daily, but have been seedy: the weather is bad and the opened drains are dreadful to pass—I must run the gauntlet of the Yamen lane where they have now 20 openings in the foulest of foul drains, after tiffin. I wonder what I’m wanted for to-day. I’m so tired that nothing would please me better than to be told my services are no longer required! I am writing to Evey to get things for my Xmas tree: kindly pay for them and send them out. I shall try and post a list of other things I want you to get at the Goldsmiths’ but I can’t get it ready to enclose. Glad to hear such a good account of Archie.

Debrett :

Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart

Mordrelle (2) Gillson Evey

1. Chang Yin-huan; Sun Yii-wen. 980n2. On Hsii Yung-i, see letter 916n1. Liao Shou-heng

(see letter 487n4) was leaving Peking for a post 2. S. Parkhill, who joined the Customs in June outside the capital. He returned to the Yamen in 1860, was chief tidesurveyor and harbor master at

1897 and served in it until June 1900. Chefoo at the time of his death. R. Stokes was 2nd On Weng T’ung-ho and Li Hung-tsao, see letter assistant A at Shanghai.

[1029] AUGUST 1895

Z/672 18 August 1895

[Rcd. September 28, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/954 came 16th. Loan talks have died out, the latest rumour being that France refuses to pay China the loan money till China ratifies the Kyiang-Heng convention! Russia and France are having it all their own way and nobody else has any standing: they will leave myself and the Customs alone as long as I remain, but the moment I go they’ll take action— nominate my successor and rule both him and through him. I thought England would make a coup in connection with these horrible outrages on missionaries and herself have first place in Chinese councils, ousting by the terror she could inspire the rivals whose self-interest and sentimentality caught the ball of Chinese gratitude on the hop, but I fear there’s no chance of this now—so far nothing done. The outlook is bad—there’s no denying that! Meanwhile the old clock ticks away—not yet run down, though keeping very bad time, and Chinese officials go about as if there had been no war and as if they were face to face with no difficulty! The Cassel loan was knocked on the head three or four times, and it was the F.O. that forced it through. Fancy paying China 95>° and selling to the public at 106 to 109! The weather is trying and mortality excessive: so far very few foreigners have died, but we all have to live very carefully. Seven of my boys and coolies are now absent—but recovering— all of them down with the terrible choleraic bowel complaint. Bruce and wife are at the hills: he is not in a good condition and I am anxious about him. She is a strong, healthy girl and quite charming! I hammer away as usual, but I am neither jubilant nor hopeful: I think we are lucky to have been able to “sit tight” so far. Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. I hope Miss Louie is sending me a photo of herself in court-dress! I told Archie to beg or steal one! R.H.

Lady Hart J.H. Hart

Z/673 18 August 1895

[Rcd. September 28, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Please procure and send as soon as possible the jewelry set forth below. The numbers are taken from the Gold-and-silver-smiths’ catalogue of 1893. I enclose a cheque for £500, and

[1030] THE I.G. IN PEKING

should add that as these things are wanted for Christmas—and perhaps ought to arrive, either all together or in instalments, in time to come from S’hai be steamer—I do not want any to be made afresh, but empower you to substitute some other article somewhat similar in look and price for any that may not now be in stock. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Bracelets l: No. 8811 £3/10/0

23 8875 8886 £11/ £19/ 0/0 0/0

Necklets 4: No. 9120 £3/ 9/0 Each to have a pretty

5 9125 £1/15/0 little locket or

- 6 9126 £1/ 0/0 ornament as pendant Lace-pins 7 No. 8933 £0/15/0

8 8941 £1/10/0 9 8948 £1/ 0/0 10 8947 £2/ 0/0 (Two)

1] 8951 £1/10/0 12 8954 £1/10/0 13 8937 £1/ 5/0, £1/5/0, & £0/10/0 14 8942 £1/ 5/0, £1/5/0, & £0/ 7/6

Pins 15 No. 9231 £0/16/0

16 9232 £0/17/6 17 9235 £1/ 3/0 18 9238 £1/15/0 £1/ 0/0 19 9239 20 9243 £1/10/0 21 9250 £1/ 5/0 Links 22 No. 9270 £2/ 5/0 Brooches 23 No. 8909 £2/15/0 24 8916 £2/10/0 25 8972 £4/10/0 £3/ 0/0 26 8976 27 9016 £13/10/0

Watches 28/30 No. 9338 £35 with 9279 chain £9/10/0 and 9304 compass £2/0/0

31 No. 9327 £3/10/0 with appropriate (For a boy) silver chain, etc.

32 No. 9345 £3/10/0 " " " (For a girl)

Stars No. 33 (9098 2115) 34 (9102 £ 85) 35 (9101 £ 55)

36 (9099 £ 40) . 37 (9097 £ 30)

With frames for Tiaras. N.B. See that diamonds are not loose! R.H.

| (1031] AUGUST 1895

Z/674 25 August 1895

[Red. October 7, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/955 arrived 21st, and on the following day I celebrated the 29th anniversary of my wedding and the 10th of my decision not to go to the Legation—in solitary state. It is strange to be getting your letters re Loans etc.: not a word has been said here on the subject (the Cassel affair excepted) these two months. We’re out of the running completely and the Russians and French can do as they please. Russia has that sentence re equal participation in Customs control privileges, and it is the thin end of the wedge that makes for control, which, it seems, will come the moment I leave.! The French Kyiang-Heng Convention and the outrages on missionaries at Chengtu and K’u-Tien are big worries for the Yamen: which infatuated body thinks it’can settle things on the old lines, by bargaining and paying. The new Ministers Weng and Li (Emperors’ tutors) have not fallen on a bed of roses! The great man at Tientsin takes this time to visit Peking: he will be here by Wednesday and it will be curious to see whether Peking will ignore or make much of him; if he cuts in with success he'll be bigger than ever—otherwise he’ll be taking a back seat. He himself, Li is not bad, but his surroundings are very objectionable— lots of ability, but no honesty or veracity. Sickness all round still: yesterday one of our Hsien-sheng” died after 12 hours illness and to-day my own writer, Lo, is absent—down with this same terrible bowel complaint.* The Yamen lost two of its Secretaries last week and death has carried off ten or twelve thousand people the last month. Rather gloomy that, is it not? Bruce comes in from the hills to-morrow: I wish he’d stay there, for town is not a place for anybody who can get away to remain in.

Lady Hart , Yours truly, Robert Hart

Mrs. Beauclerk Gordon Gillson

1. In the Russian loan agreement China promised 2. Hsien-sheng: teacher. . to extend to Russia any privileges in the administration of China’s revenues that she might in future 3. Lo Yii-lin, from Kiangsu, had joined the Cus-

give to any treaty power. toms in March 1885.

Z/675 28 August 1895

[Rced. October 15, 1895]

Dear Campbell,

I enclose a letter for Hutchins: kindly forward. It refers to my will in which I have taken the liberty of putting as executors yourself, Jim and Mat Bredon.

[1032] THE I.G. IN PEKING

_ We are having a bad time here. Our postal Hsien-sheng died last Saturday after a few hours illness, and my own writer, Lo, who has sat beside me in this office every day the last three or four years, (Li’s successor), and who worked with me here on Saturday died on Sunday. This gave me rather a shock and I had a couple of days’ discomfort but to-day am better. Li Hung chang has just arrived. If he will take hold and settle the Yamen’s present difficulties (French Kyiang-Heng convention, and the missionary cases at Chengtu and Kut ’ien) he may rehabilitate himself somewhat; but if he’s wise, he’ll not touch them—I think: they’re all hard nuts to crack! Please send me some strings for both violin and ‘cello.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Hutchins 1. Li Ch’ing-fang, who was the senior writer at the Customs in 1864 and died in January 1890. : Inspectorate in Peking for many years, joined the

Z/676 1 September 1895 [Rcd. October 18]

Dear Campbell,

, Things are moving and we are on the verge of something: but whether China is going to comply with the demands for reparation and prevention growing out of the missionary outrages, or about to stand at bay and run amuck, is hard to foretell. Li arrived last Tuesday and is now simply Grand Secretary, without function or followers.' He is keeping very quiet, but it is still a question whether he’ll expire quietly or flame up once more—perhaps blown into a blaze by the troubles of the day or by the demands of his old adherents. The situation, as I wired, is critical but really that’s our normal condition here, so utterly opposed to western ideas are Chinese principles and sequences. The weather is cooling and sickness abating: but if war breaks out afresh, we are only out of the frying pan into the fire. We shall probably have a scare in a few days and be wishing ladies were out of the place once more! I hope 675 with letter for Hutchins arrived all right? Yours truly, Robert Hart Kung Ta-jen Lady Hart 1. Li Hung-chang’s fall from favor was attributable to the extremely unpopular Shimonoseki treaty, not only to the Japanese victory in general but also for which he was held personally responsible.

[1033] SEPTEMBER 1895

Z/677 15 September 1895 [Red. October 26]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/958 arrived 13th and your telegram 961 came yesterday—what a splendid career O’Conor’s!! As to Hillier’s telegram conflicting with my 631—there’s no use in being surprised at any-

thing China does, for it is like riding a dozen horses in the ring at the same time: somebody is sure to create confusion! The Arnhold Karberg Loan was, however, an old arrangement resuscitated, and not a new departure: Chang had substituted it for the Finch-Stewart abortion.” Salt? and Railway and a host of other things are “‘in the air” and under consideration, but nobody knows how they'll be settled. I advised Yamen to take everything into its own hands and manage through me as general I.G.: and, in fact, that’s the only way to have combined effort along one line on one plan and with one end in view—and that again is the only modus operandi that will yield success; but some are timid, and others think they know better, and it is nobody’s business! And yet the Empire sticks together and somehow or other seems fated to weather the storm. France has no monopoly or priority, but Gérard cleverly screwed that slice of KyiangHeng out of China. He’s a very busy man: he tried to put Vapereau in as Martin’s successor but Yamen said Oliver was already appointed,* and then he said that Piry and not S. Campbell should be Acting Chief Secretary, and Yamen told him that was my affair. He’s very riled in consequence! O’C’s promotion will drive him and Cassini wild! I think H’Kg Bank ought not have made that contract (to share business) with German lot!® It’s like a people that begins to talk two languages—and that means death for their original tongue. So I think the German will cut into the H’Kg Bk’s business and finally cut out the Bank itself! Maze is again worrying me: read and send on enclosed, please. The Court has taken no further notice of Li since arrival here. He looks remarkably well and is in good spirits: the holiday is good for him! Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Price J. Maze Rosie Hannen

Enclosure:

15 September 1895 Dear James,

Yours dated Belfast 25th July arrived two days ago. As you say, © is (or has recently been) in England, but I really have no instructions to give him to act for me in the matter your letter refers to: I am in no way indebted to you and you have no claims whatever on me. I shall not adopt or consent to any of the courses

[1034] THE I.G. IN PEKING

you suggest, for, I repeat, | owe you nothing. I am in no way the cause of your failure to . make a good thing of life or of the sufferings you groan under, and having put all your sons in good positions I really think I ought not to be plagued with such letters as the one I now acknowledge—they are all men and quite able to help you.

! Affect. yours, Robert Hart

1. O’Conor was appointed British ambassador to taken until after Hart’s time. Russia, where he served from 1895 to 1898.

, 4. Martin, who had gone on one-year leave on May

2. The Arnhold-Karberg (Nanking) 6% gold loan 15, 1894, resigned from the T’ung-wen kuan on of 1895 was contracted for by Arnhold-Karberg August 31, 1895, assuming the title of president & Co. acting for the National Bank fiir Deutsch- emeritus. Oliver (see letter 678n4), acting presiland. The loan, for £1,000,000 sterling, was torun dent during Martin’s absence, became president on

for twenty years from July 1, 1895, and was se- September 1, 1895. cured as a first charge on the salt likin of the prov-

ince of Kiangsu and as a second charge on the 5. “The German lot” was presumably the Deutsche Customs revenues. Stock was issued to the public Asiatische Bank, which had been formed about at 104%, the outturn for China being 96 per cent. 1880 with a home office in Hamburg. The HongChang was Chang Chih-tung, viceroy of Hupei kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in 1881

and Hunan (see letter 974n3). itself opened a bank in Hamburg to meet the Ger. man competition. In March 1896 the British and 3. The government monopoly over the production Chinese Corporation (created by the Hongkong and distribution of salt was in the Ch’ing dynasty and Shanghai Bank and Jardine, Matheson) would divided into ten districts, each under the control join with the Deutsche Asiatische Bank to float

of a salt taotai. Toward the end of the regime, the first Anglo-German loan for the Chinese paysmuggling, lack of uniformity, and absence of cen- ment of Japanese indemnity (see letter 997). tral control resulted not only in chaotic conditions

but in a loss of revenue. Although intermittent 6. Hart may be referring to his brother James, who suggestions were made to put the salt gabelle into was on leave. The letter is to Hart’s brother-in-law, the hands of the Customs, no serious steps were James Maze.

Z/678 22 September 1895 [Rcd. November 1]

Dear Campbell, , The paper you see has arrived: the quantity of this kind received is hardly enough, seeing I use it most. Z/959 was received 18th. The missionary trouble is bubbling over. The punishment of the SzChuan Viceroy has been demanded and refused and is now likely to be vigorously pressed for: Hippisley wires there’s a British Squadron of four large vessels off Woosung evidently going up the Yangtze!’ If the Chinese simply keep quiet and persist in their refusal to punish Liu, the demonstration may end in a fiasco—for the public would hardly allow any non-compromised city, such as WuChang, far from the scene of the outrage—to be bombarded, and it’s hard to see what else ships can do and the Jung-Ting Lake is shallow and no vessels can get near Chang-sha, the capital of Hunan, the real centre of everything that’s antiforeign. China’s Russo-Franco friends are eminently anti-English and they will assuredly advise in a scene little likely to please the British Minister, but sure to score for themselves whichever way it ends. Yamen

[1035] SEPTEMBER 1895

has just sent for me to go up at once—my siesta hour after tiffin: so they’ll have me in my worst form and also give me a headache for my sins. Gerard has been on the war-path you know, and failed to put in Vapereau as Martin’s successor and to oust Smollet in favour of Piry here as Acting Chief Secretary: it would not surprise me were he to advise the Chinese to give O’C. his passport and discharge the Britishers in the event of any real ““demonstration”: the confusion likely to follow such advice even—much more, such a step—would be great. Of course the moral of it all for China is that until she is strong she must accept dictation, palatable or unpalatable.

All my affairs are in confusion, official and private: we have been living from hand to . mouth, and from day to day the last eighteen months, and my ship’s head although pointing in the same direction has had to “wobble” a bit owing to the deflection of the needle. The worst of it is the future looks so black that “rule of thumb’’, and not science, seems the safest guide! I don’t think this place suits Bruce and I doubt if he’ll stay much longer. What a splendid career O’Conor’s—Ambassador at fifty-two! I suppose Beauclerk will be Chargé for the winter unless the débacle forces O’C. to remain and that Nicolson will next year get the Legation.’ Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart J.H. Hart 2 1. Liu Ping-ch’ang was governor-general of Szech- ch’ang, and under his continued pressure Salisbury wan at the time of the Cheng-tu riots (see letter on September 11 issued the necessary orders. 976n3). O’Conor was demanding Liu’s degrada-

tion as a sine qua non to settlement of the Szech- 2. Sir Arthur Nicolson had been second secretary wan missionary cases. On September 1 the Tsungli at the British legation in Peking in 1876, and then Yamen refused. O’Conor next proposed that war- held various posts in the Middle East. He did not ships be sent up the Yangtze to anchor off Wu- succeed O’Conor but went as minister to Tangier.

Z/[679 29 September 1895

[Rcd. November 12]

Dear Campbell,

Yours 16th August Z/960 arrived 27th. I am glad the “Daily News” is hopeful, but I fear its reasoning is not sound: opening of the East has increased consumption, but the East, so far, has not competed. Wait a score of years and you'll have China laying down in Europe all sorts of things and selling for a shilling with profit what it costs Europe half-a-crown to produce! The missionary affair reached an acute stage on Friday when O’C. saw the two Princes (Kung and Ching) and gave them his ultimatum: if they don’t accept it to-day, the affair is put in the Admiral’s hands.’ O’C. demands the punishment of the Viceroy and a Decree

[1036] THE LG. IN PEKING

telling the Chinese public that he is punished because he failed to protect foreigners and as , a warning to all other officials. I think nothing will have a better effect: it is what Wade failed to get in the Margary affair; but Chinese officaldom hates the idea of punishing so high an official—and more so for such a cause, and what is hardest of all to swallow is to tell the people in a Decree that it is for such a reason and with such an object. If China does not accept—there’ll be harder terms to bow to later on! O’Conor has some faults of manner, but he is a very capable man—quick, shrewd, intelligent, active, industrious, and always keeping the general question before him and not simply a diplomatic success: he quite deserves the promotion! I knew there was a chance of it—hence my wires inquiring about Malet’s suc-

cessor,

Gérard is another style of man: crafty, subtle, clever, smal/—and always sure to win till he’s found out; they know him here now, and will not be so easily taken in again. He lost ground over the failure of his attempt to damage me and control Customs and College. I have been feeling very fractious lately and inclined to bolt: I have now settled down to wait quietly till a convenient time next year—more likely autumn than spring: much depends on the way I manipulate my own movements and—nous verrons! | am strong enough myself to meet any of these gentlemen, but I must never for a moment forget that they can pass me by and go direct to the Yamen: so I must always be in the right and by a special kind of suaviter in modo” prevent them from making the Yamen feel I have made myself or my affairs a nuisance—not always easy I assure you! Tell Jim to be at Shanghai by the middle of March. Yours truly, Robert Hart Mabel Lady Wade Dean Butcher? 1. O’Conor had a stormy three-hour session at the ner, resolute in purpose.” Yamen on September 26. His ultimatum was: an edict announcing Liu’s degradation by September 3. Enclosures: Chai_2s Henry Butcher, at this time

29, or British naval intervention. chaplain of All Souls Church in Cairo, had been

consular chaplain in Shanghai and, from 1876 to 2. Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re: “gentle in man- _—-1883, the dean of Shanghai Cathedral.

Z/680 6 October 1895

[Rcd. November 16]

Dear Campbell,

We are lumbering along in the old way and are once more out of a scrape, the Edict degrading Liu having made Naval action on the Yangtsze no longer necessary. The Mahometan insurrection in the N.W. looks threatening and if the Ko-Lao-Hui folk join in, we perhaps may see a new Dynasty before long—that would make all things possible, but the present occupants of the throne seem against every change and will only consent to live in the old way!"

[1037] OCTOBER 1895

Yours of 20th August arrived 30th September. I am glad you got a run and were enjoying life in France. I want an outing desperately myself, after nine uninterrupted years of Peking, and I don’t see how I am to get it without causing a racket! We have begun the Commercial Treaty negotiations with the Japanese Minister here and it is not a job that will end quickly—seeing that it must be altogether dictation at this hour of the day: at the same time we must take care, for Japan’s temper is easily ruffled now and she can at any moment easily inconvenience China without causing further foreign intervention. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. The Moslem revolt in Kansu reached such pro- was censured. On October 4 Moslem forces deportions that on September 4 the governor-general § feated government troops near Hsi-ning.

Z/681 20 October 1895 Dear Campbell, ,

[Rcd. November 29]

Things look worse and worse and England is more and more out of the running: Russia | and France are hauling in the line hand over hand and we’ll soon be feeling the grip tightening. Gérard’s manner is the suavest possible and the method he follows the most captivating in every sense: and people would rather be duped politely than be taken by the neck and have their noses rubbed in their own interests. British policy is very aggravating: it is destructive far more than constructive, and it is too lukewarm to be useful. My path teems with difficulty and I don’t see much hope either for making work a success or for getting away from it without causing a crash of one kind or another. Hitherto all the “chestnuts” have been brought out of the Chinese “fire” by England, and not without burnt fingers! China knows that England’s action is certain not to be pushed beyond what is right, but, all the same, its manipulation worries and hurts—and is not of the kind that is best calculated to succeed without entailing an angry dislike and mortified pride. The Frenchman Gérard has played his game extremely well—but of course one of his factors was the British Lion growling in the background: meantime he made his game—he gets almost a million taels for the Szechuan mission buildings: would you suppose these poor priests had spent so much money? British and American claims will come to about 1/20 of that sum, but the Chinese would rather pay Gérard his million than give O’Conor Liu’s button! Corea is again boiling over and new troubles are growing there.’ Liaotung is to be retroceded next year and China is to pay 3,000 wan taels for it and France will supply more money—as much as China wants, at the same rate: so London is out of it. Britishers are great traders—I doubt if their finance is first class, and I think the H’Kg Bk. rubbed in its charges deep enough to smart. Your Z/963 came yesterday. We'll not want any more Wenzel cartridges. Why such delay

[1038] THE I.G. IN PEKING

in closing the Invoices? It only requires England to press the ““Kowshing”’ claim for influence here to be smashed completely!” I don’t see how I can avoid resigning if it is presented.

, Robert Hart Yours truly,

Lady Hart Dalton 1. Though pledged to observe Korean indepen- the king, appropriated his seal of office, and forced dence, Japan made many demands of the new upon him a pro-Japanese cabinet. Korean government on the pretext of “‘reforms.”

Finally on October 8, 1895, the Japanese seized 2. See letter 937.

Z,/682 27 October 1895

[Rcd. December 9]

Dear Campbell,

The sky is not clearing yet. Corea is once more disturbed: China is sinking deeper into debt, having to pay 30 million taels for Liaotung: the Jap. Commercial Treaty is not progressing, and there is a deadlock at Soochow over the arrangements initiated for marking off a settlement at that place—now to be open to trade:' and H’kong is worrying me about the doings of Customs cruisers in that locality where simply performing duty brings us perilously close to British waters and where the colony is more and more of a smuggling centre. I have to handle H’kong in a very gingerly style: for had we to quit it we should have to leave Macao also, and leaving both places might tempt the local officials to make another dash to collar the Kowloon and Lappa Customs—which would clip our Customs “‘wings”’ and perhaps imperil China’s opium Likin: of course the situation is detestable, but one requires to move cautiously and, “sitting tight”, make the best of it. All this calls for so much personal attention and personal initiative from myself, that I am hard put to it every day to finish the day’s work within the 24 hours, and I dare not “go below” fearing another hand at the helm might either capsize the ship or change the course. It’s wearying and worrying—but must be endured. Two missionaries—Gilbert Reid and Timothy Richard—are starting a movement here which will be useful later on: they have got hold of some Han Lin and interested them in foreign matters to the extent of desiring to learn and use—this will gradually create a “public opinion”’ in the literate class which will be an ally, instead of an enemy, of the officials who desire to introduce reforms.” But the “harvest-home” is very far off! Cartwright was in to say “goodbye” yesterday. He is a loss to China, the Service, and myself: but he failed me at a moment when I wanted him specially for a given post, and had besides nothing else that I could conveniently offer him—so we must manage without him. O’Conor will be off in a few days and he leaves very little unsettled for his successor: he has been very active and very attentive to business, but his grateful patients will long recollect that he used the knife and objected to chloroform! Weng Tung Ho winced awfully under the operation—but it will do him good in the end.°

[1039] NOVEMBER 1895

Weather wintry and fires lit everywhere. Wonder is this to be my last Xmas? Hobson off to Tibet to relieve Taylor—who really did very well there, surrounded by misery and difficulty. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart “County Families” 1. Soochow, ancient capital of Kiangsu province Weng T’ung-ho, and Prince Kung and the Tsungli and sixty miles west of Shanghai, was to beopened Yamen ministers. On November 14 he and others

to trade on July 1, 1896. presented a petition to the Yamen. See also letter 1000.

2. Timothy Richard, a Welsh Baptist, and Gilbert

Reid, an American Presbyterian, had set out to 3. O’Conor bade farewell to Prince Kung and the cultivate the official class and literati, advocating Yamen ministers on October 31, urging reform to Christianity and proposing reforms. Between mid- save China. He saw Prince Kung and Weng T’ungSeptember and the end of October Richard saw ho again on November 2, when he criticized Weng Li Hung-chang twice, Sun Chia-nai, K’ang Yu-wei, for timidity.

Z,/683 3 November 1895

[Rcd. December 23]

Dear Campbell,

O’Conor leaves to-day. He has had three or four long sittings at the Yamen and has hammered in the need of and necessity for Reform very stiffly, and at the farewell audience on Friday he cleverly brought in, in a general way, the same idea—it may prompt the Emperor to ask questions, and it will give officials a something to hang proposals for improvement on. But I fear, as far as the dynasty is concerned, it is hopeless: in ten years’ time revolution will do the trick—perhaps spurred on by the knowledge of what Formosa will be seen to be growing into under Japanese administration, and perhaps the outcome of a popular feeling against Govt. for not pushing along to a front place among the nations. The Yamen “picks” my brains occasionally, but it evidently will do things its own way—and I fear that is not to do them, or to do them at a ruinous cost and in the worst fashion. There is an unquiet feeling here: trouble between England and Russia seems to be threatening. Our isolated position gives very little hope of outside help, and I fear the world generally will take a morbid delight in every Englishman thrashed and England brought low. We are as good fighters as there ever were, but J doubt if in numbers, arms, and new tactics we can hope for victory at the start, while any initial defeat would be such a big thing as to be in itself overpowering, if not decisive. Prestige is not everything in these end-of-the-century days!

. Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Price

[1040] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z,/684 10 November 1895

[Rcd. December 26]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/966 arrived yesterday. Thanks for the silver Memo. The matter was cleared up long ago, and it was only to be sure what the market quotation re Bar Silver really meant that I wired. My criticism of Hayashi’s bill saved China some two million taels—but I don’t know where the gratitude is! I hope Beauclerk will remain Charge till spring or early summer. He has a fine opportunity to distinguish himself, but an uncommonly hard card to play—against Russia and France politically and against Germany (von Brandt) commercially! I should like such a chance were I a Chargé! Iam kept awfully busy and can’t keep work up to date well. I wish I had a good man who would do all that the Customs I.G. has to do and give me time for the “outlying territories”’

| —these, if availed of, give room for expansion, and, if not used, get into other hands, and then the pinching begins! I have too long buried myself in the details of my own special duties: but the political side of the I.G.-ship—I don’t mean the work he has to do, but the view other powers take of him—has been very hampering and I have had to put on valves in my own office in the shape of many-flagg’d juniors. Von Grot and Aglen are my best men—I should add van Aalst; but none of them have the experience a Deputy IG. would require. China is not waking up properly and it is on the cards that the Kansuh rebellion may sweep down this way by Easter and either upset the dynasty or push it into the arms of its saviours Russia and France.’ It’s almost too late for England to assert herself anyway—it will be read as the outcome of spite and jealousy simply. [ have nominated a young Frenchman Guernier: if fit, send him out at once—otherwise keep him three months and then send him. I wish you could get me another Frenchman and also two real Russians (i.e. not Russian Germans): perhaps de Berniéres could get the first and Bretschneider the second: I don’t want all to come together but thus—one French in January, one Russian in April, one French in June, one Russian in October; see what you can do please.” Merry Xmas!

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. If O’Conor is in London call on him. If he wants to wire to me at any time send it confidentially. Whenever you send a tel. of his put the letters PAT as they stand between the last two groups (number of groups and number of telegram).

Lady Hart | Mrs. Beauclerk , Curson & *Dufferin®

*Send through F.O.

[1041] NOVEMBER 1895

1. On October 9 Moslem forces besieged Ho-chou vember 1896, and N.A. Konovaloff came in Jan-

in Kansu, and on October 24 the governor of uary 1897. Shensi was dispatched to Kansu to suppress the up- De Berniéres was on leave in Europe; Bretschneirising. Just after the date of Hart’s letter, on No- der, after a long career as doctor at the Russian vember 13, General Tung Fu-hsiang relieved the Legation in Peking, had retired to Petrograd in

siege of Ho-chou. 1894.

2. R.C. Guernier, who was to have a long and suc- 3. The Marquis of Dufferin, Frederick Temple cessful Customs career, entered the service in July Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood (part of whose title

1896. came from Ulster), was at this time British ambasCampbell found a Frenchman and a Russian for ador to France.

Hart: H.P. Destelan entered the Customs in No-

Z/685 17 November 1895

[Red. January 6, 1896]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/967 arrived 15th. As regards Liu—the Yamen fought against it most desperately; O’Conor’s demands had been before them for some time, but they did not give way until the ultimatum was before them and then they wisely gave way at once instead of waiting till its time (14 days) should expire. It was O’C.’s action that did it! The Legation explanation that the degradation was arranged beforehand and the French claim that Gérard had done it, are both wrong. Cassel minted!! Wonder who all shared?

We are all “‘at sea’”’ here: I neither understand the situation nor dare predict the future; but I think the Chinese will take their own way and probably with their usual luck. Peking is full of projectors and enquirers and everybody pitches into everybody—all of which naturally bewilders the Chinaman, but inclines him to following his own views.

Yours truly, | Robert Hart Mrs. Maze

Pichter Booth (2) Dubuisson 1. Minted (Scot. and N. Eng.): “to hit or strike at with a gun.”’ On Sir Ernest Cassel, see letter 972n2. someone or something; to take aim at something

[1042] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/686 24 November 1895

[Red. January 6, 1896]

Dear Campbell,

The first instalment of the general indemnity has been paid and the special amount for the retrocession of Liaotung has also been issued: Newchwang is to be evacuated on the 30th and it will be interesting to watch how people and officials will by and by treat such Chinese as were well with the Japs during the occupation period. A new loan is being seriously talked over, to amount to £16,000,000 and to be divided between England and Germany, the H’Kong Bank doing the work here: it will be a trifle dearer than the French Loan, but it will be a simple business transaction and will not entail such bondage as that one did—or, if there is bondage, will make the yoke all the lighter for China by dividing the masters! So far there is very small sign of reform and I suspect the rains will be down on us again long before we have the roof on. The European outlook seems a bit uncertain and China’s future may possibly be very materially affected by any outbreak of war there: whether she’ll keep quiet and darn her damaged stockings, or be tempted to become somebody’s ally remains to be seen. Of course the probability that any war nowadays will soon be finished and cannot last long, does away with the chance of China’s doing much by way of either making or marring her own future—though the latter would be the likeliest result—and so it would be best for her to go on with the “‘darning”’ and keep out of the strife. Russell and Unwin are just returning: I am puzzled where to put them.’ The latter is a good man and has done very well lately—by the way, I dreamt about Forbes, his cousin, last night!—but Russell’s value is not at all up to the price he puts on himself. And Japan’s doings have cut into my territory so much that I have neither positions nor pay for superfluous hands! At the same time, I want those three Frenchmen and three Russians, to follow each other in pairs during 1896 and at three months interval between each arrival. I shall probably want as many Germans too. For the moment we have too many English, and I can’t give any English nominations or appointments. I stay here with great difficulty: I have a constant desire to bolt—the waters are no longer blue and the sky no longer rosy! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Be sure and see O’Conor before he goes to his post! He and I were on excellent terms: but remember one thing—his diplomatic training impels him to pass on to the F.O. all he gets hold of! Which may not always be convenient. R.H.

Lady Hart 1. W.B. Russell, a commissioner since 1889, was F.S. Unwin, deputy commissioner, had gone on due on December 9, 1895, from a one-year leave. a six-month leave in June.

[1043] DECEMBER 1895

Z/687 1 December 1895

[Red. January 10, 1896]

Dear Campbell,

My forenoon has been spoiled by a Chinese visitor, and I can’t write much. Japanese negotiations go on very slowly and it strikes me China is now beginning to hold her own in discussion: this of course is owing to the Russo-French background of intervention and it is difficult to say whether China’s gratitude will therefore increase, or whether, in the desire to forget how much that intervention did for her, she may—ungratefully, though perhaps prudently—take pains to make it appear that she is not at all in anybody’s debt. The enclosed for Willie Brereton is addressed to the old school:' kindly find out from Mrs. Pirkis if that address will find him. There’s a New Year’s gift (cheque) in the letter. River not frozen yet: but snow falling to-day. Von Brandt and wife at Tientsin and going to winter here:? Diplomacy is horrified and there will be some “‘situations” before all’s over. Yours truly, Robert Hart Bouinais Brereton 1. Willie Brereton may have been the son of J.G. 2. Von Brandt had been succeeded as German

Brereton, a surgeon in the Customs Service at Che- minister in March 1893 by Baron Schenk zu : foo from 1877 until he resigned in 1884. Schweinsberg, who served until June 1896.

Z/688 2 December 1895

[Red. January 25, 1896]

Dear Campbell,

Kindly send on enclosed, registered, to Eva. Yours truly, Robert Hart Miss Price (2)

[1044] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/689 8 December 1895

[Red. January 25, 1896]

Dear Campbell,

It is said the Railway Edict appearing the same day von Brandt came was hurried out to shut his mouth and that there is an indisposition to let Germany manipulate Railways etc. Von B is at the hotel and nobody knows what his commercial business is and there is no likelihood of the Legations according him such a welcome as an old doyen should expect: | fancy there are “‘old scores” to be paid off and that his pluck may be severely tested before the river re-opens—it ought to be closing to-day considering the northwester that’s blowing. There’s something curious going on in Chinese circles and a coup d’état will not astonish me: people are ranging themselves some behind the Emperor—others behind the Empress Dowager, and it looks as if one of these illustrious personages would have to push the other to the wall presently. The Han Lin who follow Reid and Richard are found to be doing so with a political object, and are using the two R’s instead of being used by them: Reid is said to be “hauling off” “‘to save his bacon’’, but Richard is an enthusiast and more inclined to believe his hopes than his eyes.’ Worthy people both, but the idea of their reforming China, remodelling its institutions, and, in short, carrying on its government, is too delicious!

Your Z/968 is all very interesting. This Government has been so bombarded with advice from opposition camps, that, unable to get the one power (England) it would willingly, because safely, go with to join it “for better or for worse’’, that it is not likely to put its affairs in the hands of anybody, but will try to do its own work in its own way with its own

* money and at its own time and convenience—of course employing foreign workmen where necessary and buying foreign materials. My views are taken and noted and used on all matters—I fancy more than any other man’s—but that does not mean that they’ll put me in command or accept any perfect programme; they have their programme and they dovetail my advice into it—I see this done continually, and it makes me often think of putting “new wine” into “old bottles”. The jewellery has arrived: many thanks for your expedition, but I am again disappointed— the things don’t come up to the idea one forms of them from the catalogue or illustrated list. Private: I fear Gérard and Cassini will stay out till 1897: in which case I don’t think J can get away in 1896. Any move of mine, whether on leave or resigning, will create a small crisis, and it will be best for it to occur when the men who know how to manipulate the opportunity are no longer here. Fortunately my health keeps good, and, if I had a Deputy I.G. to take all the current drudgery, I could hold on easily—age apart. Hippisley is doing well at Soochow and Hangchow: but there are difficulties everywhere, and the Japs, instead of taking troops home from Port Arthur, are trying to move them to Wei Hai Wei— which, I fear, means mischief.

Yours truly, ) Robert Hart

Lady Hart

[1045] DECEMBER 1895 1. On Timothy Richard and Gilbert Reid see letter 993n2.

Z/690 29 December 1895

[Rcd. February 20, 1896]

Dear Campbell,

The other people are still in favour and nothing has occurred to either alarm China as to their intentions or make her look longingly towards England. I wired a week ago to ask what you think of the chance of our being able to bring out a loan ourselves (i.e. the L.O.) without underwriting etc.: no reply yet. I am giving a nomination to a young Frenchman, a relation of Greville’s; his name is René d’ Anjou and I want you to write to his mother (Madame d’Anjou, 16, Rue Pajon, Passy, Paris) in English (she is English born) to say, that, on Mr. G. Greville’s recommendation, the I.G. will give a Customs appointment to her son (Fourth Assistant B, pay Tls. 900), if, after seeing you, he is found fit for the position.’ The father is Cte. d’Anjou and was in the Navy, but I think they have experienced some reverses and are now poor. This name added to young Guernier’s will make up two of the three Frenchmen I want out in 1896.—Have you made inquiry re Russians and Germans? I have been keeping quiet this winter: going out gives me colds and I prefer my own snuggery to other folks’ drawing-rooms. Aglen was operated on for a tongue-tumour yesterday and is doing well: he, von Grot, and Van Aalst, are “worth their weight in gold” for my purposes. Shoals of new work come in on me every day: I could carry on very well if I had a Deputy I.G. to take all Customs’ work—which ought not to be neglected and can only be done by one hand, but, as things are, I am over-weighted and cannot let myself out as I’d like to do in any matter. Hippisley has been doing specially well at S’chow and H’chow, where the Japs have been arranging for their new trading marts: as these inland settlements involve a new deposition, their beginnings cannot be too closely watched, but poor old China has now just to do what she’s bid and can’t negotiate.” I don’t know whether Greville has returned to Rio or got a post in Europe: best send the cover for him through the F.O. Yours truly,

Robert Hart _ Lady Hart Aglen Greville 1. René C.L. d’Anjou entered the Service in July post in Budapest. George Greville had been second secretary at 2. Hippisley was at this time commissioner at the British Legation in Peking from 1888 to 1892, Shanghai. The ports of both Soochow and Hangwhen he went to Rio de Janeiro. In February 1895 chow were to open formally on July 1, 1896. he began a year’s leave before assuming his next

[1046] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

Z/691 5 January 1896

[Red. February 20]

Dear Campbell,

Thanks for your Z/972: it gives me what I wanted about H.E., who has not yet “showed his hand”’ here and is not likely to do anything very brilliant—so much competition is in the

| air and so careful are the Chinese growing.' I think the H’Kg bank made a mistake in joining the German banks: they’ll only use it and abuse the alliance! J still think we could do the Loan ourselves: the terms demanded by business people are terribly heavy, and having got China at a disadvantage, they all want to make money out of her and the only limit to their individual rapacity is the fear that the victim may put her hand into some other’s mouth whose teeth are less disclosed or look less threatening. I believe if we, i.e. the L.O., were to advertise and wait, tenders would come: and perhaps we may be driven to try it. The Yamen is suddenly alive to our Postal business, and do what I like I cannot lay my hand on your report: the changes and confusion we have experienced here since spring 1894 have caused much disorder, and I now find, that, attentive as I have been to details always, I have left too much to secretaries and taken too much for granted: but in fact the work has grown too big for me and J have been terribly handicapped by a necessarily cosmopolitan staff and by the necessity for silence and secrecy on many points, the result being anything but handy for archiving. After all the wonder is that things have so long gone on so well, and I am rather glad that my own prudence and also the force of circumstances kept me from embarking on many an experiment which others counselled, but which time since showed was already doomed to be a failure. I am wiring to-day to ask the very simplest way of joining the Postal Union: I must keep China from the mess of accepting responsibilities she may not be able to meet when they have actually to be responded to. The opening of S’chow and H’chow and Shasi will not do much for trade or Customs establishment. It is now said that Wuchowfu on the West River will be opened: I do not expect from this any great increase for trade or revenue, but it will of course make the place a new centre of activity.” I am sorry Smith is ill. His mother died of consumption. I cannot bring an ailing man out and shall await the result of his stay in the South of Europe. Pros’t °96!° Yours truly, Robert Hart

Mrs. Brown | Lady Hart

Aglen Dod’s

Dr. Macrae

1. The new British minister, Sir Claude MacDonald, from Canton on the West River, was opened on

did not arrive in China until the spring. June 4, 1897.

2. Shasi, in the heart of the Hupei plain, with ca- 3. Prosit: ““may it do good” (used by Germans and

nals radiating from it, was opened as a port on Austrians as a toast). August 16, 1896. Wuchow, two hundred miles

[1047] JANUARY 1896

Z/692 12 January 1896 |Rced. March 6]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/953 arrived 15th November. How strongly Lord Salisbury’s “‘re-assuring” speech has been commented on by recent American, African, and European occurrences! Cleveland’s “mess up” and German Emperor’s telegram must have required all England’s good common sense to stomach!’ I hope these affairs will result in various military and naval improvements for it is evident that the old proverb “‘it never rains but it pours’ will be abundantly illustrated the moment England has one serious row on hand. The Americans would not object a bit to fight and perhaps thrash us, but I feel sure that they would stand by us as our best friends if any European combination were dealing with us unfairly. The Loan is still “‘fizzling”’. After trying everywhere for cheaper money, the Yamen yesterday saw Hillier again: I told them to be prepared for even worse terms than he had proposed before—and they drew long faces! Japan is refusing to let manufactures (in China) be taxed!” Li is puzzled exceedingly, and the negotiation does not progress. The Japs are of course steering for their own part still, but must Keep out of Russo-French waters: and as for China—she has brought it on herself and even now will not take good advice. They are again smelling after a Postal System—hoping to get revenue out of it, and talk of introducing stamps—thinking they might thereby raise the equivalent of the Likin they now look like losing. The Government of China is a puzzle: it to-day looks like a lot of quicksilver on a flat surface with little curleycues cutting across to join larger ones and these again splitting up and forming new centres without seeming rhyme or reason! But it’s like the man with the three thimbles and the pea: you see the pea for a moment and you then swear it is under such a thimble—and lo it’s not! There is a Govt. and it continually is felt, but it’s more of an atmosphere than a body and there’s no locating it for grappling purposes. The Kansuh Mahometan affair is about ended: the Imperial troops however ridiculous face to face with Japs or Europeans are better than they used to be when fighting rebels. That man O’Sullivan is very thick with the new Han Lin party here—the ‘Educational Movement”’; but one of their ideas is said to be to poison the Emperor and put another youngster on the throne!* He has been forbidden the English Legation having misbehaved there. I am quite puzzled about Service and personal movements: the only good I do holding on here now is to keep somebody else out and so give the Service a few days more to run on the old lines. If the Yamen would only buckle to and do what I want, I could give them a real start in a new direction, but it’s always “‘as you were!”’

Yours truly, Robert Hart

H.E. Mr. Ching* |

Miss Hart Hutchins

1. Cleveland’s “‘mess up” has to do with the dis- to submit the boundary between Venezuela and puted Venezuela boundary. When Britain refused British Guiana to arbitration, the United States

[1048] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

maintained that the Monroe Doctrine was being treaty negotiations was Japan’s insistence on her violated, but Lord Salisbury on November 26, right to carry on manufacturing at any of China’s 1895, denied its applicability. In December Presi- treaty ports. Japan won her point in the trade dent Cleveland asked Congress to authorize a treaty signed on July 21, 1896. commission, appointed on January 4, 1896, to

ascertain the facts. 3. Captain Mortimer O’Sullivan was an advenThe ‘“‘“German Emperor’s telegram” was to Presi- — turer who had been friendly with James Hart in

dent Paul Kruger of the South African Republic Darjeeling. He was to turn up at intervals seeking (Transvaal) congratulating him on his suppression favors; see letters 1007 and 1308. of a revolutionary movement which the Germans

assumed the British government was supporting. 4. Enclosures: H.E. Mr. Ching was Ch’ing-ch’ang, a The telegram caused a storm of indignation in Manchu, who was appointed Chinese ambassador

Britain. to France on October 6, 1895, and served until June 17, 1899.

2. One of the points at issue in the commercial

Z/693 19 January 1896 [Rced. March 16]

Dear Campbell,

England’s stand regarding those American and African questions delights us all here: “bluff” is evidently retiring before pluck, and it is well to let the world see we mean to fight and not to scuttle. Your Z/974 & 975 came 16th and 18th. I have had to cut down n’paper subscriptions everywhere—firstly to save expense and partly because inspecting officers reported piles of unopened papers at Lights etc. Von B. is busy here—chiefly however with Li—and not accomplishing anything so far. Macdonald’s appointment will be interesting to watch, and those of us who have succeeded so badly by treating Chinese as educated and civilized ought now be ready to yield the

, ground to a man versed in negro methods and ignorant of the East.’ French and Russians have withdrawn from the Club because not on the Directorate (of three), and society is somewhat split and nasty: some people say it will end by those who now follow Gerard turning and rending him! He’s very active and pushing, well read and intelligent, but far from perfection: he’s a combination, the Chinese say, of the foreigner’s “dog in the manger” and the Chinaman’s “mice-catching dog” (doing what ought to be left

| to cats to do). I hope the Brit. Ger. combination will get the Loan: they will then have as much to say (and I hope as /ittle) as France and Russia in Chinese Customs control. It’s said the real reason of the present delay is that the Yamen ministers are wanting a squeeze out of it for their private purses! How can anything good be hoped for where the head waters—the source itself—are so muddy?

I have not seen Li these two months: just now he sends for me and I am going after tiffin— against a howling north wind and in clouds of dust; his Japanese negotiation is not going on well and a breakdown is feared. The point debated now is “‘shall China tax manufactures?” | advise them to do so, and Japan won’t have it. We want revenue and cannot afford to lose a penny: besides, we are not prepared for Japanese dictation in internal matters. I am keeping

. out of the fighting as much as possible, but I have had to give my opinions. I hope Archie improves: I’m sorry he’s been ill.

[1049] FEBRUARY 1896

Railway development again arrested by Gérard’s action (claiming French right to have refusal).

Yours truly, Robert Hart Fougerat Ch’ing

Lady Hart 1. Sir Claude MacDonald began his career as a expedition against the Brass River natives under military man, serving during the Egyptian cam- Admiral Bedford. He was said to be the personal paign as military attaché in Cairo from 1882 to choice of George Curzon, then a brilliant young 1887. From there he went on to various missions undersecretary in the Foreign Office, who had in Africa: consul-general, Zanzibar, 1887-1888; been so impressed by MacDonald’s work in the Niger Territories, 1889; Southern Nigeria, 1891; Niger Territories that he recommended his “‘energy and, just before coming to Peking, on a special and capacity” to Salisbury.

Z/694 26 January 1896 [Red. March 16]

Dear Campbell,

I have only time for a line. Send on enclosed to O’Conor, and appropriate cheque for the Oxford boy. Yours truly, Robert Hart O’Conor Ch’ing Giles Krafft Leente Aubert

Z/695 2 February 1896 [Red. March 20]

Dear Campbell,

Things don’t change much here: the Yamen is worried over Loans and the “personal equation” seems to stop anything like a bold stroke for progress—and perhaps that’s just as well, seeing that Christendom begins to stand aghast at the approach of the “Yellow”? Man’s in-

[1050] THE I.G. IN PEKING

dustrial competition. Russia at this end of the line keeps very quiet: I think whatever activity there is is at Petersburg and probably it is all of a very friendly and hypnotizing character: France is as busy as possible and Gérard—if he doesn’t move the big rock—sweeps off a pebble or two every time he applies the broom, and by and by the heap will grow and be big enough to entitle him to say the rock first coveted naturally belongs to it! As far as the Customs are concerned they will live, but naturally the Continent is going to make snatches at them from time to time: the staff will change its character—be less English, and its quality—be less respected, but China, in her poverty and as long as Duties are fixed in silver, cannot afford salaries in gold, and will always be acknowledged to have some reason on her side when she says that the silver pay is even more than liberal if employee will only

: elect to live and die in China!

Personally I am growing very restless and tired, and I am much puzzled how to act. I shall probably—and at the most—hold on till 1897, but this year of 1896 must be devoted to preparation for the change; what one’s plans ought to be, and whether they ought to be made manifest or kept dark, are very important points and worry me much—I am always “backing and filling’ and no nearer a decision: in fact there is the difficulty corresponding to “‘cross division” at the bottom of it, for my feelings say do this—my reasons says do that— my fears say do another thing—and my hopes pronounce a fourth plan best! “Que faire— que faire!” as poor old Kleczkowsky used to say at Tientsin in 1861.’ Carlson joins the new Russian Bank—Bland the Shanghai Municipal Council—and Pym will go to Fearon & Co. probably:” even three of my bandboys getting $ 6 @ $ 8 here have left me to join the Tientsin Band where they get $12. I cannot blame any of them—and I wish them all success: but it’s a sign of the times, and I should not be sorry if a lot of others found better openings. Yours truly, Robert Hart O’Conor

Lady Hart. 1. M. Kleczkowski, a Belgian major, became com- 2. Pym did not leave the Customs at this time. A missioner at Tientsin in 1861 under H.N. Lay, who few years later he became deputy commissioner at the same time deputed Hart to set up the cus- and died of cholera at Hankow in 1903. Carlson, toms house there. Kleczkowski was subsequently a Russian, had been in the Service only since 1890,

commissioner at Chinkiang, and died in August J.O.P. Bland since 1883. 1867.

Z/696 9 February 1896 [Red. April 1]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/977 came yesterday after an adventure with brigands and a week’s detention. Thanks for what you did re O’Sullivan—I have never seen him, but he has a lot of excellent recommendations from the Duke of Cambridge, Foreign Office, etc., and at the same time everybody fights shy of him for a shady reputation seems to follow and dog his footsteps.

[1051] FEBRUARY 1896

Customs people have been civil to him because he posed as intimate with Jim at Darjeeling and a great friend of his! The situation is not improving here, that Liaotung intervention having reversed everything:' at the critical moment England, which had always posed as the disinterested friend who had real interests at stake in China, stood aloof, while Russia and France, who had always been described as interested parties with no real interest to safeguard, helped China over the stile and turned back the enemy. | doubt if either accident or good management will change matters in our day! The Loan is not yet arranged, cheap money being still looked for; and the West River is not yet open. O’Conor was lucky to get out of it at the time he did: not even his activity could have prevented the drift of the day! The new man will have no easy task before him, but, as he was at H’kong in 1878-9, he will at all events be in touch with the foreign feeling towards China along the coast. It’s rather hard on the secretaries of Embassy and Legation to be passed over thus: but I doubt if any of them forced his personality on the F.O. to the extent of proving value or forbidding disregard. ““Vested rights” grown old are dusty and cobwebby—they lose the momentum that originally won the vantage ground, and then inertia shows its other face. Public business requires something more, and, though “‘new brooms” have their disadvantages, it is not enough to get too much into even the recognised and orthodox way of doing nothing. We are suffering from abnormally dry weather and it is feared the want of snow—only one inch this winter—will give bad crops and bad health by and by. Yours truly, Robert Hart O’Conor Ch’ing

Lady Hart 1. See letter 971n1. Japan signed an agreement to return Liaotung on November 8, 1895.

Z/697 16 February 1896 [Red. April 13]

Dear Campbell,

Li Hung Chang has got rid of the Japanese negotiation, having been appointed Special Envoy to Russia for the Coronation. He goes by the French Mail of 2nd April from Shanghai: takes Russian steamer at Port Said and goes thence via Constantinople to Odessa, where high officials will meet him and a special train take him to Moscow. After Russia he will do Berlin and Paris—and “‘perhaps” London. A large suite accompanies him and he will be the most remarkable personage and the most conspicuous person—also the most courted—at the grand ceremony. The great man is recovering lost ground and this trip will certainly open his eyes and make his last days pleasant—also it may benefit China. If he turns up in London bestir yourself to be of use to him.

[1052] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Detring has just come up; his daughters, Lucy and Dora, have been a fortnight with us— nice girls they are. He goes home by German Mail in April and will probably be with Zi in Germany at least. The situation here is not improving yet and I see no signs of better times: land and water and men and women, are here as usual, but there’s no systematic effort made to develop the resources of the first, or better the condition of the second: but indeed Chinese have their own ideas about all these things and don’t accept advice readily. Their great philosopher Chwang-tsze considers “doing nothing”’ to be “‘the great enjoyment’’, and the whole nation has assimilated the idea more or less. If it were not that all this affects our concerns so closely, one might find it rather admirable as practical philosophy, or see in it a reductio ad absurdum of philosophic teaching! It will be curious to watch how Li’s successors (Weng, Chang, and Wu of the Yamen)’ will handle and terminate the Japanese Commercial negotiation: just now the New Year holidays give them breathing time, but March will probably puzzle them. Keep up good relations with Ch ’ing: his R.C. training may have made him a bit of a Jesuit, but I think he’s Chinese at heart and also sees England is really China’s best and most disinterested friend. I hope your young people are all right again. Yours truly, Robert Hart Ch’ing

Lady Hart Swinton Mrs. Osborne 1. Weng T’ung-ho, Chang Yin-huan, and Wu T’ingfen.

Z,/698 25 February 1896 [Red. April 13]

Dear Campbell, I’ve been very seedy the last ten days—overworked brain and so stomach struck work! I

am now improving, but am very weak. Jim’s inability to return cannot be helped.’ I have , wired for Bredon, but don’t know his decision yet. I can’t hold on: I must get out of it! Lenclose note for O’Conor: send on please. Also Von Grot’s measurement figures, following Army Navy Stores List measurement sequence—wired about to-day.”

A Robert Hart Yours truly,

O’Conor

[1053] MARCH 1896

1. James Hart did not return to active duty in the Germany, France, Britain, and America, was a Customs, though he made a brief visit to Peking Russian who had been acting Chinese Secretary

later in 1896 (see letters 1042 and 1044). and was on leave during 1896. It is likely that the measurements were for a uniform to be worn at

2. Von Grot, who was one of five foreigners to the Russian coronation. accompany Li Hung-chang on his tour of Russia,

Z/699 1 March 1896

[Red. April 18]

Dear Campbell,

I have been seedy but am improving: the saliva returns to my mouth and I have now some appetite and can digest food. But I have had a shaking! I hope communication with Lord James will not rile O’Conor or Lord Salisbury.’ We English are nowhere here, and, unless accident does it, nothing but the loan and the thereby splitting of the financial grip will rehabilitate us. Russia’s last coup in Corea is clever and her pose—noble disinterestedness—is admirable.” I fear we shall see a Russian, French, Japanese and Chinese combination to control Eastern politics, etc. I wanted Jim or Bredon to come at once and relieve me: for J must stop work—although Pll hold on to the post. As Jim can’t come and Bredon wants to know conditions—which | can’t formulate where chance enters into the sphere of influence so largely—I must arrange otherwise: I shall presently bring up Hippisley—or, if he must have his leave (applied for), an American (perhaps Merrill). Brown is head over ears in work in Corea and doing well. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart O’Conor 1. Henry James, 1st Baron of Hereford, was from and kept a virtual captive in the palace (see letter 1895 to 1902 Chancellor of the Duchy of Lan- 992n1). After false rumors of uprisings in the caster. Campbell wrote that he had pointed out to countryside had divided the army, an attempt on Lord James the dangers inherent in a Russo-French February 11, 1896, succeeded, and the king with

loan. his loyal ministers fled to the Russian legation. His first acts were to dismiss the Japanese officials,

2. Russia tried secretly several times to rescue the some of whom he replaced by Russians, including

, Korean king after he was seized by the Japanese military instructors to train the Korean army.

[1054] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/700 8 March 1896

[Red. April 18]

Dear Campbell,

We’ve had a queer week! One day we thought the Hosewoo mutineers would be on us, and the next it looked as if Russia and France would have all the Loans and control—not only Customs, but—China.’ Absent a month from Yamen I went up on 6th and was badly received, but Gérard followed me and was violent and an hour after the Yamen Ministers sent and put things in my hands and the next morning (the 7th) I had the thing settled and a despatch written to G. saying his negotiation was at an end and loan aid not wanted. If H’kong Bank rejects the £94 bargain, we must try B/E. At any rate I never worked faster or to more or better purpose—for it saves the whole situation and rescues China from the grip of the Liaotung friends. The Secretary who came to me on the night of the 6th said that I had arrived just in the nick of time and said the very thing that screwed up the Yamen to the point of resisting G.: had I not been at Yamen before him, Yamen would have given way or got deeper into the mud. Of couse we’re not out of the wood yet and Gérard will do what he can to make trouble: Cassini, too, is against the English touching the Loan, and Weng, the Emperor’s tutor, still thinks he could find for 44% all the money China wants at par. As payment is due to Japan early in May I hope Yamen will now treat business as business, and not go in for, or be led a wild goose chase by, fads. One thing I am certain of: the Germans resent the big charges by which the H’kong Bank has blocked and delayed business, and I am also sure that—peace existing and security ample—underwriting and its expenses could be dispensed with were Loan issued by a big responsible Bank: after all the H’kong Bank is rather a “‘provincial’’ institution and is not on the first line. Tientsin has paid half the soldiers’ claims and quieted the Hosewoo men, but at Kao-chiao (Yuan-shih K’ai’s drill ground: Y. used to be Chinese Resident in Corea) there is also disturbance and uneasiness. Fact is officialdom in China is so rotten anywhere, that, without radical and complete change, the country will always be in difficulties! My health improves but I can’t sleep at night: I shall probably bring Hippisley here as Chief Secretary and be off either for a run, or on leave placing him and Chinese Secretary (possibly Merrill) in charge. I can’t sleep, as said above, and my head is hurting my body! Yours truly, Robert Hart

Mrs. Tate . Lady Hart

Miss Hughes

Miss Taylor Price Agien Mrs. van Hanneken Daae Miss de Noidans 2 de Berniéres in separate envelope

[1055] MARCH 1896

1. The Franco-Russian loan of 1895 for the first loan, which he considered would end in Russian payment of indemnity to the Japanese was con- and French bankers absorbing all China’s financial sidered a clear victory for those countries. O’Conor business, even to the collection of the Customs had protested vehemently to the Yamen but to no revenues. See letter 1013 for his summary of the avail. Hart’s aim now was to forestall a second such _ final episodes.

Z/701 15 March 1896 [Red. April 28]

hat! ‘ Dear Campbell,

The Loan agreement went through without hitch and was formally signed on the 11th. Gérard tried to stop it but failed, and then, when it was done, took the sympathic and plaintive tone—“‘Dear me—94! Why did you not let me do it? I could have done better, etc!” Yamen thought this unfair—“‘Why say it now? Why did you not do it before?” London and Berlin news is reassuring, and I hope all will now go well. The latest Russo-French craze is at Foochow where the two Consuls are trying to prevent the club-boy from wearing an official

Chang has taken up the Japanese Commercial Treaty negotiation—no easy task.’ In Corea the king has all but made Brown Finance Minister—I expect he’ll yet be Prime Minister in fact and do great things there. Although lazy, he’s an uncommonly able man! I am scattering my present staff: they do not quite suit me now that I have to knock off work a bit: I shall probably have Hippisley, Merrill and Schoenicke for Chief, Chinese, and Audit Secs.

That telegram for Bredon which I sent you ought to have gone forward to him at once: any later was too late for my purpose—so I did not say more about it. Von Brandt is recovering and was moved to British Legation—not German—yesterday to convalesce. I don’t think either he or other projectors succeeded in doing anything, however much they may have talked and written. Dunlop is again gone. Tell Rendel there was absolutely nothing for him to do: Chinese Government is penniless for the moment and cannot build or buy, and next year when the full strain of indemnity payments begins to be felt the official world will have to face some of the real difficulties of domestic finance. So far they do not feel anything: they have only been successful borrowers! Yamen Ministers told D. they can’t do anything now, but later on they'll build cruisers and give the business to Armstrong & Co. Your Z/982, 3, 4, have all arrived. Thanks for “Stamps” literature, etc.! Yamen is exasperating: they—the riders—rush their horses and then themselves refuse the jump! So “Stamps” again hang fire, and the Post Office Memorial, although ready a week ago, has not yet been laid before the Emperor. In addition to Guernier and d’Anjou there is a young fellow named Bouinais—son of Jim’s Tonkin Frontier Military colleague: Col. B. has just died and the widow asks for a nomination—I enclose her letter for you to see the lad and communicate with her—if promising we could take him on although young: if not up to the mark of promise, tell her he’s too young etc.” If you have no Russians yet, perhaps Von Grot can help you: he has turned out excel-

lent, and Von Rautenfeld is very promising.* Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1056] THE LG. IN PEKING

Mde. Korostovetz O’Conor Lady Hart Sir. J. Walsham

Lady ” ;

Mde. Bouinais

1. Chang Yin-huan. 3. P.B. von Rautenfeld, a Russian, joined the Customs in October 1893.

2. A.P.A. Bouinais did enter the Customs Service,

but not until February 1898. See letter 1082.

Z/702 22 March 1896

[Red. April 28]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/986 of 7th Feb. arrived yesterday. James Maze is, I fear, a lunatic or next door to being so: and I am sorry for himself and his family. He has no authority to use my name and I cannot undertake any responsibility for anything he does: thanks for the advice you gave Mr. Hill!’ Have you the Government Prospectus of that American Popular Loan? If so, I should like

to see it.

As to our £16,000,000 Loan, it only came into my hands at eight o’clock on the evening of the 6th March, and, as H’kong Bank and German Bank had withdrawn their offer (or themselves, which in the eyes of the Yamen, came to the same thing) over a month before, and the French Legation was manipulating the business to the exclusion of all others, J was free to take it wherever I pleased. | decided to give the refusal to the Anglo-German Syndicate and so offered it to Hillier and Schenck at 9 A.M. on the morning of the 7th, and, they very speedily assented: and I had the preliminary understanding signed and in my pocket before tiffin time! All has gone well since and we’ll sign the definitive contract tomorrow—a Chinese “lucky” day. Tell Cameron this and say Hillier has acted very smartly and courageously in the matter: the H’kong Bank would have lost the business had he not done so!? The Yamen memorialized and the Imperial Decree establishing an Imperial National Post was issued on the 20th: it has not yet been sent on to me, but is coming.” So, at last, after 30 years talking and 20 experimenting, the Post will be a fact in my day: but there are various difficulties around and ahead and I shall proceed quietly, warily, and cautiously, and develop slowly and safely. No hurry! I have wired appointments for a son of Douglas’s and another of Simpson’s. I hope the 3 Russ, 3 Fr. and 3 Gr. are being found by you. Did Greville’s man (d’ Anjou) communicate? The demand for men now that I have to take Soochow, Hangchow, Shasi, and even Ssu-Mao in hand, rather upsets me, and, as I cannot send families to these new places, the marriage fever which has victimised so many of our non-commissioners handicaps my deserving men fearfully. I think Ludlow will come just in time for Ssu-Mao: wonder how he'll like it? Hobson detests Yatung!* Woodruff can’t stand C’king! Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1057] MARCH 1896

P.S. [ have not had time yet to open Hutchins’ three big covers by last three mails! Lady Hart Miss Bush

Mrs. Hocken 1. R.H. Hill was a banker, at one time director of treaty ports. Neither did it provide an approprithe Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. ation from the treasury for the development of the new institution; the Post Office was to cover its

2. Hart’s confidence in the future of the foreign own expenses, and eventually yield a profit. The inspectorate was buoyed by the inclusion in the burden of the decree, in short, was to grant to the Anglo-German loan agreement on March 23 of a fledgling post the right of open competition. statement that it was to run for thirty-six years, For Hart’s earlier attempts at expanding the during which the Customs administration was to Customs postal service into a national system, see “continue as at present.” On the earlier stages of letters 184n3, 574n2, and 908. loan negotiation, see letter 1011 and nl. 4. Ludlow, who had been on a two-year leave and 3. The Imperial Decree, dated March 20, 1896, au- was due in China on April 30, 1896, resigned with-

thorized an imperial post for all of China, to be out returning. It was not he but F.A. Carl who organized on Western lines under the management opened Szemao on November 12, 1896.

of Hart, who thus became Inspector General of Hobson’s reaction to Yatung was echoed by Customs and Posts. The decree did not, however, Morse, as late as 1921, when he termed it “a treaty

abolish the J Chan or official post (see letter port with no inhabitants and collecting no reve158n3), or the private letter-carrying hongs, or the nue.” foreign postal agencies established at many of the

Z/703 29 March 1896 [Red. May 16]

Dear Campbell,

Loan finally signed 23rd: Hsi Yamen secretary, appointed Taotai C’foo: Edict establishing Postal Service—such have been the week’s chief occurrences. Rumour again says Gérard is going: I’d rather have him here than in Paris—he’s uncommonly clever and active and if he becomes Political Director at the Quai d’Orsay he’ll play my cards and make mischief! We’re wondering how England will get out of all her troubles: the last news, that Turkey objects to the Dongola expedition and is getting Russia, France and Germany to take the same view, is full of menace: but doubtless we’ll emerge all right, and probably the U.S. will

be with us.’ :

J wired to put £25,000 in the 5% Loan: the work I did on the 6th and 7th was really an event in the history, not only of the Customs, but of China—and all connected with China! The Postal business came too late in the day to be to my taste: but it is a good thing and I shall have the starting of it, and “‘modestly and slowly” will be my motto! I wish Hippisley were up here to take the work from me:? I am living in fear of breaking down, and, while I am neglecting hosts of things that ought to be attended to, the others that will not allow themselves to be neglected are so many, so varied, and so important, that my strength is taxed and no twenty-four hours enough for what has to be put in them. Kopsch—Stat. Sec.—will have much to do in Postal matters: he has paid more attention to the subject than any others, but, unfortunately, since he got spilt in his dogcart he has been shaken and is more or less an invalid.> A new man from home would be worse than useless, for, while foreign requirements will have to be responded to and worked up to, most impor-

[1058] THE I.G. IN PEKING

tant it is, and will be, to conciliate Chinese feeling and dovetail with Chinese methods, possibilities and exigencies—three things no new-comer would understand or stand! Your 966 has just come in and is being deciphered: I think of Ludlow for Szemao at the top of the Mekong, i.e. if single. 1 am perplexed about all these new places—the experienced men are married and unavailable, and the unmarried are either inexperienced or junior—but, of course, service wants and not seniority must guide! Von Brandt has been seriously ill—typhoid fever—but is up and convalescent. He’s off in ten days and I think has done nothing: he ought never to have [come] on such an errand! I suppose Sir C. MacDonald will be here before this day month; but I suppose it will be a case of “Liu-yveh-lai, Liu-yveh ch’, Kuo-chia shih-wu hai chao chiu”’ (The Sixth Prince comes, and the Sixth Prince goes, and the Emperor’s business goes on—as before!) Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. J.H. Hart Mde. Mondrelle M’lle. de Berniéres Price, W. 1. On March 12 the British, alarmed because Ital- ment as chief secretary, Peking, began on April 22,

ian collapse in Ethiopia meant the end of the but he had arrived there by the nineteenth (see British system for protecting the Nile on the east, letter 1016). advanced on Dongola as a first move in the recon-

quest of the Sudan. The actual capture of Dongola 3. Kopsch, statistical secretary since October 1891,

took place under Kitchener in September. was Officially appointed postal secretary on July 1, 1896, and managed both offices concurrently dur2. Hippisley, commissioner at Shanghai since 1894, ing the following year. officially finished there on March 25. His appoint-

Z/704 12 April 1896

[Red. May 25]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/986—989 and 990 all arrived. I have been so pressed for men that I have had to promote to Indoor some half a dozen Outdoor men and make a few local appointments, including young Hayley Bell (on probation). I have wired to you to take J. Woulfe Flanagan (well recommended) at the L.O. on probation: he is perhaps over the age, but has been waiting a couple of years.’ Ludlow’s resignation disconcerted me: I was expecting him out and would have sent him to Szemao as Commissioner. I’m sorry Smith is so ill: but his mother bore him when in the last stage of consumption and the wonder is he lasted so long! Postal Circular out and first set of Regulations—a mere skeleton of work.” Yaman is sending despatch to Kung to hand to Swiss Minister in London: it says you represent me in Europe and will answer all questions. I shall avoid employing new men—to steer clear of

[1059] APRIL 1896

international questions and Legation interference, but shall presently probably ask Berne for the loan of one or two experienced union clerks. “Stamps’’, too, must wait a bit. _ | don’t think Lang will be asked for and indeed, if wise, China would not spend a penny on ships for years to come. She should first train officers! Considering that that 5% Loan is already at 101%, I think I might safely have asked for 95 or even 96 net! Thanks for the confidential memo. It is perhaps well to have such a thing at hand; but really I don’t see why it should be called “‘confidential’’. I think it is a mistake to commit anything to writing or print and style it “private” or “‘confidential’’, for those words excite curiosity and give point to what might otherwise be passed as object-less or meaning-less by the other side or hostile party! And this particular document seems a bald précis of what is in print and public elsewhere. H’kong and S’hai are preparing suggestions for MacDonald’s guidance, which I fear will be posers! I am just wiring to invest the Gold Balance £600,000 in purchase of 5% Bonds up to J0J: H’kong Bank to treat money and transaction in I.G. Account D. Gérard has had no official news yet of the “Political Director” appointment. He is worrying Yamen about Lungchow Railway, and Cassini is doing do over a Chefoo Wharf affair—he wants to take a thirty years established Britisher’s frontage for a new Russian’s wharf, and in fact is insisting on it!* “Save me from my friends” the Yamen begins to say! Clark and Spinney refuse Szemao and now Morse is considering it.* It will be an important post in the future.

Awtully busy! | Yours truly, Robert Hart

Snow falling, after some days of trying heat followed by a horrible snap of cold!

PS. Can you find the Blue Book or Parliamentary Paper containing Wade’s despatch to 12/4/96 F.O. explaining why he did not include Post and Mint in Chefoo Agreement of Z/704 1876? I remember seeing it in a short despatch saying that both were for China herself to deal with and did not concern foreign powers, and it appeared several years after the Chefoo Convention—I think in a “China paper’’ which had not a blue back to it. I cannot now find it, and I want three copies. R.H.

Lady Hart 1. Francis Hayley Bell, son of the head of Adam- 1896, was entitled “Chinese Imperial Post: inauguson, Bell & Co., was born in Shanghai in 1877 and rated by Imperial Decree.” To it Hart appended an entered the Customs on April 1, 1896. He had a English version of the regulations set before the long career in the Service, ending as non-resident Emperor in the Yamen’s memorial—necessarily secretary in London in 1931. In a famous episode brief, an outline “‘of a programme yet to be filled long after Hart’s day it was he who was in charge in.” As always, Hart’s concern was to proceed of the Tientsin office when it was seized by B.L. slowly, to “‘avoid friction in respect of whatever

Simpson (Putnam Weale) in 1930. might hurt deserving people’s livelihoods” and to

Flanagan was O’Conor’s nominee (see letter avoid embarrassment to incumbent officials. Thus

1026). for the moment he appointed no new personnel,

rather making each port a Postal Union station and 2. Circular No. 706 (second series), dated April 9, each port commissioner a postal commissioner, in

[1060] THE I.G. IN PEKING

communication with the port’s Chinese superin- 4. In the absence of a foreign concession, foreign

tendent. landholders at ports like Chefoo claimed the right

to preempt land accreted to their property by ac3. The letter, dated April 17, 1896, and delivered tion of the sea, and pay land tax on it to the Chito the Swiss ambassador by Kung Chao-ytian in nese authorities. A British landholder at Chefoo London, informed the Conseil Fédéral Suisse of (Fergusson) was however denied this right by the the establishment of the Chinese Imperial Post and taotai, who then sold the accreted foreshore to a of China’s intention formally to join the Interna- Russian. The legal complexities were compounded tional Postal Union as soon as postal organization by a show of Russian naval force. See letters 1022 was sufficiently perfected. Campbell had been in and 1035. Berne in 1893 to lay the groundwork (see letter

877). 5. Morse’s next post was not Szemao but Lungchow.

Z/705 19 April 1896 [Red. June 7]

Dear Campbell,

I have only to-day found time to open and read the covers which came from Hutchins in your letters Z/983, 985, 986, containing Will in triplicate, Analysis, and three letters from Hutchins. I hope to study and sign this week, for, now that Hippisley has arrived, I feel easier, although work to be attended to by myself is still very heavy. Yamen’s Loan business and investments are a nuisance but have to be carefully handled, and there are novel questions and new issues pouring in from every side: the Liaotung intervention put Russia into a terribly commanding position, and the acceptance of that favour demonstrated, accentuated, and increased China’s weakness to such a pitch that Russia has only to hint she’ll stand aside and let Japan work her will elsewhere to get anything! I am doing my best to stiffen China’s back a bit and with some success, but I know she’ll collapse the minute Cassini shows his teeth or Gérard frowns. You may guess my anxiety! MacDonald ought to be here in a week. The newspapers have been enlarging on him—new departure, strong policy, no nonsense, etc.—with a bad effect, for Legations and Yamen will all be forewarned, forearmed, and needlessly irritated and hostile before he appears even. His own utterances too at H’kong and S’hai have not been as colourless as would have been wise. H’kong Government made a mess of Li’s visit and sent him off angry and indignant: he 7] probably scold Her Majesty! 1 wonder why Macartney goes to Port Said—probably to accompany Li to Constantinople and run him there with Currie: but Li professes to be angry with and dislike M.—still he’ll use him all the same.’ Weather very trying here—cold, raw, damp, and uncertain. Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Beauclerk

"Gibbon 1. Macartney went to Port Said to meet Li on Li was traveling aboard a steamer of the Russian instructions from the Tsungli Yamen, which in- Volunteer Fleet which had arranged to stop at tended that he should be attached to Li’s embassy. Suez for a day, but instead it steamed on through

[1061] APRIL 1896

the canal and was on its way to Odessa the very Sir Philip Currie was on the China desk at the day Macartney arrived at Port Said. Speculation Foreign Office at this time. was that the Yamen’s intention had leaked out.

Z/706 26 April 1896 [Red. June 7]

Dear Campbell,

Z/991 and 992 arrived 17th and 24th April. They refer to Loan business chiefly—an old story now—and require no further attention. How lucky I went to the Yamen that Friday! And how lucky again that I acted so quickly and boldly! A Yamen Minister told me yesterday that had I not settled things myself on Saturday morning, interminable discussions at Yamen and mutual shiftings of responsibility would have spoiled all: I can tell you I was glad when the final contract was signed! I sent off 831 at 9 A.M. on Saturday and 830 about noon: I expected both to reach you before Bank’s telegrams could arrive. The matter still occupies Peking for to-day I have to sign the Bonds—without which in their possession the Banks will not hand over the proceeds. Cassini never referred to the loan with me but Gérard discussed it calmly and is very affable and nice—which makes me all the more uneasy about his plans, intentions, and doings. He studied at Oxford and Cambridge for special purposes and has been much in literary society, having known Max Muller, Mark Pattison, Froude, Ruskin, Neale, Walter Pater (whom he admires excessively), Carlyle, etc., and when in America was much in Boston and made a pilgrimage to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s, etc. I hate to talk business with him because he’s always on the look-out to make something by it, but otherwise he’s a most charming man to be with and his French is beautiful. I like Cassini, however, as a man much better. Just now this last is worrying the Yamen over that Chefoo foreshore business and is most obstinate and unreasonable—probably coached by Gérard. The Yamen is afraid to come to any decision: what will England do if, to please Russia, China ignores British front-lot owners’ rights over water? And if China refuses to yield to Russia, will Russia tell Japan she has a free hand to expedite commercial negotiation—which goes on slower than a snail’s pace— and to do as she pleases away from Liaotung? It’s a case of “The lady or the tiger’! —and we don’t know what effect will follow any decision. I advised Yamen to place matter in hands of diplomatic corps (seeing its solution affects everybody) through the doyen Denby, and to show me the draft letter: they went ahead of me, for, approving of my idea, they wrote to Denby (not showing me the letter) asking him as doyen to settle dispute, and I fear that, Cassini not consulted, Denby simply cannot arbitrate; for that’s what Yamen’s incomplete note seems to call for.? The Yamen is completely demoralised. I am tempted by the price of Consols to sell out! Bruce’s heart trouble has again appeared and he must go home—Peking is the worst place possible for any such weakness. I am far from well myself—but it would never do to run away now! Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1062] THE I.G. IN PEKING

P.S. Reuter says Li is at Port Said; wonder if von Grot’s uniform got there in time! Lady Hart 1. Frank R. Stockton’s story of this title concerns thor ends by asking, the lady or the tiger? a young courtier who dared to love the princess,

whereupon the king condemned him to a trial: 2. Charles Denby, U.S. Minister to China from confinement in an arena with two closed doors, 1885 to 1898, had an unusually long tenure, behind one of which waited a beautiful lady of the spanning three presidential administrations (Clevecourt, behind the other a ravenous tiger. From the land’s first and second terms, and Harrison’s). By princess he received a secret signal to open the seniority he was dean of the diplomatic body. right-hand door. What was waiting there, the au-

Z/707 10 May 1896

[Red. June 22]

Dear Campbell,

I have had a very busy fortnight, and far from a happy one. The Loan jumble gave me a lot of trouble and Bruce’s health frightened me: also the Chefoo frontage case, in which the Russians, conned by Gérard, are repeating the Kyiang-Heng doings of last year and ignoring England completely. Your Z/993 and 994 arrived 28th April and 6th May.

Yamen heard indirectly that F.O. had sanctioned Tibet delimitation postponement: hence question—which I thought O’C. could have answered. By the by, his way of putting the chargé’s case before Lord S. may have done the unfortunate B. more harm than good.’ Schenck is to be replaced by Hevking.* What does this mean? Is Germany displeased with S.’s doings? Von Brandt was not taken in by S. and was given the cold shoulder generally, and he said that S. had not made the most of the situation (Russian-German-French Liaotung intervention) in favour of Germany: had he anything to do with this change? Or does H.’s appointment mean a Franco-German policy in Egypt and the East? I have been near throwing up and escorting Bruce home: but it would not be fair to China or Service to disappear thus suddenly and without warning—and so I stay. He is off on 12th from here and on 22nd from S’hai by “Karlsruhe” to Southampton. I wish him to have good advice on arrival and follow it: I think some months’ perfect quiet in the country would be best—exercise of a jerky kind and worry and emotion all damage him and his heart. I am very grieved and very anxious! The doctor says there is the hope that if he keeps quiet he may grow out of it—but I am afraid of heart failure. Well—we all have our share of sorrow and joy, and nobody has a monopoly of either! I feel as if my life had been wasted—China, the country I served, in such a fix, and Bruce, the dear boy I worked for, in this distressing condition! We are in great straits everywhere for capable office hands, and S’hai badly wants a Deputy Commissioner—active and energetic and capable—I am thinking of wiring for King.*

[1063] MAY 1896

How does Flanagan promise? de Berniéres is in great wrath over the French nominations but didn’t he go beyond his text, both in matter and speed?

. Yours truly, Robert Hart

P.S. 10.5.96 Thanks for all the “Stamp” papers you sent. They do not quite meet my requirements however, although all will be useful later on: what I am aiming at is to produce a simple programme—something like my Postal Regulations—for China to introduce this kind of taxation. R.H.

Lady Hart O’Conor (Foreign Office Bag?) Elmore Jem 1. B, the chargé, was Hart’s son-in-law Beauclerk. 3. Paul H. King, who had been an assistant in the O’Conor apparently put in a word for him to Lord London Office, returned to China in time to begin

Salisbury. his duty as deputy commissioner at Shanghai on November 1, 1896.

2. Baron von Heyking served as German minister in Peking from 1896 to 1899.

Z/708 17 May 1896

[Red. June 25]

Dear Campbell,

Bruce left on the 12th and ought to get past Taku to-day and be near Hongkong this day week: I think the steamer ‘“‘Karlsruhe”’ is due at Southampton about 7th July. I enclose a cover for him containing a cheque: kindly send it to him as soon as you know of his arrival. After a week’s rest at Brighton he should see the doctor (?Buzzard) and take his advice generally and more especially as regards residence for the next three or four months. Your Z/993, 994, and 995 all received. China will have to borrow more money—from ten to sixteen millions I fear and what security she can offer is a big question: Customs will be pledged up to 16,000,000 taels a year or 4/5 of available collection, and, as lenders do not accept full value as guarantee, but only eight or nine tenths, our borrowing power seems at an end. The question is serious and we are discussing it seriously. I was yesterday asked if I'd take charge of Native Opium inland and it is possible that it, native customs at ports, Likin, Salt, will one and all be offered. I think France and Russia are trying to get hold of the working of the inland revenue for China, in return for which she may be easy about all money matters: if the Chinese swallow this bait the next step will be tantamount to annexation! I wish I were twenty years younger: now I am old and used up and work begins to try

[1064] THE I.G. IN PEKING

me seriously, and it’s a pity if I have to withdraw just as outside necessities and inward confidence drive these people to come to me to do the right thing for them. The Chinese Revenue stamp is very neat: it is the real first step towards “Stamp Duties”’.' I am sorry Smith’s condition is bad, but I always expected it knowing what his mother was. And I am sorry too that Douglas and Simpson have failed at simply “qualifying” examinations. I am promoting various Outdoor men: they will be useful in subordinate positions in the offices and having joined on dollar pay they will not feel any sterling grievance. Bocher is Billot’s cousin! Howard is the Tidesurveyor’s son—also Kindblad and young de Berigny’s friends have all been wanting an Indoor position for him.” I am also sorry Ludlow has broken down: I wanted him for Szemao or Yatung, and, as it is, ] am making him Commissioner to let him retire with that rank—he was a capital Private Secretary! I have wired to you for King. He will probably find himself Deputy Commissioner at S’hai on arrival—that’s a considerable step, but I fear it will make a hole in the sterling pay he drew in London!° Aglen is doing well at Tientsin where there is much work and some nasty questions, and where the staff is weak and new. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Bruce Curzon Lady Walsham M. Maze

1. See letter 723n1. A stamp duty was not autho- A.E. Kindblad, Swedish, joined in September

rized by imperial edict until 1902. 1894 as a watcher; he “‘resigned and rejoined”’ in December 1895 as 4th assistant B.

2. G. Bocher, French, entered the Customs in C.W. de Bérigny, British, had been an examiner 1894 as a third class tidewaiter and in 1896 was on the Outdoor Staff since 1886. shifted to the Indoor Staff.

W.C.G. Howard joined the Outdoor Staff as a 3. The staff in the London Office was paid in Entidewaiter in 1892 and was transferred to a proba- glish pounds; Customs personnel in China were tionary assistantship at Tientsin in February 1897. paid in haikuan taels (silver). _

Z/709 24 May 1896 [Red. July 7]

Dear Campbell,

It’s Sunday morning again and the clock strikes ten: I have been hammering away here on current business since seven! In fact all this last week I have come to my desk before 7% A.M. and on the 20th I was in the office here (tiffin excepted) from 7 A.M. to 7% P.M.—a stiff day’s work, and I never felt better than when it was over!

[1065] MAY 1896

The Chefoo jetty business is beginning to “boil over’ and some fingers will be scalded before we are done with it; Reuter and the Press took it up too soon, and the Russian Legation now stands to its guns and defends its proceedings—and, an ugly feature, begins to assume an attitude as daring anybody to interfere! On the top of this we are to have the Queen’s Birthday fete tomorrow and the Russian Convention fete the day after: the Emperor by Edict yesterday ordered all officers to wear full uniform on the 26th—this is in honour of Russia and means much: it is suspected here that Li has done a stroke of business at St. Petersburg and that Russia has said “Fear nobody—we are your friends we’ll see you through!” What I long feared is apparently coming: China, between Russia in the north and France in the south, is going to walk arm in arm with them: what will that lead to? Much trouble for England to begin with, but in the end a something which will recoil on Russia and France and sweep them both out of the East! Not in our day of course this last, but by the time 2100 comes round the “‘yellow race” will be on its legs again—and then look out! Your Z/996 arrived 21st. I believe Gérard remains here while Cassini runs home. The Kyiang-Heng and Chefoo affairs are all G.’s doing and they are cunningly contrived—to test England’s temper, to tempt her by smallness of interests involved to sacrifice principle and swallow the insult, to damage her prestige accordingly in Eastern eyes, to irritate her into seeking compensation, to drive her to seek that compensation from China, and thus to make China angry with England and force her actively into the arms of Russia and France! It is very Gérardic, cunningly devised, and so far working admirably—for the other party: unless 7

we fight and win, we are badly hurt! .

I am sorry for Smith’s health and Simpson’s failure. Would the second Simpson boy pass I wonder? I wonder de B. gave you a non-English speaking man!’ No room for Mr. Newman. Bruce ought to be in H’kong tonight. It’s again raining here—raw and chilly and I fear the doings of the 25th and 26th will be spoiled by the wet.

Yours truly,

Robert Hart :

Lady Hart Ludlow 1. Bertram Lenox Simpson was the second son of had been asked to recommend some French reClare Lenox Simpson, then commissioner at Swa- cruits. tow. See letter 1028n1. De B. is de Berniéres, who

Z/710 31 May 1896

[Red. July 12]

Dear Campbell,

Yours 17th April arrived 27th May. You go to too much trouble recapitulating your telegrams in your letters: discontinue please: things are for the most part either dead and buried, or walking about on their own legs by the time letters arrive!

[1066] THE I.G. IN PEKING | Hillier’s successor Bruce of the H’kong Bank tells me London is wiring about a Russian Railway concession and a French Eight Million Loan.’ Such a thing is extremely likely, for the Chinese will do whatever the Russians and French suggest. So far these two powers have let off China easily, but she is in their clutches and must obey them! I fear there will be danger for us—the Customs—in any further French Loan: but I can’t help it! There’s no use going to the H’kong Bank again: they’re in the hands of the underwriters and cannot beat other competitors—Gérard considers 4% high interest, and, with the command the French Government has over banks etc., I shall not be surprised if China—in return for favours—gets the money at 3%! The whole situation is exasperating beyond belief, and China is proud of it rather than otherwise—with her ostrich-head in the sand, confound her! I can’t tell you how it riles me to have stuck out here so long simply to grow this Customs establishment—for another power—into whose open waiting mouth it will fall like a “ripe pear’’ one of these days, and to see China in the end in the hands of Russia and France after all the warnings I have sent to England about the trend of occurrences during the last twenty years! Well: let’s be philosophical—God’s hand is on the helm, and what is is best! H’kong wires Bruce’s party passed through all right 26th. I suppose he’s in England ere you read this—to get over his heart trouble he must be quiet and careful in his way of living for three or four years: impress this on him if you have the chance, please!

We are gradually getting the office here into shape again but we’ll not be in full working trim before July. Although revenue is not growing much, work is awfully heavy at every port: competition and quick steamer despatch take it out of us everywhere! Telegrams, too, are killing—demanding immediate attention and from every quarter and about every kind of thing—this month of May I see I have signed for 96 i.e. 3 every day! I like Sir Claude MacDonald: we get on well together—but what is there to be done? Nothing can be done for England or English interests that will not irritate and alienate China and throw her still more into the arms of the anti-English Party! Yours truly, Robert Hart

PS. Is Lady Hart at Cadogan Place or in lodgings? O’Conor said she had let her house: was it so—is it so?

R.H.

Lady Hart Mde. Mondrelle 1. Following the strain of the Anglo-German loan, the bank in its official relations with the Chinese Guy Hillier lost his eyesight, and it is likely thathe | government and in its negotiations for future

returned to England for treatment. Though blind loans. during the rest of his life, he returned to represent

[1067]. JUNE 1896

Z/711 7 June 1896

[Red. July 20]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/997 of 24 April came 2nd June. By the way two 996’s arrived, first dated 10th and second 17th April. I have not touched the Lang affair because the Legation was handling it and as the Yamen was not responding very enthusiastically it was best for me to keep out of it.’ Lang upset our coach when he left, just as Govt. did, when, after intervening to stop Japan in Corea, it held back when the Liaotung intervention put everything in Russia’s hands. The C’foo telegram was not for Rendel, but was to keep you informed and prepared for possible instructions later on: this affair is not settled yet and Russia seems bent on having her own way there. The French are now following suit on the eastern side of the Yentai hill? where while the Taotai protests they are running their walls seawards and enclosing the public beach: by “following suit” I mean making trouble, for they are simply doing what Fergusson & Co. did but in an objectionable way—they claim to high water mark, but, instead of leaving a public road, as F. & Co. did, along the water’s edge, they stop beach traffic: probably a dodge of Gérard’s, who is extremely clever in the way he makes use of deeds—not words—in logical syllogisms of an international and diplomatic kind. He’s a delightful little cuss—a man of wonderful culture and uncommon craft: whom you can scarcely kick without applauding and whom you can’t applaud without wanting to kick! Noble’s telegram from H’kong re “earnest desire for Lang’s return” was, I fear, anybody’s idea but the Chinese Government’s! That Simpson’s vision should be “‘too defective” is surprising: his failure will be an awful blow to Mrs S.! As to Flanagan—I don’t want him for anything but office work: so his “‘probation”’ must determine his future—if not satisfactory in the office, he’ll not suit us. I wish you had those Russians on the way out: I am really in want of them! Hippisley, Merrill and Brazier® are now here and getting into their respective saddles: so I hope the office will soon be in proper condition again. I am putting as much work as I can into the hands of Hippisley and thus trying to free myself and also introduce another prop under the roof to Keep it up if J disappear. As regards policy—facts should be looked in the face: we cannot stop—we cannot snuff out Russia, and the best thing for England would be a friendly understanding with that big power. Li is probably arranging a Russo-Chinese compact: it is being done very secretly: Weng ciphers and deciphers the telegrams and nobody can get at their contents here, but one can infer that Russia and China will now work together, and that China will always and in all things follow Russia’s lead and do what Russia wants, and that, when in trouble, Russia will see China through.* Opposition to this will only harden the material: best chip in and join the pair! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Bruce Hart

[1068] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

1. In February 1896 an attempt was made through Kiukiang, became on May 1, 1896, acting assistant the Foreign Office and the British Legation to in- secretary at the Inspectorate General in Peking. duce Lang, then commanding the Devonport Fleet Reserves, to return to China to help in the reorga- 4. A secret treaty had indeed been concluded in

nization of a Chinese Navy. Russia and Japan Moscow on June 3, 1896, by Li Hung-chang and both opposed such an extension of British influ- Prince Lobanov, Russia’s foreign minister, and ence, and it came to nothing, though Lang went so Count Witte, Russian finance minister. The treaty far as to submit a detailed plan. As late as Septem- provided for: mutual assistance in the event of Jaber 11, 1896, the North China Herald ran an item panese aggression, and no separate peace agreeto the effect that Captain Lang had come up to ment with the enemy without mutual consent; the London to confer with Li Hung-chang (on his way use of Chinese ports by Russian warships in an home to China from Russia) on the proposal that emergency; construction by Russia of a railway he should again become commander-in-chief. through Heilungkiang and Kirin to Vladivostok, the line to be used by Russia in transporting 2. Yen-t’ai was the Chinese name of the port troops and supplies. The treaty was to be in effect

called Chefoo by foreigners. for fifteen years from the effective date of the railway contract.

3. J.R. Brazier, who had been [st assistant A at

Z/712 14 June 1896

[Red. July 21]

Dear Campbell,

The Simpsons will be dreadfully shocked over their boy’s failure and I shall not be sorry if the papers and written report help me to overrule your decision. Some of the men that pass turn out very poor “‘critters”, and some that could never pass prove to have the right stuff in them. I am surprised at King feeling ““down” after such a holiday as he has had—four years in the L.O.! And equally surprised at his taking the Red Sea route in July for “rest’’. I hope he’s not coming out an invalid, for my chief reason for summoning him is my belief in his activity and energy. I have again been asked to take Native Opium in hand and—consented; but it will be no easy job for it extends our work over all China, will be disliked by officials and people and will take years to getting into anything like efficient condition.’ As I said before—if I had only twenty years’ more work in me, or, better if I was twenty years younger, I might now look forward to doing something big and being really useful: so far all I have done has been to keep the Customs on its legs and go on widening its base at every chance and so securing stability—now I might build, but ““Helas!” that’s for other men to do! I’m close on sixty-two and I doubt much if I shall see 7900 in. Fortunately I am in good condition “mens sana in corpore sano”’, and being 62, have no right whatever to complain—and I don’t: I only say “If’—but Heaven, although giving men a new chance of choosing at every step, holds them irrevocably to a choice once made and to all its consequences.

Your Z/998 came 9th June, but the Landed Property Lists have not turned up yet. I wired a longish hint to Jim re Macartney yesterday: it’s better to ride in on the crest of the wave—

, there being only one wave—than to waste time and strength in building a breakwater to keep it out! And as Li’s doings are not going to be specially successful seemingly, it may not be bad policy to be able to saddle another with whatever failure has to be recorded. The Bank’s demand to make a previous agreement accord with a subsequent prospectus, was outrageous:

[1069] JUNE 1896

I hid the mismanagement as much as possible from Yamen, but it was positively sickening! The B/E must be governed by people as excruciatingly pigheaded as the H’kong Bank lot are careless: I did not ask them fo float a loan in that telegram, but simply to say (supposing everything else in apple pie order, F.O. authorization and China’s guarantees etc.) how near par with 5% the B/E (which can dispense with “P. G. & Co.”, and all such abominable charges) could go, to serve as a guide at a possible critical and seizable juncture in the general interest—and they would not touch such business! I fancy you too may possibly not have grasped and assimilated its “‘innerness’’. I did not want them to do but to say what could be done!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Bruce Lady Hart O’Conor 1. Customs supervision of native opium taxes was the Yamen’s first inquiries and the implementation a project similar to that of the Imperial Post Of- of Hart’s suggestions. See letter 1070. fice; there was a long road to be traveled between

Z/713 21 June 1896

[Rced. August 5]

Dear Campbell,

Z/999 of 8th May arrived yesterday. As regards the overdrawn Loan a/c £465, 152. 2/5—I wish this had been wired out the day the bank paid its four million quota to the Japs: the Yamen would have understood it more willingly then than later! News is like everything else in this world—there is a right time for communicating it! Cameron has written to me about the prospectus a/c Agreement mess, and I now enclose a note to him: he says it would have ruined China’s credit and done Bank Loan—I don’t agree! It would assuredly have sullied the bank’s reputation, but the credit of China would not have suffered in the least. China is now buying 3 Vulcan ships and will probably buy an Armstrong cruiser: the first cost about £500,000 without guns—the cruiser, with guns, something less. 1 opposed both with all I could say—no funds and not wanted etc.; but those that could give the order thought otherwise—I believe the “bummers” had greased their hands well, and so the expenditure is incurred. A week ago I was drawing up Native Opium taxation memo: now the President of the Board of Revenue funks it and there’s another delay. Two other things however are going through: a special 10% duty on Chinese manufactures and a rule giving outward Transit rights to Chinese—this puts the Chinese merchant on the same footing at last, both outwardly and inwardly, as the foreigners.’ As to manufactures, Japanese negotiator refuses to accept Chinese interpretation of the Shimonoseki Treaty, which is that Japanese manufac-

| [1070] THE 1.G. IN PEKING tured goods, i.e. manufactured in China, must pay an import duty before going into circulation, and so it is to be left out of the commercial treaty—meantime China hurries up and later on will be able to say, “This is how we treat Chinese manufactures—and this is what the powers accept. You Japs must accept it too!” Empress Dowager’s sister—Emperor’s mother—Seventh Prince’s wife—died Thursday last. They say the Emperor is terribly cut up about it. If anything were to happen to him the deluge would probably be on us: there must be a dynastic cataclysm before wholesome reform can operate, and now the Chinese people begin to smart under the suffering and disgrace brought on the country by incompetent rulers—to which result, however, purely Chinese mandarins, quite as much as Manchus, contributed their full share—and the great Li perhaps more than any other by the outwardly perfect, but inwardly rotten condition of the partial reforms he led the state to believe in, and pay for, as progress! Positively it makes me mad to think it all out! I hope you have not thrown out young Simpson except for good reasons: all we wanted in him was fitness. I wired yesterday to try young Heron, a nominee of Lady MacDonald’s.” I wish those Russians, or one at least, would come! Bruce has four months’ leave: do not let him attend office till end of October.° Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Cameron Tching 1. Circular no. 730 (second series), dated July 15, country. 1896, authorized a 10 percent ad valorem duty “‘on all things produced in Chinese manufacturies 2. G.A. Heron, British, joined the Customs in the

before they leave the factory, the said products London Office in September 1896. to be thereafter free of all charges”’; and an exten-

sion of the “‘Chinkiang Transit Outwards” system 3. Bruce had just been appointed assistant secreto Chinese merchants in all ports. Henceforth Chi- tary officiating, Inspectorate General Peking, and nese exporters who wished to purchase products was recorded as of May 1, 1896, as being ona in the interior could, like the foreign merchants, four-month leave. On September 1, however, a bring such goods to any treaty port without paying further entry in the Service List states that his a tax of any kind, and on arrival pay only transit leave had been extended. His new position was to duty and export duty before shipment to a foreign be that of private secretary, London Office.

Z/714 28 June 1896

[Red. August 11]

Dear Campbell,

I have been at the Yamen all morning and cannot write my usual Sunday letters to-day. The Chefoo foreshore affair is finished, I hope—the Yamen and Legations having accepted my proposal that China should resume “Lord-of-the-Soil” rights and, in front of everybody,

[1071] JULY 1896

build a public bund and public jetties, thus cutting off nobody from the frontage advantages and supplying them to everybody. Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Robb Mde. Sipiaguine Aubert

Z/715 5 July 1896

[Rced. August 18]

Dear Campbell,

Yours Z/1000, 1001 and 1002 have all arrived. I was so pushed for men some time ago that I transferred from Outdoor to Indoor

Berthet (French)—a good clerk

Bocher ( " )cousin of M. Billot

Schmidt (German) Assenheimer ( " ) Scagliotti (Italian)

de Berigny (English) Carey ( " ) Curzon wrote about him

Howard ( " )(son of Tidesurveyor, one of Gordon’s

Kindblad (Dane)

1862-3 colonels)

and I gave appointments to

Bell (English)

Putnam (American)

Basto (Portuguese)

da Silva ( ” ) Brandt (German) the Hanoverian I once wrote to you about.!

These and the nominations sent to you for Guernier A. Kerman Heron Lady MacDonald’s nominee Flanagan O’Conor’s nominee Bouinais

[1072] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

have helped us through but I still want three Russians and two Germans. I have not yet seen the examination papers of Simpson and Douglas, but the preliminary accounts of them sent in your official despatch reporting failure are not at all in their favour. I am sorry, but, as I wired, I don’t want “‘Lame ducks!”’ It will be a horrible blow for Mrs. S. and I feel for her— she was so longing to see her boys and have one of them out! Curzon’s parliamentary answer mixed up C’foo and H’kow horribly and makes people out here say if that’s the way the F.O. manages business, no wonder we go to the wall! My C’foo suggestion is now accepted: China resumes proprietorship and Customs control public bund and levy wharfage dues to maintain it. I thus put out another anchor to windward—in fact that has been my policy all through, and I have taken every opportunity to put in a Custom’s peg that chance or circumstances brought in my way. This broadens our base and makes it harder to upset our equilibrium. That’s why I put Commissioners on leave on Li’s staff: had I put you (a most natural and useful appointment) on, Gérard would have been at the Yamen immediately to demand a similar agency in Paris! The care I have to take here to do things in such a way as to prevent busybodies and mischievous people from finding an opening or getting hold of a handle, would surprise you: ’'m on my guard at every turn—in word and act. | am amused at the haste with which de B. went to Paris and aired himself as Sec. of Embassy: but it does no harm—though to the English eye supremely ridiculous, and no surprise to me for he is French as is also de B., a very good fellow but always de B. Books by book post received: thanks. ‘““The Heart of a Continent”’ is good reading: ““The National Review” is excellent—I like its good, Jmperial, British, tone, and its précis of occurrences is good.” Thanks for the Bromides, etc: not opened yet. I am sleeping better, and, occasional giddiness and curious sensation of hollowness about the heart, and down the gullet, apart, I am quite “‘fit’’. I have just put through two big things: Chinese to be allowed Transit privileges like foreign merchants, and manufacturers to pay 10% and be free ever after: also “removal of wreck” law.° I am taking Postal affair quietly. Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. I cannot understand why Cameron rushed off in writing to Kung about the interest on the Loan account advanced to Japan on 6th May! I should have thought banking etiquette— to say nothing of common sense plus experience—ought to have kept him from doing so. The Russians are already at me for Customs’ patronage for their new bank. R.H. 5.7.96 Lady Hart Dr. Hirth* Miss Carl

Wolf

Mrs. Kierulff :

1. A. Schmidt joined the Customs in 1883 as pro- February 1896; A.J. Basto in April; J. Nolasco da bationary tidewaiter; A. Scagliotti came in as a Silva in June; C.T. Brandt in May; and Rudolf 3rd class tidewaiter in January 1882; F.W. Carey Assenheimer in the summer. also joined as a 3rd class tidewaiter, in November

1891. 2. Patrick Donan, The Heart of the Continent: An Of the new appointments, J.R. Putnam joined in Historical and Descriptive Treatise for Business

[1073] JULY 1896 Men, Home Seekers and Tourists of the Advan- bor, the Customs commissioner of the nearest port tages, Resources and Scenery of the Great West was to decide whether it was an obstruction to (Passenger Department of the Chicago, Burlington navigation. If it was, the owners were to be notiand Quincy railroad in Chicago by Clay and Rich- fied and permitted to initiate salvage operations,

mond, 1882). but they must first give a legal guarantee to re-

The National Review, London monthly, ed. L.J. move the wreck within a specified time and meanMaxse. Each number had a ten-page summary of while to pay for its marking and lighting. Failing world events, election results, and business before such a guarantee, the Customs would remove the Parliament, with comments presumably by the wreck, selling its contents to defray expenses. editor.

4. Friedrich Hirth was the holder of a Ph.D. from 3. Circular 724 (second series), June 27, 1896, Rostock, 1869. He was on a two-year home leave

specified that whenever any vessel was sunk, until May 1897. stranded, or abandoned in a Chinese river or har-

Z/716 12 July 1896

[Rcd. August 20]

Dear Campbell,

Thanks for Blue-book No. 3 of 1877 in which, as you indicated I found on p. 147 a reference to Post and Mint: I still think, however, that there is a special despatch of Wade’s of a later date on the same subject, beginning in the lower half of the left hand page and filling about a third of it—if I did not see it I must have vividly dreamt it, for it seems to me that | see it now, and as plainly as the words I now write—and their effect being that if they want , P and M the Chinese Government can easily create them without mention in a treaty. But d the fact was that Yamen, etc., wanted treaty support to enable them to carry these innovations against literati and conservatism, and Wade “‘spoked”’ the project “‘because”’ (so said Seward) “‘there would be no holding Hart afterwards” (that was the time of the ‘‘Cadiz”’ hulk case etc.)! We are in for the Post now, but, as for Mints, I am not so sure of my ground as | was twenty years ago: these Chinese in their continuous history of three thousand years of empire have gone through all sorts of experiences and experiments and have much to teach, and it strikes me they’d make a mistake were they to do away with cash and substitute cents and sixpences, for as it is, they have the cheapest of metals—and the least variable —for their currency and every coin (cash) can buy something!’ To do away with this and substitute gold and silver will expose them to all the worry of the west and will raise prices tenfold in the ordinary life of the people I fear—and so I don’t know now that I’d recommend Mints as means to power and pavement for the roads of progress! Your Z/1003 arrived 7th July. I see you date it 29th April. By the way, surely my telegram of the “Don’t sign first April!’ fame did not end with the words “parceque c’est un jour néfaste”’: it’s one of the most pathetic specimens of bathos I ever came across in the course of my three score years plus!” We are getting through the summer pretty well so far not too wet and just warm enough for white trousers. I have not touched the bromides yet: as a rule I avoid medicines etc., and, seeing I am keeping fairly well, and putting on flesh (which I don’t like!), I think it best to stick to my plan which is chiefly made up of regular living and occasional starvation. Dunlop and others are hanging about here waiting for “‘orders’’ and I believe one cruiser is to be got from Armstrong’s—merely to balance the Torpedo-catchers Hsit committed the

~ [1074] THE IL.G. IN PEKING

Govt. for at Berlin (confound him!):* we have no funds for such waste and no need for such luxuries! My office has not yet got rid of its arrears but I do hope this month of July will see an improvement in its appearance. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Bruce Hart Lord Rendel B/E 1. Hart’s doubts were sufficient to keep him from first of April!” and Campbell got the point, he any further work on the mint for some years. See could only explain this joke to the French by say-

letter 2589. ing, ““C’est un jour néfaste.”

2. See letter 518n7. Hart’s niece, Juliet Bredon, 3. Hsii Ching-ch’eng (see letter 481n5). claims that though Hart wired, ‘Don’t sign on the

Z/717 19 July 1896

[Rcd. September 4]

Dear Campbell,

I have now seen the Simpson and Douglas papers and can only confirm your decision. Desiring to help the S. family I have given the second boy Bertram L. a nomination: he will present himself on the Ist Sept. for examination and should come out by the second French mail of the month.’ I saw him ten years ago and took quite a liking to him: he was then not only the flower of the flock, with as many graces as space would afford in his features and as well-filled breeches as I ever saw, but also—to my mind—the gentleman of the family and the facile princeps” in brains among the youngsters. I feel sure he’ll do better than Evelyn and—I want him to be accepted! On account of his backers I am sorry Flanagan is not up to the mark: but at his age the slowness you complain of is not likely to disappear, and I do not expect you to pass him— unless ““fit”’.

Steamers have increased in numbers so much and they run in and out of port so fast and so often and stay in port so short a time that the work of each Custom-house has increased marvellously: consequently our staff everywhere is below requirements and every Commissioner is clamouring for more men—but the office allowance is only so much and I cannot afford to raise supply to demand, nor can I ask the Yamen for more money while China is in such a fix. Chang has finished his Japanese negotiations and will sign on the 21st. I have been very largely consulted “‘behind the scenes” and the demands have been whittled down to nothing almost. The Japs, however, are I hear only too glad to sign and I think the reason is they wish to withdraw their troops from Wei-Hai-Wei both for the safety of the detached corps and to have it at hand to add to other forces in the field should circumstances open the gates of Janus again.

[1075] JULY 1896

Kopsch is talking of “‘leave’’: he does not seem to relish “postal work” now that we have it and declines to undertake it except on special pay etc. As usual, he is also recommending Japan as a supplier of postal stores of every kind. I have not done more than clear the ground as yet and it is desirable to go slowly, to escape breakdown and advance safely. The future looks very hazy and its waters are not surveyed: I doubt if I shall get free before “‘next spring” and | am still afraid of giving an opening for an attack on our position when going away and by going away. Fortunately I am in good enough health for the moment and if I were not the depositary of so many other people’s woes I could keep worry— as I am now (not very successfully) trying to keep work—at a minimum. Duncan is re-instated and as 2nd Asst A King is to be Acting Deputy Commissioner at S’hai. Rocher is doing splendidly at S’hai and Hillier at K’loon: also Schoenicke at Kiungchow. Carrall is also a good man at C’ton, and Aglen very good at T’tsin.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Tcheng Tchang Miss Duncan

"Price " Hart 1. Bertram Lenox Simpson entered the Customs Governor,” who had controlled Shansi since 1911. in November 1896 but resigned in May 1901 to Simpson designated himself commissioner but was become a journalist and author, writing under the assassinated. pen name of Putnam Weale. He had one later con-

nection with the Customs: in 1930 he seized the 2. Facile princeps: “easily the first or best.” Tientsin Customs for Yen Hsi-shan, the “Model

Z/718 26 July 1896

[Rcd. September 4]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1005 arrived 20th July. I am surprised Kung did not present you to the Swiss Minister at the time the Yamen letter went on, but in any case your Berne trip is now justified and any future work will be both easy and in your hands.’ I am surprised to find the H’kong Bank has bought so much as £592,000; your telegram of the 20th May (C.678) said £454,000 bought to date and no later telegram referred to the matter: so I supposed it rested there. But of course your orders were to go on buying. On this side the transaction has swung between the tragic and the ludicrous: the Board wants to get interest enough to rebuild the burnt-down treasury etc., and then it gets in a wild funk lest the principal should be called for in the meantime or be sold eventually at a loss, I have had four or five fights to prevent them from capsizing everything by selling out in a rush. Take note that as soon as the half year’s interest is secured Bank may begin selling but must not sell under original cost price. I am sorry King comes out in a nervous state, for I wanted a strong man at S’hai: there is

, [1076] THE 1.G. INPEKING

also. .

one strong man there now and that is Rocher himself—his colleagues don’t like him (they say on account of Madame) but I find him an A.1 Commissioner. I am bothered about the Post just now as Kopsch does not seem to care for the work and talks of taking long leave: I shall possibly choose next Stat. Sec. from three men—Bredon, Rocher, or Morse, each having special qualifications, and—alas!—the defects of his qualities Japan signed Commercial Treaty on 21st: it contains nothing new and has been whittled down to nothing just as Jim’s Sikkim Treaty was. There is really something very strong in China’s “non possumus”*—people give in to it in the end and the repetition of so many ciphers finishes by making them think they must have been preceded by a whole number. Sir Claude and the public begin to realize that a change of ministers here means nothing: the F.O. gives the key-note—which it calls C and plays D, and the discord, the difference between hopes and results, is unending and maddening! I believe in cultivating friendly relations—but this is constantly spoiled by the scoldings that are administrated: one should never bark here, and when occasion requires it one should bite—and one could do that with less danger to friendship than barking produces! A Noah’s Ark sort of day, with rain torrents! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Miss Miller

"de Noidans Jim Bruce

1. See letter 1015n3. 2. Non possumus: “we cannot.”

Z/719 2 August 1896

[Rced. September 12]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1006 arrived 31st July. What a funny title for a book—“‘The Laughter of Nuns!’’—and I am wondering what way that clever little woman will develop her theme: will they laugh over hidden joys—or what they have escaped—or the good stories of others? King comes not a bit too soon: I hope he will be strong enough for the S’hai work. Rocher is a capital commissioner—I should say the most efficient we ever had there, but he’s handicapped by a wife that produces port storms and not family squalls and he’s—not English. This last is a very serious defect: the only men who can be at the same time truly cosmopolitan and not under the thumb of their consuls and legations are Englishmen, and all the rest, however efficient, have to “‘toe the line” whenever their officials want them. R. is as independent and as loyal as a man could well be, but I know that at a given moment I can only expect so much from him—and this is a drawback: however, S’hai is such a cosmopolitan centre that less mischief can be done there than

[1077] AUGUST 1896

elsewhere. Pennington broke down when ordered to I Chang for Shasi—became “melancholy mad” and now Hobson rather than go there resigns, although just made Deputy Commissioner! Iam sending Neumann—but this upsets my college arrangements and I’ll have to use Assenheimer, who only begins Chinese studies, for the German class.’ Leslie is doing very— in fact remarkably well at Hangchow: Montgomery is not so good. Palm, I fear, is breaking up at Wuhu—also heart trouble, and I have just wired to Lowry to assume charge.” Kopsch, too, strikes me as losing his balance a bit—and I am puzzled whether to keep him at Statistical Dept. because I fear he may not prove quite the thing for postal work—although he has made it almost a specialty. I am very busy over half a dozen new things, and I fancy I shall be going away just at the wrong time—just as the Govt. wants to put much more useful occupation in my hands than the last three dozen years have seen: what a nuisance—what a pity! Li ought to be saying good-bye to the continent today: wonder what will come of it all—will his reception abroad kill him here or rehabilitate him, and, if the latter, how will it affect China’s future? The comparatively cool official reception England will give him and the plebeian bosh he’ll have to swallow in the States will help him off his high horse before seeing China again. Lady Salmon is Admiral S.’s wife, and young Conti is an Italian she asked me to nominate some years ago. S. and myself were born the same day! If young Giertsen applies at Hongkong he’ll get a cruiser billet: but I shall neither invite nor bring him out.? I’m wondering whether Heron leaves Europe 15th August or arrives H’kong that day—your tel. 978 is ambiguous.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Beauclerk Greville 1. Assenheimer, 4th assistant B on probation in Lowry took over from Palm as assistant-inPeking, was transferred to the Educational Depart- charge for only a few days, from August 1 to ment (i.e., T’ung-wen kuan) in August 1896 as August 5; he was succeeded by Graham Rome for acting professor of German, but remained there a week, and G.T. Moule from August 15 to Noonly until November. On November 30 he resigned vember 2, at which time Palm was able to resume

from the Service. his duties as commissioner. See letter 1032.

2. Leslie, who went to Hangchow on July 1, 3. G.T. Giertsen, Norwegian, apparently came to 1896, as acting commissioner, was rewarded by an Hong Kong, for he joined the Customs in Septemappointment as commissioner there on March 28, ber 1896 and was assigned to the Coast Staff as a

1897. deck officer.

Z/720 9 August 1896

[Red. September 16]

Dear Campbell,

Collection for first half of 1896 is half a million taels ahead of that for same period 1895 notwithstanding loss of Formosa—that’s cheering! To-day, simultaneously with the eclipse of the sun, Yamen begins forwarding official cor-

[1078] THE LG. IN PEKING

respondence through the—as yet embryonic—Imperial Post Office: it’s the first of the seventh moon. Soochow etc. are to be formally opened Ist Oct. (1/4th quarter). Leslie doing very well at Hangchow. Neumann goes to Shasi—the place that was too much for Pennington and Hobson in anticipation.’ I told you how Gérard got French and Russians to leave the club. Would you believe it— the little man has the cheek to go to the club early when nobody is there and read the papers, etc.? Peking is in a wax over it and also in a quandary—how tackle him? He’s a Minister. I suppose the Directors will condone it by letting him pay his subscription and rejoin— but everybody’s gorge rises! We’ve no police here to expel intruders, and, having gone so far, he’d throw a secretary’s note into the fire! What would a London Club do in such a case? It may find its way into the papers and the Quai d’Orsay may be anything but pleased that’a French Minister should socially behave so badly. The French Legation people themselves are furious about it, for while he uses the club thus (by abuse of position) he will not allow anybody to join, and told a man that proposed to do so that he might at the same time pack up! I am just as busy as ever: have not had time to unpack Macrae’s Bromides yet! And fortunately no special occasion to use them. Merrill is not as strong in Chinese as I thought and correcting his work is fatiguing; and Hippisley, though very reliable and able to record remarkably well is slow and makes slips—so that I have to “edit”’ his work and that takes time. In fact nothing but resignation will give me the rest I want, and I hate the idea of resigning

just as the “ 2 trouble is over and I am stronger than ever and about to be made use of over a far wider field! By dint of holding on and hammering away I have seemingly reached a height that the whole eighteen provinces can see, and that gives a prestige, and lays open ground, which nobody else can hope for right off: but on the other hand a man lower down would see clearer and do individual work better—so, everybody must have the defects of his qualities, and probably that again is a good “‘drag” and prevents capsize—especially if it’s down hill that one’s going!—Apart from work, I have worries that I dare hardly acknowledge to myself—and yet these ghosts will walk occasionally. The worst of it is I am utterly alone and have not a single friend or confidant—man, woman or child: of course occupation helps me, but, as I once before said, there come spasms of loneliness which hit hard. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Adkins

1. Neumann, who had been acting deputy com- there until November 1898. | missioner at Shanghai, opened the port of Shasi on

the Yangtze on August 16, 1896, and remained 2. Two words here are illegible.

[1079] AUGUST 1896

Z/721 16 August 1896

[Rcd. October 3]

Dear Campbell,

Wuhu is still to the fore—Rome who took charge from Lowry on the 3rd or 4th died suddenly on the 14th and now young Moule—the Bishop’s son—is in charge with one youthful assistant Kindblad to help him. The sudden death of Larsen and Rome and the breakdown of Palm and Lowry will give Wuhu a bad name: but it was in all of them to fall ill and Wuhu didn’t do it.’ I wired yesterday re Loan interest. Bank would like a fixed rate .025 below the rate of the day, but Yamen objects: I say ““The rate of the day must rule, hand Bank approximate amount in silver to turn into gold, and square up afterwards. Bank, as agent, will do its best for you!” And Yamen seems disposed to agree to this. Post, Machinery, Transit, and other things are a bit worrying just now: but they’ll come right presently. Work is really very heavy: e.g. I have not yet had time to go through my March quarter Bank a/c and already the June quarter is here! I am glad the Jndustrial has gone up again: but I do not believe in its future and if it is still up I wish you to sell and place proceeds to my account at the Bank. We are in a weird whirlwind here. French Minister Gérard, you remember, left our Club last winter carrying Cassini and all Russian and French members with him—against their will. But the same G. has been sneaking into the Club in the early mornings when nobody was there to read the papers and latterly went the length of taking home books to read. The members waxed furious and a public meeting was to be called, when Denby, returned from Japan, said Secretary had better write and ask for explanation. He did so. G. is horribly riled that a minister etc. should be called to account thus, and he has shown up very badly: he is now afraid it will get into the papers—as it will. The man’s cheek and impudence are beyond all belief, but the Club has brought him to his bearings! d’Anjou at work again. I still don’t understand whether Heron starts or arrives on your telegraphed date. Ordinary note paper finished. Yours truly, Robert Hart Campbell Lady Hart H.M. Maze Enclosure

16 August 1896 Dear Campbell,

I write to request you to dispose of my £5000 Industrial and General Trust Debenture Stock, and place the proceeds to my account at the Bank of England, and oblige. Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1080] THE I.G. IN PEKING

1. Graham Rome, British, who had taken over Evans Moule of the Church of England, a former from Lowry, entered the Customs in July 1881 missionary for the Church Missionary Society for and was a 3rd assistant A at the time of his death. Africa and the East, and Bishop of Mid-China since G.T. Moule, also British, joined the Service in 1880. February 1889. His father was the Rt. Rev. George

Z/722 23 August 1896 , [Red. October 3] Dear Campbell, The Sept. Loan Interest—what a mess—thanks to the London bank’s careless advice to Kung and the S’hai bank’s refusal to give more than 2/115/8 per tael in the time the market rate according to the newspaper report was 2/113/4! Of course the Taotai ought to have upheld the Loan Contract even at a loss: but the unfortunate man had it not in his hands, and between the Damocles sword hanging over his head in case he accepted unfavourable terms and the Sieren’s song of the Russian bank tempting him with 2/117/8, it is little wonder he fell.’ The German bank still holds out for contract, and possibily it had made its arrangements expecting to have 77s.500,000 in hand on the 20th August— so one can’t find fault with it, but the public will not stand an “‘academical”’ discussion of this kind and will want its interest—already in the bank’s hands in London—on the Ist Sept. The affair has given me much extra work this week, as has also the Chefoo business —Fergusson & Co. having violently driven off the Russian employes who are filling in (according to agreement accepted by all Legations) opposite Lot ““No.12”, and the Russian Minister being likely in consequence to land marines to protect his people! Loan, Foreshore, Post, Manufactures, Steamers at non-treaty places, new Japanese ports, territorial encroachments, Tibetan difficulties, Transit developments, and a host of minor matters keep me busy, I can tell you! It’s hard work—but it’s great fun, and fortunately I can always see the humorous side of everything, and my spirits always rise when difficulties increase. The weather is again exceptional—instead of raining as it ought, the season has been perfectly dry, with the bluest of cloudless skies and the balmiest of atmospheres—an atmosphere that mixes velvetyness and crispness deliciously: what would not London give for it— but then you have all the rest, and that’s just what we have not!

Yours truly, Robert Hart

P.S. Your Z/1007. Sorry Heron does not now write a better hand: I wanted him for this office. R.H. 1. Although loans were authorized by the Chinese thorities for stipulated purposes; it was the taotai, government (usually by imperial decree), borrow- not a member of the Board of Revenue, who ing power was deputed to specified provincial au- signed the agreement.

[1081] AUGUST 1896

Z/723 30 .August 1896 [Red. October 13] Dear Campbell,

No pleasant letter of yours to answer this week: No.1010 is hard reading. The German Bank having settled for bills had to insist on silver, and so I wired to you to suggest to Cameron to offer to take the other half of the Russian remittance for 5th Sept. instalment: this would please Yamen and help the bank rather than do it harm. The Taotai, I hear, will catch it for his irregularities—but as he has an old mother of 93 in his Yamen they will perhaps let him down easily, not to shock her. The working man in the Yamen is now Chang Yin Huan and by sticking to it he may become a power:' we are on good terms, but, as regards the others, I fancy they hate me a bit for insisting so much on their duty to do the things they neglect and vice versa! We all wonder what is in store for Li: some say return to the Chihli vice-royalty, others appointment to the Yamen—but not to the cabinet chun-chi-chu, and others—decapitation! This last is, of course, out of the question, but there are big people hostile to him and very many think that if anybody should be taken to task for China’s defeat, humiliation and helplessness, Li is that man. Gerard is off for a trip: he has completely lost caste here by his club doings and is said to be awfully afraid of the papers taking it up—which most people hope they will do! He has set everybody by the ears—but he has not managed to make a quarrel with me or make me quarrel with anybody else: you see it takes “two”’ to make a quarrel—and J can’t afford such nonsense or—luxury! I have wired to send out Bertram Simpson and Currie junior if fit: which I hope they are! Yesterday Neumann and Carl met at S’hai—the first en route for Shasi, and the second for Szemao.* Poor Bruce—his condition is a terrible grief to me! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Bruce Hart

Mrs.J.H. Miss Bush

Jim 1. On Chang Yin-huan, see letter 484n1. Early in 1896, shortly before the date of Hart’s letter. 1896, after the departure of Li Hung-chang, who

had had the responsibility of negotiating with the 2. Carl, who was coming from Mengtze, where he Japanese, Chang was appointed plenipotentiary had been commissioner since 1893, opened the to negotiate with the Japanese minister in Peking port of Szemao on November 12, 1896. a commercial treaty. It was signed on July 21,

[1082] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/724 6 September 1896 [Red. October 15]

Dear Campbell, My hands are full—Post, New Ports, Manufactures, and cases, and among these last the C’foo foreshore is the nastiest. The Yamen is in a fix: it gave away British merchant’s ground to Russia—it now fears British will insist on having his ground and refuse proferred compensation—but, while willing to pay anything to avoid being put in the dilemma of having to ask

back from Russia what Russia will not give, Yamen will be savage with me if I advance a | point beyond real value towards “exemplary”’ damages in fixing compensation. I am of course as a Britisher trying to prevent this case from hurting England—but I can only do this provided merchant (and Legation) accept reasonable compensation, for my duty is to do the best for China: and here, at this stage where the merchant may either demand back his land or ask for ““exemplary”’ damages, the affair stands thus: if the merchant will be reasonable Pll close with him, finish, and thus prevent the question from assuming larger, and even menacing proportions—as it would do if merchant were to hold out for land and thus set China, Russia, and England one and all at cross purposes and by the ears; if he does not redemand land, and will take compensation but will not come down, I can—and may be forced to—adopt another course such as will be bad for the English side, viz. say to the claimant “Your deeds are French: we shall ask the French Minister to settle!” Gérard would only be too delighted and he would score by it, for, instead of backing up what he’d call a “‘preposterous” demand, he’d cut it down to the smallest proportions and thus help the Yamen’s economy and both damage the British Legation and strengthen the French! And with this card in my hand I have to keep my mouth shut and say nothing about it to MacDonald! I hinted to him some time ago that the right—I mean logical—plan would be for the merchant to reclaim his land and for the British Legation to say to him “‘Your deeds are French: go to Gérard”—this would put the French against the Russian Legation, and I’m inclined to think this possibility has something to do with Gerard’s trip to Japan at this moment. It’s a nasty situation is it not? Regulations and preliminary arrangements for the new ports occupies much of my time, and also various things to be done for Postal development and collection of Manufacture duty. Hippisley is a very industrious, intelligent and detailed worker, but a trifle slow: so far he has not eased my hands—only my mind—in the least; and Merrill’s Chinese leaves much to be desired and gives me an hour’s work patching up and correcting daily! I have often wished Cartwright had not shied at Hongkong where I had temporary need of him and where he’d have been available for his favourite post (Chinese Sec.) later; but when Von Grot comes back, it'll be all right again—though before that happens I may have cleared or been wiped out myself! I have not had time to attend to Will or Banking a/c for March and June Quarters yet.

Fortunately health is good enough, but the works are wearing thinner and the machinery | may stop running some day. The Customs, however, are sure to exist for half a century longer, and my own position is better than ever—but that doesn’t mean I’m all powerful: far from it! Thanks for your telegram telling me Bruce was looking and feeling better when you saw him at Brighton: I am very anxious about him—and indeed family worries would be killing were it not that work keeps them out of mind. I wish I was back in July 1853 again!’ And

[1083] SEPTEMBER 1896

yet any other course would have—just like my career in China—had all the defects of its ‘qualities’. The worst of it is ] am perfectly and absolutely alone, and have not a single friend near me—man, woman, or child! Curious Prince Lobanoff’s death.? That Zanzibar extradition affair may prove nasty!*

Yours truly, Robert Hart 6.9.96 Your Z/1011 came 31st August. Giertsen at Hongkong to-day: to join ““Chuentiao” at S’hai.* Lady Hart 2 Bruce

Debrett 1. In 1853 Hart took his final B.A. examinations 3. During August 1896 a disputed succession in and decided to spend a post-graduate year at Bel- Zanzibar led to an Arab movement against British fast reading for a master’s degree. It was not until rule and to the bombardment of Zanzibar by a

the spring of 1854 that he was nominated for a British squadron. post in the consular service in China. Thus he is

wishing himself back to a time before his career 4, The Chuentiao was a Customs revenue steamer

was decided upon. based at Shanghai. 2. Prince Lobanov died suddenly on August 30.

Z/725 13 September 1896 [Rcd. October 26]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1012 and 1013 arrived 10th. The great Li’s visit is now a thing of the past and the question here is what will be done with, for, or by him, on and after return: he will be back this day next month. My affairs keep me busy—too busy, and the want of a lady in the house to keep it in nice condition and look after all sorts of internal and domestic matters accentuates itself daily. Every condition has its pros and cons—everything carries with it the defects of its qualities. I am glad Bertie Simpson is fit, and also that B. Currie has got into the Indian Service, for, although I wanted him here, one’s own Govt. is the best to serve for a career, and Indian opportunities cannot be surpassed. I enclose a note for Kilby: better make his acquaintance as Salt may occupy our attention later on. The Ch. Govt. instead of adopting my recommendation to go in largely for Civil Service reform has taken a link out of the chain and ordered all the Taotais to pay into the Govt. chest so much yearly—a big sum out of their personal spoils, but leaving them the equivalent of high pay at the same time. The future is something for circumstances to develop: Govt. will not attempt any general scheme but will let things better themselves bit by bit—this will mean improvement in the end as far as the Chinese people are concerned but I doubt if the Dynasty will live through

[1084] THE I.G. IN PEKING

it: the sciences and discoveries and inventions of all the world are at China’s disposal, but not having marched with the times she is as blind as those fish in the Kentucky cave and where there is light can neither see it nor use it—all this being the offspring of Mr. Conceit and Mrs. Ignorance! We have done big work in the Customs and have really kept the walls standing and held up the roof—but the interior of the house is still the same! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mde. de Berniéres Mrs. Detring Kilby

Z/726 27 September 1896 [Rcd. November 9]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1015 brought me 22nd inst. the letters intended to come with 1014: don’t grieve—I am so overpowered with letters that I often wish half a dozen mails in succession could be lost, and a family weekly letter in a correspondence that has been going on fifteen years or so is really beginning to be a bit like the guest who outstays his welcome! Li is due in ten days or so: nobody knows what his fate is to be, but if he lives ten years more he may be the central figure in a big coup d’état, for it is evident that Russia will run him for all he’s worth and I expect he did arrange with that old fox Lobanoff. The Yamen is wobbling and has not a single strong man in it, and just now it is having a lively time of it— pestered with the solicitations and unending attention and attendance of Gérard and the jibes and “‘newspaper-article” despatches of Von Heyking. Look at the “N.C.D. News” of 19th September: the Club hopes all the Press will make much of the incident, and the question is can the Quai d’Orsay retain the hero of such an escapade? Cassini still holds on—I think to meet Li and start him with Russian steam in his boilers and a Russian hand at the helm. They are leaving me quiet pro tem, but that is no sign of safety—for the riper the “pear” grows, the better eating it will be when it does fall! I am disgusted to think I am like fuel boiling another’s pot—and yet, taking the longer standpoint of humanity instead of nationality, I must perforce be glad to be a factor in doings which affect its progress: but flesh and blood revolt occasionally and one’s gorge rises and philosophy’s dose becomes nauseous and unpalatable. Ixion’s wheel and Prometheus’ rock are what I think of occa- . sionally when the perpetual grind and the perpetual worry kick over the shafts!’ In the faroff future it will all come right again for foreign domination will only end in making a greater China than ever: so, we must do the work we can, and be content. I wonder what Jim’s plans are—to visit or stay? As for Detring—I have not had one word from him since he left! Bredon, too, is an uncertainty. Woodruff’s resigning.” Rocher at

[1085] OCTOBER 1896

S’hai, Aglen at T’tsin, and Leslie at H’chow have done remarkably well,—but the AngloAmerican community at S’hai don’t like a Frenchman there.

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Young Bouinais can have another try later on: tell his mother, with my compliments. As to “Limited competitions” —they must still be preceded by “qualifying examinations’ ;° but I begin to think open competition would give us better men—we have very few of promise among our juniors. A telegram just in from Spinney says Haines at Hokow fired five shots at a wild pig in the

scrub and—not seeing them—killed a woman and a girl!* A nasty thing to happen down |

Price .

Mengtsz way and far from all English authority: but of course the French at Lao-Kai, opposite Hokow, would act as a restraining power on any mob-ocracy in that quarter. Gérard will probably make capital out of it—as usual. R.H.

Lady Hart Mrs. Beauclerk

".

1. Ixion was punished by Zeus for his love for Hera 3. Campbell gave two kinds of examinations to by being bound on an eternally revolving wheel in applicants: a qualifying examination to weed out

Tartarus. Prometheus was a Titan who, having those not qualified; a competitive examination to stolen fire from Olympus and given it to mankind, narrow the choice when several applicants were was chained by Zeus to a rock where an eagle daily qualified and there was a post for only one. tore at his liver.

4. Spinney, who earlier had filled in at Peking as

2. Robert Bredon, on a two-year home leave, had acting Chinese Secretary, had gone to Mengtze as

been due in China on June 30, 1896. commissioner on June 23, 1896. Ho-k’ou is just Woodruff, who had been in the Customs since south of Mengtze, on the border of Tongking; 1868, resigned in March 1897, when he was com- Lao-k’ai is opposite it, in the territory ceded to

missioner at Ichang. France in 1885.

Z/727 4 October 1896

[Rcd. November 23]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1016 came 28th September.

Li landed safely at Tientsin at 11 a.m. yesterday. : French Exhibition: Gérard tried to get Vap.' appointed General Manager (as a make-up for not being made college President) and Yamen “wobbled’’ a bit. Some delicate manipula« tion became necessary, but now it is all right: I am as before—I shall appoint Commission in China to prepare Exhibit in 1898-9, and Commission in Paris to set up Exhibit etc. in 18991900, of which latter Commission Vap. will be appointed a member by me in 1899 and not now. so far he and G. appear to have accepted this modification of their aims and wishes— and I consider that I havd scored!

[1086] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Postal: we are lumbering along and I refuse to be hurried. I wanted to get everything from | England, but W. & Co.” work so badly and so slowly and so expensively that I have decided to go to Japan where I shall get everything for 1/3 their price—in a month instead of a year— and far more tastefully turned out. The Chinese Postal Hongs are falling into “line” and opposition disappearing. New Ports—opened on Ist Oct. Leslie has worked brilliantly at H’chow: he faced the Japs pluckily, gave backbone to the Chinese, and has made his mark. Rocher too is doing splendidly at S’hai—but the community want an English or American Commissioner; and young Moule quite rose to the occasion at Wuhu, under very difficult and depressing circumstances. Self—fairly well and pegging away as usual. Taking 1900 Exhibition work in hand rather puzzles people here who expect my retirement any day! But really it looks as if I might hold on till 1905! I don’t think I dare work beyond 70. I only fear that being Irish I may say “If T hold on till ’m 70, Pll never see 65!” I am delighted that Bruce has a son: I feared the Baronetcy was “done for!’’> Cassini left 30th Sept; Gérard’s movement again uncertain. An additional “thousand” goes to you this mail to pay for outfits etc.*

Yours truly, Robert Hart B/E

Lady Hart Mrs. Bruce Hart Panmure Gordon Tching

1. Vap.: Vapereau. died on July 14, 1933. It was his son Robert— Bruce’s grandson—who inherited the title from 2. Waterlow & Co., London stationers, from whom _ Bruce in 1963. Campbell had procured samples of stamps.

. 4. That is, outfits for the nominees coming out to

3. Bruce’s son, Robert Bruce Hart, born Septem- join the Customs in China. ber 26, 1896, did not live to inherit the title; he

Z/728 18 October 1896

[Rced. December 7 |

Dear Campbell,

I have been struggling with overpowering work this last fortnight and can hardly keep my head above water! Everything looks “‘blue’”—and “black” too: the only “rift in the cloud” is the possible understanding that seems coming about between Russia and England, and the possibility of China being put on her feet financially in a couple of years or so by some increase in Tariff duties. Gérard’s mischievous activity is felt at every point and there are some who hope the Quai d’Orsay will have to recall him when it finds how disagreeably the press treats him re his Club doings. Just now he is pushing the Yamen to employ more French and

[1087] OCTOBER 1896

to pay Vapro as China’s agent in Paris etc.; writhing inwardly, Yamen has to grin outwardly, not having strength enough to say “no” here and tell him to “mind his own business”’ there! Your Z/1017-1020 have all four arrived. You say “Noble is a stick”’: I think the H’kong Bank has many such. What with its constant Cricket Matches at home, and its careless way of doing things generally, if it goes on to be pigheaded—as it does to-day about that September interest—it must suffer! The new Japanese Ministry is wroth with Hayashi for agreeing with Chang so easily, and there is a hitch about exchange of ratifications:' Chang very adroitly avoided giving anything new in Commercial Treaty, and both in it and at new ports we whittled down Japan’s demands to fit China’s ““boots’’. Hayashi was very friendly and reasonable: the new Ministry looks like dancing another war dance! Yamen is spending a million and more on ships—half in Germany on three armour-clads and four torpedo boats and half in England on two Armstrong cruisers: Lang will have a respectable fleet, and if tariff revision goes through China will move onwards. International jealousies raise dust and blind eyes: I try to “lay the dust’”’ and see clearly but it’s like taking medicine! Did you pay Freda’s passage out (Mrs. Kierulff)? I intended it should be provided for her— but I fear I forgot to write to say so. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Simmonds Stat. Society 2 de Berniéres 1. Yano Fumio succeeded Hayashi as Japanese minister to China from 1897 to 1899.

Z/729 25 October 1896

[Rcd. December 7]

Dear Campbell,

It is now 10% o’clock and I have been pegging away since 8 at necessary work before daring to touch home correspondence: it is really a regular scurry with me week after week and no breathing time allowed—I thought yesterday I was free for a time, when in came despatches from Yamen asking me to draft replies to Diplom. doyen re a/—demand to change Yangtsze Regulations and b/—duty on manufactures, and as soon as these are in order some-

thing else will light on my unlucky head!! . Your Z/1021 has come. The Cartwright-Kung-Detring arrangement is amusing! Wonder how it will work? Li arrived a few days ago and had an Audience where he appears to have been most graciously received. Yesterday came out the Edict appointing him to the Yamen—so that settles his future, and at the same time appeared another Edict handing him over to the board for

[1088] THE I.G. IN PEKING

punishment for presuming to visit the Yuan-Ming-Yuan! The Yamen appointment will show him that vis-d-vis foreign Legations in Peking and the Chinese Jiterati out of Peking, he is just as powerless as the predecessors he so constantly abused—but it may save his character from being spoilt by the “surroundings” he would have had had he gone back to the Chihli Viceroyalty; and the second Edict is to tell him at the start that he is like others and must “mark time” and “‘Toe the line’! I have not called yet, but we have interchanged cards etc. _ The Japanese Ratifications were exchanged on the 20th, but the Yamen had to give way on some points—notably Japan’s right to police the new settlements: on the other hand, Japan allows China to tax manufactures at pleasure—a temporary measure fixed on us by Loans etc., but bad political economy.” We shall now settle down probably to the Tariff revision here and this will keep Li busy a couple of years or more. Meantime England is rearranging Burmah treaty and I expect to have Commissioners on the West River before spring. That £600,000 is to remain intact till March 1897 interest is drawn—and orders will then go to sell out quietly, profitably, and without disturbing the market. The Armstrong-to-return-discount etc. affair is a queer one, but it was arranged between A. & Co’s agent Buchheister and Yamen Minister Chang, and is to stand. I believe the inner meaning of it is the Emperor requires Chang Keng, and Ching, Yamen Ministers and also Presidents of the HuPu,* to rebuild that Board’s offices (destroyed by fire last winter), but gives them no appropriation: the interest on the £600,000 and the A. & Co. discount are to meet this expenditure—but, of course, however pure may be motives, it is hard to touch “pitch”? without being defiled! Your C/643 just in. I am wiring about wrecks: does not Thames Conservancy (or some other act) give authorities the power to recover extra expenditure (i.e. sum expended over and above amount received from sale of salved portions) for removing wreck etc. from either original owner or party at fault as causing wreck?* I also want copies of German and French Legislation on this same point—removal of wrecks and how to be paid for. Hsit Yung I (late Yamen Minister: the man who gave France that slice of British Burmah in Gérard’s treaty) had a narrow escape on the 20th—the day Li arrived: a man fired at him in the street with a match lock—the bullet crashed the glass of the window of the Sedanchair—the glass cut the face of Hsit but the bullet did not touch him! I sent to make enquiry and the reply came ‘‘Fang-hsin!” “Don’t be alarmed—it’s nothing!”” He has, however, taken ten days’ leave, and as he is over 70 he is probably really a bit shaken by the occurrence. That this should occur.in Peking has startled the official world a bit!

I enclose a copy of the Tientsin Times with the Club incident paragraphs: G’s naive hope ; that it should not get into the papers gives point to the notice. He was not invited to the Races this week: all else were—and the French are indignant, or by way of being so. How would a French or an English Club deal with such an affair? I hear G. is actually going home on leave: he is mischievous—with his daring, ability, industry, and single eye to ends, and if the press scotches him there are many who will rejoice: for my part I don’t mind these personalities—they are boils and will disappear as the system grows healthy and strong. There are ups and downs and in the end physical forces determine what is to be! China is down

to-day but two hundred years hence she will be up/ |

: Yours Robert truly, Hart

[1089] NOVEMBER 1896

P.S. Hongkong Bank is mad to hint even at keeping that September interest! R.H.

Lady Hart .

O’Conor 2 Aglen Mde. Chevannes

1. The demands for revision of the Yangtze trading | tonese Chang Yin-huan (see letter 484n1 and regulations took some time to hammer out; it was 1034n1), who was a minister of the Tsungli YaDecember 1898 before Hart issued a circular (no. men from March 29, 1890 to September 25, 1898,

868) authorizing the changes. and concurrently a senior vice-president of the Hu

Pu from October 7, 1892 to September 24, 1898. 2. The proposal to tax Chinese manufactures 10 Ching was the Manchu Ching-hsin, president of the per cent (see letter 1024n1) had been rushed into Hu Pu from mid-1895 to early 1900. He was conoperation with a view to getting the same regula- currently a minister of the Tsungli Yamen from tion included in the Japanese commercial treaty August 28, 1894, to September 7, 1898. then being negotiated. When it failed, and Japanese

subjects were allowed to engage in all kinds of 4. Hart’s Circular no. 724 (see letter 1026n3) spemanufacture in China, native merchants objected cified that if the sale of an abandoned vessel’s cargo

to the increase in tax on their own wares. was insufficient to pay for the wreck’s removal, the owners should be required to pay the deficit. 3. Hart’s “Chang Keng” must have been the Can-

Z/730 1 November 1896 |Rced. December 21 |

Dear Campbell,

The German mail is just in (21st Sept.) and the first letter I open asks me if I will arrange for Elsie Adair and her troupe to give a couple of performances next week in Peking! Your Z/1022 arrived 26th Oct. I wonder what von Grot has been kept in Russia for all this time: they keep the secret here very well and the world can only surmise and conjecture. Not a line from Detring since he left China! Yesterday Li told me he heard en passant at Tientsin that D would be back before the river closed. I said, ““He has two years’ leave’’. ‘Then why does he come sooner?” asked Li. ““Don’t know’’, said I, “perhaps it’s for the railway affair?” “No,” replied Li, “‘that’s not it: possibly he may bring the Emperor of Germany’s return presents!” If this is what D. is after I suppose he’ll get at the Emperor and Empress Dowager, and then we’ll see what the next “scene” will be. Bredon goes to Canton and Jim is to take Tientsin: between this and July next we hope to have an idea of the

course things are most likely to take, and by that time I shall be properly well played out. |

tance!! |

The Hongkong Bank made a mistake in not launching the whole 16 millions at once, and its new idea of appropriating the Sept. interest—it, the agent of China—is monstrous! The Sun Wen affair is very Chinesey: although press and public may blame Macartney, this Govt. will give him all Kudos for zeal in running to earth a conspirator at such a disI saw Li yesterday: he talked more about Lord Kelvin to me than anything else!? The Queen’s surroundings too—related to so many Imperial-Royal families and so loved by her

[1090] THE I.G. IN PEKING

people—had impressed him. The reality of everything everywhere—real soldiers, real ships, real time tables for trains etc.—also struck him as being so different from what China produces, outside veneer and inside rottenness! The old man looks well and is full of intelligence and energy: but he is not very sanguine about success against such mountains of solid opposition and such centuries of ignorant conceit as plans for reform must hurl themselves against here. He was a bit hurt at the Yuan-ming-yuan episode: the Board’s sentence was to be cashiered: the Emperor’s clemency commuted it and made the penalty a fine of a year’s pay—the money is nothing but the slap in the face is unmistakable: ‘‘and this, too, in one’s own country”, said Li, “after having been run after and refusing invitations from Kings and Emperors abroad!” Poor old boy! Did you read Michie in the August XIX Century ?°? That article is very readable: but still the reply is that Li did not make the most of the power and funds at his disposal, and also that I have never been the tool of the F.0., while, in the C’foo affair we all had one common end—to keep the peace and avoid war. How astounding your Smith news! At death’s door said Macrae a few months ago—and at heaven’s Gate and on the way to matrimony says your last telegram! Mrs. Schubert is my god daughter (Alice Engelhardt).

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Bruce Mrs. Schubert Dora Detring 1. Sun Wen, better known as Sun Yat-sen, had In 1896, when Li met him, a number of celebrareached London on October 1 from New York tions in his honor marked the jubilee of his profesunder Ch’ing government surveillance. His deten- sorship at the University of Glasgow. tion in the Chinese legation from October 11 to

23, engineered by Macartney and described in 3. The Michie article was on Li Hung-chang (in Sun’s book, Kidnapped in London (1897), made no. 234 of Nineteenth Century, amonthly review

him famous. edited by James Knowles). It pictured Li as the

pivot in China’s foreign relations during the past

2. The British physicist, William Thomson (made thirty years, and contrasted the calculated enthuBaron Kelvin in 1892), was best known for his siasm of his reception in Germany with the inapplications of electricity to submarine telegraphy. difference of the English.

Z/731 8 November 1896

[Rcd. December 25]

Dear Campbell,

You will have seen the “Cassini Convention” in the ““N.C.D. News” of the 28th Oct.' I don’t think the Russian Govt. has signed such a treaty, but I do think Cassini carries home China’s proposals or written assurance of willingness to act thus. That China would be forced by circumstances into the arms of Russia and France has to me seemed a certainty all these last ten years: in the far-off end it will perhaps be best for China, and at the present moment it is the easiest way for the Govt. to throw off care and put its “head” deeper into the ‘“‘sand’’, but there will be a between time of trouble—if not chaos!

[1091] NOVEMBER 1896

Sheng, the Director of Railways, is coming in an hour.” We have never been friends since he tried to get out of passing that Engineer’s travelling expenses twenty years ago, and, as he has been in Peking for months without coming near me, I wonder why he comes to-day— is it civility or business, and if business does he want staff or money help? Your wire that Detring will be out 21st Dec. surprises, and does not surprise, me. J don’t want him till his leave is up for Customs’ work, but he, doubtless, would like to be at hand now to pull the strings for either Zi at Peking or Sheng elsewhere. I don’t blame him: but he mistakes often being the “fly” on the “wheel” for being both engine driver and engine! A letter just in from Jim: says he’ll be here in a week, stay a week, and then be off home

again! This is a disappointment, but I’m glad he knows his own mind at last: that frees me to make other arrangements. His gout, poor fellow, is evidently growing to be a serious thing . with him, and I think he’s quite right to put off harness! As for myself—unless Providence considerately knocks me on the head, I'll hold on till doomsday rather than see the plans I think the best for China in my line smashed by my unnecessary disappearance! And yet | hope to be able to take my holiday next midsummer—I no longer say “‘next spring”’. Your Z/1023 and 1024 came Ist and 4th. D. is fond of forecasts and “inner diplomacy” as Cocker calls it. As to what Koch writes about I have no locus standi—and I rather agree with you: Brokers are not the right men at this stage! The best thing will be a good understanding between Russia and England but R. has specific designs in the far future, and unless England plans quite as far, E. will in the end have the “‘experience” and R. the “cake’’! My hands are fuller of work than ever and I see no end to it: it’s as much as I can do “‘in " - patience to possess my soul!”

Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Bruce Hart Miss Hart Samuel Eva Price 1. Published as an already concluded Sino-Russian N.C.D. News: North China Daily News. The agreement in the North China Herald of October North China Heraid was its weekly edition. 30, 1896, the Cassini Convention was actually an

unauthorized draft by which China would give 2. Sheng Hsuan-huai had been in May 1896 Russia a railroad concession across Manchuria appointed director-in-chief of all railway con(where the Chinese Eastern Railway was eventually — struction. In October, in addition, he had been

built), probably sketched out by Count Cassini specifically charged, by imperial decree, with the preparatory to his negotiations with the Tsungli construction of the projected Peking-Hankow

Yamen which began April 18, 1896. line.

[1092] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/732 15 November 1896

[Rced. December 25 |

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1025 arrived 10th. J hope, with you, the birth of Bruce’s child will relieve him and set him free to attend to his own health a bit: thanks for your congratulations—I am glad the youngster’s a boy! We are still facing an unknown future here: what I fear is a financial collapse, for the funds borrowed to pay Japan are being used for other purposes, and how China is to borrow any more—and she will want at least £15,000,000—I don’t see; but I fear the R-F syndicate will do it for her and she’ll fall more completely into the hands of those powers than ever. Some of the higher Chinese officials here who know the situation strike me as just swimming with the current and picking up what they can—and yesterday two very big men asked me to find out if I could get houses for them at—Macao! “The further away from Peking,” say they, “the better!” I have tried to stop spending money on ships etc.—but to no purpose, and now they propose to give Sheng a million sterling to start the Railroad with! Whether Detring comes to hook on to Sheng (who has been throwing over Li) or to steer Li to a front place again with Legation help, is a question.’ I have no objection to paying out as much “rope” as he wants in either direction—if he makes a “‘spoon”’ all the better for China, and if he spoils a “horn” his education will be thereby advanced a step! Gérard is as busy as ever—and he’s always “running in” something: he has secured the reopening of the F’chow Arsenal under Frenchmen, and has a ship surveying Kwang Chow Bay between Macao and Hainan—what does that mean or portend?? Talking of “‘surveying’’—I wish you had seen the Hydrographer and not the Permanent Secretary: he could have given the list of the staff of a surveying ship and also the names of some suitable men and naval rates of pay—and would probably have done so through professional sympathy, but the Secretary possibly looked at it officially if not politically, and did much the same thing as Chance did when I asked that worthy firm to take in young Child. Do you know Mr. George A. Goodwin, a consulting Engineer and past President Society of Engineers? The Legation introduced him to the Yamen etc., and Chinese Govt. may possibly employ him as Inspecting Engineer occasionally: I gave him your address, that you might make acquaintance simply—and he will probably call. He struck me as being a practical man who knows his work. Everything here is most unsatisfactory and it requires all one’s pluck and grit to face the work and worry of the day: China’s luck is of an uncommon kind and perhaps it will hold out and ease our passage through narrow and tortuous defiles with the enemy crowning every height and the vultures soaring overhead awaiting their prey—but that hope does not do away with the serious troubles and difficulties of the march, and nobody has such a dose of the essence of disagreeable things as myself.

. Robert Hart Yours truly,

Lady Hart Mlle. de Cassini

[1093] NOVEMBER 1896

1. In view of Li’s weakened position, Sheng had 2. Kwangchow Bay would be leased to France secured the patronage of Chang Chih-tung, the for ninety-nine years during the scramble for conreform-minded governor-general of Hunan and cessions in 1898. Hupei.

— Z/733 22 November 1896

[Red. January 4, 1897]

Dear Campbell,

Jim arrived here yesterday in capital condition but he does not intend to stay and I do not see that there is much to be gained by getting him to do otherwise. China looks more and more like going to the dogs and her only safety seems to be in clinging to Russia: that power will give her sympathy and protection and if she does not learn to step out alone will end by incorporating her—there seems a fatality in it and British procedure is not calculated to stop its course. That million I have been wiring about is to be diverted from Japanese indemnity funds to either Sheng’s railway project or some local purposes, and, as more money will be wanted, how is it to be raised? I fear there’s either a crash ahead, or a difficulty which can only be solved by China’s mortgaging territory and thus getting deeper and deeper into the mud! The Vapereaus left yesterday: he has a Yamen despatch in his pocket authorizing him to talk Exhibition matters etc., but he will have really nothing to do till placed on the Paris Commission by me in 1899. He held on here these last few months trying to be made paid agent at Paris—but failed to put it through: his position and doings in Paris will depend very much on Tching, but as he is Gérard’s tool and Hanotaux is G.’s friend the Quai d’Orsay will make the most of him." What is Detring’s plan? Is Colquhoun the “‘solution?’’? The pair will probably cause considerable agitation and gossip but I doubt if they will do more, and, as I wired, I think D.’s long leave would have been better spent at home. I hope those Russians (2) French (1) and Germans (1) are on their way: they can perfect their English out here. I hope the £600,000 will not be sold at a loss: in any case don’t begin selling till after the second half-year’s interest is secured—or, better, until I wire to begin. I can’t understand why the loan should have gone down to anything below par, and I trust it will rise. Beauclerk is away south and I don’t know whether he goes to Berlin or not: if I can find out I shall answer Evy’s enquiry.° Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Please send Mr. Strahan a guinea subscription with enclosed note (a/c. D/. £1-1-0) R.H.

Dr. Hamilton*

Mr. Strahan :

[1094] THE I.G. INPEKING

Miss Taylor Lady Hart 1. Ch’ing-ch’ang was to be Chinese minister to After two years there, he was appointed minister France from 1895 to 1899. Gabriel Hanotaux, to Peru, where he died in 1908. French politician and historian, had been chef de

cabinet under Ferry, and was Foreign Minister 4. The Reverend Thomas Hamilton was president

from May 1894 to June 1898. of Queen’s College, Belfast. This is doubtless the

letter to which Dr. Hamilton referred on July 16, 2. Archibald Ross Colquhoun, world traveler and 1900, when he wrote the editor of the Belfast Times correspondent, had studied routes for rail- Northern Whig after Hart was rumored to have roads and had written books on the subject, among __ been killed by the Boxers. At the time of the jubithem Report on Railway Communications Be- lee of the college, Hamilton said, Hart sent him a

tween India and China (1885). letter in which “‘he regretted keenly that he could

not be with us to share our joy and join in our 3. Evey’s husband, who had been Secretary of Le- congratulations, and recalled many interesting de-

gation in Peking since 1890, went in December tails of his student days.” 1896 to Budapest as consul-general in Hungary.

Z/734 29 November 1896 [Red. January 18, 1897] Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1027 and 1028 came in together on the 25th, but I have not yet had time to examine Hutchins’ advice, etc., re investments. As regards Passbook, cheque 220 was cancelled here and 230 is for Kate Carl (£100). I handed Jim his returned letter here. He and Gibson left on Thursday—the band playing “Home Sweet Home” as they got into their chairs. Jim as gay as ever and his comrade quite a pleasant old boy! As to the £150,000—there was no such understanding as Hillier seems to imply. The Contract payments, i.e. schedule moneys, are for the public and not for the Bank. It was arranged that the first six months should begin from the first of the month in which subscriptions were invited—but that was for the public, to tempt them; when the time for second issue came as the Yamen was in no hurry I wired to ask if interest could be made to run from Jst October and the reply was affirmative—so that not only was there neither understanding nor precedent but there was an explicit understanding to calculate interest from October. I have not yet received Cameron’s letter: when it comes I'll reply. As to precedents we have a precedent on the other side: for the Bank returned to Yamen the interest which it had not paid to subscribers for the first weeks of either the Silver or Gold Loan, and won much credit at Yamen for fair dealing thereby: it must not spoil its reputation now! We are very busy here—as usual, and, as the days are short, dark soon after 4%, I find it hard to get through. Yamen is using up Japanese-indemnity-loan-moneys on other things in spite of my warnings and protests, and I fear there will be a big financial trouble before long: Russia may save them by a loan, but it will thereby put the chains on China all the more effectually. It would be a good opportunity for England to step in as a Govt.: the investment would be quite safe, for China is honest and has big resources in the background. _ The West River is being arranged for to-day: I saw Sir Claude about it on Friday twice—was at the Yamen twice this week and go there again this afternoon: I expect we shall have a

[1095] DECEMBER 1896

Commissioner at Wu Chowfu by February.’ We had to give in to the Japs re police etc. at the new ports, and China looks like losing some territorial authority by so doing. Li is giving us a dinner at Chang’s house on the 2nd Dec.: I fear we'll all get our death of cold there! The new Ministers to England and America are Lo Fung Luh and Wu Ting Fang (or Ng Achoy, as he was called in his Barrister days at H’kong), and Hwang Tsung Hsien, formerly Consul General at S’pore is named for Germany:” these appointments mark a new departure ~and I think Li recommended them, Lo being his interpreter and Wu his legal man. Hard frost, and hands so cold I can hardly hold the pen! Yours truly, Robert Hart Read letter to Smith: close and send on. Lady Hart Sir Cecil Smith 1. Hart was a little overoptimistic. The port of the Sino-Japanese negotiations of 1895 while also Wuchow opened on June 4, 1897, with Acheson active in building schools and a railway. He was to

as commissioner. be minister to the United States in 1897-1902 and

- 1907-1909 and a leading government official both

2. Lo Feng-lu, top graduate of the Foochow Arse- before and after the 1911 Revolution. nal school in 1871, had been in the London lega- Huang Tsun-hsien, a chii-jen of 1876, spent tion under Kuo Sung-t’ao and then had served for several years as counselor to the Chinese legation many years as Li Hung-chang’s confidential secre- in Tokyo. His writings about Japan became well tary, interpreting for him in England in 1896. He known and were published by the Tsungli Yamen succeeded Kung Chao-yuan as minister to London in 1879, and his history of Japan in 1890. He was November 23, 1896, and was transferred to Russia consul general at San Francisco in 1882; counselor |

on August 29, 1901. to the legation in London 1890; consul general at

Wu T’ing-fang, after being a student, an inter- Singapore 1890-1893. Recalled to serve under preter, and a journalist in Hong Kong, studied law Chang Chih-tung, he became known for his advo- . in London (1874-1876) and became the first Chi- cacy of reform and was summoned to Peking for nese barrister and (in 1880) the first Chinese mem- _ audience. In 1896 he was named minister to Gerber of the Hong Kong Legislative Council. Joining many, but the appointment was canceled (see Li Hung-chang’s secretariat in 1882, he had partici- _ letter 1069). pated inthe Sino-French negotiations of 1885 and

Z,/735 6 December 1896

Dear Campbell, , [Rced. January 21, 1897]

Your Z/1029 came 4th inst. The Yamen’s manipulation of borrowed moneys does not please me and I always try to stop their shifty-devices: this spending of Loan money on ships, railway, and payment of interest, is bad finance and we’ll be in a quagmire before all’s over. That Armstrong affair is a “‘rose’"—but under another name, and it will be interesting to see how it will “wash” later on! The attitude of the Yamen towards money matters puzzles me: either they do not yet comprehend the gravity of the situation, or they think all the world is itching to lend them money on any terms, or they know that Russia will provide a way out for them or they simply say, hopeless for the future, aprés moi le déluge,

[1096] THE I.G. IN PEKING

and hook in what they can now! I fear it is the last, and, if so, there will be nasty work to be done a few years hence. So far Li is no stronger here than anybody else: whether he will get into power seems doubtful. The general outside feeling is one of sorrow that the Japs did not come all the way to Peking! I have half a dozen different difficult questions in hand and find it far from easy to possess my soul in patience: something new tumbles into the office to be attended to every day, and arrears are mounting up in quite a formidable pile: I have to say “‘go”’ in every matter, and so nobody can well help me—and in fact to say “‘go” or the opposite takes a lot of thought and consideration and cannot be done hurriedly in matters involving principles and stretching out in every direction like wheel spokes from the centre more especially as there’s big responsibility connected with each vis-a-vis Yamen, service, public, and self. This is the last mail by sea to S’hai I believe, and now we shall have a quiet fortnight—no port mails coming in: I hope to make a push and get the arrears cleared off before Xmas, but I fear new occupations will interfere. Japan and Russia are both establishing Post Offices in China—in spite of what China herself is doing:’ this has a bad side now and is objectionable, but perhaps later on when we are in working order, the withdrawal of all foreign offices will be made easier rather than difficult by their numbers. I have not had time to attend to my private affairs yet—and in fact I have scarcely the heart to go at them. Although I allow worry to get the better of me less than others do, I have my worries and the “blues” have been a good deal about me this last week—but I am

a bit run down I fancy, owing to overwork etc. . :

Robert Hart }

Yours truly,

Lady Hart Bruce

Mrs. Hart (Jim) , 1. Russian postal agencies were opened in Shang- Chungking, Soochow, Hangchow, and Shasi. hai, Chefoo, and Hankow; Japanese in Amoy,

Z/736 20 December 1896

{[Red. February 15, 1897]

Dear Campbell,

I am a bit done up after a very busy fortnight. The approach of the New Year and the postal work to be prepared for have given me heavy work of every kind and at a time too when on one side China’s difficulties seem to make all effort useless, while on the other social doings and the season’s gaieties fill time with other demands to the detriment of business and official duties. I am astonished to hear their legal adviser supports the H’kong Bank in its £25,000 action: I am horrified to read that the Crown’s law advisers want China to pay for the “Kowshing”’ and I am amused to find how crown judges have the cheek to drive a coach-and-four through

[1097] JANUARY 1897

an Act of Parliament, as the Lords did when they decided against the Conservancy in that “Crystal” appeal case, with their quibble over the interpretation of the word “‘owner’’! And So, once more it is evident that there was immense truth in the cry “with how little wisdom the world is governed!” Of course I quite agree with the view of Hutchins, that sentimentally it is hard on an owner to put him to further expense: but law is law and there is a very considerable body of justice and right in requiring the man whose ship has become or created a nuisance to contribute towards its removal. While nothing can be more cruel than strict law, if an owner is to be let off that additional expense it ought to be—not for sentiment, but—for some obvious reason connected with the circumstances of the occurrence. In the ‘‘Kowshing”’ affair, the easy way in which the opinion lugs in a “state of war” at the bottom of p.1, and then uses the words “not proceed to her destination” when what the Japs wanted was surrender, is too good! All three matters appear to me to be handled improperly, and we shall have more to say before we give in.—I have just deciphered your tel. 631 re million payment before 24th. I don’t think Bank acted judiciously in raising that silver finance point at S’hai. What the million is for is a secret: some say it is Govt. advance for Sheng’s railway—others that it is China’s share in the capital of the Russo-Chinese Bank! I protested at Yamen against moneys borrowed from public for Japanese indemnity pay-

ments being directed to other uses: but they have the “bit” in their “teeth’’—the ignorant | ones don’t see its meaning and the knowing ones seem to be running a “muck!” Detring should reach S’hai to-day: they say hell come overland to Peking—a “wild goose chase!”” Wonder will he have Colquhoun with him? The French and Belgians are busy here and Holland is also on the qui vive: in fact the “carcase”’ seems to be here and birds of prey hover overhead. Not a cheerful Xmas lookout! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mlle. de Berniéres Mrs. Beauclerk |

Z|737 3 January 1897 [Red. March 2]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1031 arrived 1st January. The Loan disputed Sept. interest vexes me—not on account of the amount, but because of the tendency towards sharp practice on the part of the Bank thereby indicated. The Bank was certainly to have a very free hand in order to make the transaction profitable for itself so long as the loan was successfully launched, interest 5%, and China’s net receipt 94%, but that “free hand” only applied to financing in and out and did not mean, pocketing. I am writing officially: get the very highest legal opinion—but it seems to be a question of equity rather than Law, although arising out of one party’s interpretation of the words of a legal document.

{[1098] THE I.G. IN PEKING

The two covers from Hutchins re Oldfrack Salt Lease also came at the same time: I read the lease last night but cannot reply to-day.’ The Yamen is still fighting the West River question but we expect it to be open before Midsummer: Li is now the obstructive member of the Yamen: but whether this is playing to the gallery or not remains to be seen—I think it is, but, if so, it shows little respect for the foreigner! The great man dines out when asked, and he was at MacDonald’s Fancy Dress Ball on New Year’s Eve—very much out of place, with his pocket spittoon well to the front always!

As regards Dr. Sun—it must not be forgotten that he plotted and caused trouble at C’ton and made use of British territory (H’Kg) to work mischief for a neighbouring friendly power: so he deserves no sympathy at all, and, had he been caught in China, would very properly have been “hanged, drawn, and quartered’’.” On the other hand the action of the Legation was altogether wrong and irregular, and cannot be too severely dealt with. At the same time you must remember the Chinese Govt. will be rather pleased than displeased with the zeal of its people—so that Macartney & Co. will score heavily in the official estimation of Peking! I am sorry Flanagan failed: but we don’t want any more slow coaches. The men from other states are all superior to the English we get, and a sprinkling of good Britishers is now desirable. Detring is at T’tsin. J have not had a word from him since he went on leave last May, and I am wondering what his attitude is going to be: I have, however, filled my “belt” with “laughing gas’, and I intend to “float”? whatever “waves” rise! Lowder just wires from Wuhu for authority to take charge. Palm is ill again: what a fatality there is about that port!* I am rather puzzled how to provide for every place and at the same time give the old ports the experienced seniors they want for office work. You will find Acheson a very good man: an excellent Lieutenant, but perhaps not cut out for Captain! Yours truly, Robert Hart Happy new year to you!

Lucy Detring

Lady Hart © Evey Mrs. von Brandt Mrs. Glover

" Schubert

"Aubert 1. Here and in letter 1059 Hart mentions salt 3. E.G. Lowder took over from Palm on December leases in connection with his property in Ireland. 31, 1896, and stayed at Wuhu as assistant-in-charge until November 10, 1897, when Hughes arrived as 2. See letter 1041n1. commissioner.

~ [1099] JANUARY 1897

Z|738 10 January 1897 Dear Campbell,

Despatches in shoals—32 private covers one day and /9 the next—and such like things— have kept me going so this last week that really it appears to have been all one long day, the more especially as Insomnia invaded me again last Monday night and I have had no good refreshing rest since then. The work has quite outgrown me and I simply cannot keep it up! I go on temporizing for I don’t like to scuttle: but really a radical change is becoming necessary—that is for the work, not for me—and it can only be effected by ousting me and letting in half-a-dozen—‘“Kilkenny cats!””!

Scarcely had I fired off my inquiry re Hirth when in came a long letter from him: he will resign. Curious how the approach of letters makes me think of people and do something in that connection before they actually arrive—it is constantly happening! Woodruff, too, is resigning, and, with all the new places to provide for, Palm, Edgar, Simpson etc. are going on leave.”

Detring has been over a week at T’tsin and instead of coming to me as usual proposes to go to the Viceroy, i.e. the Ex-V. Li (who, according to Pethick, does not want him!): I had a room ready and fires burning three days—but they are now out. I fear he and C.° are on a “‘wild goose chase”! He buzzes too much about revolving wheels and fancies he is turning them: this eternal fuss would worry a more excitable man than myself, but I prefer giving “rope”’ and letting the safety valves of common sense work off superfluous “‘steam’’—not heroic perhaps, but on such lines as help boats to ride out gales instead of going under. Shéng has railways etc. in his pocket and the official world behind him have their hands too well “‘greased”’ to interfere. It will be interesting to watch proceedings when D. does turn up here: the Legations will all invite him—but that means “pumping” rather than féting, and Mandarindom will then make difficulties for him by using him as if his influence were all that Legation gas makes it look like in size. If he can do anything really good for China, all right: the country’s wants are many—the arena is big—there’s room for all! I wonder what Bruce’s medical man will say about an April trip to America: the U.S. invites China to send men to the next Postal Congress (Washington, May) and I have advised Yamen to do so—not that there’s work to be done, but to put in an appearance, and, if Bruce is well enough, I’d like to introduce him thus officially.* We are getting Postage Stamp dies from Japan, being in a hurry: but I fancy we shall end by going to London. The work is going to be very heavy and I should like to pass it over to another head and hand: but Kopsch is a “‘faddist” and his line is not safe, and if I brought in an outsider, he’d not understand the Chinese side and his advent would set all the Legations on the “hue and cry’’. So I must hold on to it for the present having had the responsibility of commencing it: my circulars will show you how carefully I work—but, although fast enough for my machinery, I fear too slowly kata” material. I owe Bobbie and Archie letters still: will write as soon as I can get time. Kind regards to all yours! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart

Nollie ‘ [1100] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Bruce Hirth Hannen B/E £1638

1. Two cats that fought and consumed each other Woodruff, who was commissioner at Ichang until nothing was left but their tails (see letter during 1896, resigned as of March 1897. 484n7). 3. C.: Colquhoun. 2. Hirth, who held a Ph.D. from the University of Rostock, had been on leave in Munich from 1895 4. The International Postal Congress was held in

to 1897 and resigned to become a member of the Washington in May 1897. F.E. Taylor headed Bavarian Academy there. He held this position China’s delegation; see letters 1063 and 1065. until 1902, when he became professor of Chinese

literature and head of the Chinese department at 5. Greek prefix: “‘as against,” “concerning.” Columbia University.

Z/739 17 January 1897 [Rcd. March 16]

Dear Campbell, Shantung snow delays courier—so, no mail to answer. Work very heavy, but interesting. Postal matters to the front and Legations in arms, irritated by my getting Str. Co’s to refuse to carry any but Imperial mails along coast: I have the whiphand however, and, having established the principle, | shall ease off in practice—we cannot force Govts. to withdraw their P.O. and we shall /et them live, and carry their mails for them for a consideration, till our affairs are in proper working order and Chinese affairs in better condition.’ The passage-of-arms was quite amusing, and my “amiability”’ stood me in good stead. It is not much just now, but when it covers the eighteen provinces—and it will spread—what a gigantic Postal Service it will be! Customs affairs go on in the usual way— work increasing, revenue growing, new questions continually cropping up, and every port calling out for more hands. Wuhu again in trouble: Lowder, in charge, is all right, but the Asst., young Kindblad, has broken down: so I wired to Gilchrist to go—replied ““Mother down with typhoid fever: can’t!”’* Curious the fatality that hangs over the place—and it is not its unhealthiness! There has been a row near Shasi and Neumann got hurt, but it will not produce complications. How to provide men for new ports—Chinese-speaking commissioners to take charge and experienced assistants to run office—is a question, seeing that four commissioners go on leave in 97. I] am surprised you cannot get Germans: but if they won’t accept our terms it can’t be helped—I can’t change age or raise pay for them. My successor will have his hands pretty full, for all these troubles which I am staving off will swoop down on him, poor man! I don’t see my way to getting off home at all just yet, as the question of succession is far from settled. Isn’t it a nuisance to have to carry this “nightmare” about with one continually? I wish you saw my office: how the dickens I shall ever go through it to clear out papers that ought to be removed before I quit, I can’t imagine—it would take three or four months simply to turn out drawers and pigeon holes! I have had to live a too ‘from hand to mouth” life at headquarters and have never had a first class staff—or rather could not keep it: so that I, who can’t move off, feel all the woe of the situation!

| [1101] JANUARY 1897 Do you know the London “School of Economics’’, 9, John Street, Adelphi? Would it be well to send it our Statistics, etc? I enclose £100 for Bobbie: I hope he’s going along to your satisfaction.°

Lady Hart | Yours truly, Robert Hart

Curzon Loder St. John

1. Hart had secured the cooperation of foreign 2. Edward Gilchrist, American, joined the Customs steamship lines plying in China waters by offering in October 1890, going first as 4th assistant B to to remit half of the Customs special permit fees Hankow. In 1894 he was transferred to Shanghai. (for loading and unloading out of hours, and for He did go to Wuhu later in 1897. working on Sundays and holidays) to those steam-

ship companies that would undertake to convey 3. This was Hart’s contribution toward Bobbie the mails of the China Post Office and to refuse all Campbell’s third year at Oxford; see letters 905 others except those of the country whose flag they and 965. flew.

Z/740* 18 January 1897 [Rcd. March 16]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1034 arrived last night. Detring not here yet and his plan still undeveloped. Washburne and Morgan, M.P. are both at S’hai where Sheng Taotai is “‘in the saddle” and likely to ride over everybody!’ Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Tcheng Tchang Mrs. Swinton 1. William Pritchard Morgan (referred to in later Merthyr Tydvil. Interests in gold-mining property letters as Pritchard-Morgan) spent the first part of in Australia took him abroad at this time. his life as a solicitor in Queensland, returning to Sheng Taotai is Sheng Hsiian-huai. England in 1883. Since 1888 he had been M.P. for

[1102] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/740° 24 January 1897 [Red. March 19]

Dear Campbell, | Your Z/1033 & 1034 received. I have just wired you re Foreign Post Offices in Turkey—do they function only between Turkey and foreign countries? We can’t expel foreign P.O. from China, but I am trying to stop them from carrying domestic correspondence from port to port in China. Also re Legation privileges: we charge Legations on furniture bought at and brought from S’hai, and have fought the question twice successfully—but the Dutchman is bringing it up again, and so this time I want to quote foreign practice. We are having a lively time of it over postal matters just now. Kopsch has not things in readiness as I expected and yet he wants to go too fast: the public is clamouring for news and he wants to issue notifications and I, to avoid trouble, say—“‘show this first to me”. The snow in Shantung is awful this year and our couriers travel so slowly, it is hard to get things put through in time by correspondence— they are taking three weeks to do what the contract stipulated could be done in twelve days! Detring is still at T’tsin: has been three weeks there: Colquhoun is here—I only saw him once and would not let him talk till D’s arrival. I don’t think there is much chance of any immediate settlement of such a thing as “The Railway Board”’ question! I am not touching it and Detring is not telling me any particulars about his plans and his present proceedings: I have only had the one short note from him, written four days after reaching T’tsin. Merrill is just asking for leave.! I should not be surprised were Li to ask me to put D. on the Peking staff (I wanted to do that in 1877—but D. did not like it: he preferred the freedom of T’tsin and the Viceregal atmosphere of the day). Michie writes well, but people don’t credit him with the best kind of common-sense where business is concerned: J like him, but outsiders say that M. and D. don’t like me! The idea of D.’s talk to the Emperor affecting “an approach between F.O. and British ambassador”’ is too delicious! And as to “the terms he is able to offer’ —do they exist and has he authority to offer “‘terms’’? I doubt it! Morgan, M.P. and Washburne are both at S’hai—and Sheng is trying to fix them. Altogether we seem on the verge of a muddle. The Hu Pu is growing anxious and they again talk of giving me native opium collection to deal with—they put off everything to the last minute and then expect results in a twinkling! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Robb Miss de Cassini

" Dora Detring 1. Merrill, who had been Chinese Secretary since 1897. June 1, 1896, went on two-year leave in March

[1103] JANUARY 1897

Z/741 31 January 1897 [Red. March 29]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1035-6 came this week. I hear Pr. Morgan, M_P. is really an able, practical man, but I fear Li’s invitation does not mean much. Mason also sent his book to me (he has been in low water at home and I have twice helped him): he’s a clever fellow and I expect he will yet do something considerable as a writer.' Before the C’kiang affair broke out he had just got on to the ladder for advancement, and in that matter he was to my mind the victim of mixed motives—he was curious, and he wanted to serve me, and he got into a quicksand! Gérard & Cie. have applied to rejoin the Club, and the Committee assented. This of course is good for the temporary peace of Peking, but J think the right thing would have been to refuse re-admittance to those who left thus—however I’m not on Committee, and I have only been in the Club twice the last eighteen months—although I have more money in it than all the rest! America asks China to send a delegate to the International Postal Congress at Washington, so I am proposing to send Bruce. Naturally you would have been the man but I don’t want you to go so far from London at present and as, in point of fact, there is nothing to be done except make a short statement and put in an appearance Bruce will do well enough, and I wish to use the opportunity to give him an official introduction and put him on his legs, so to speak, before and in the official world: the future is for the youngsters, and not for us old folk who are all but played out. I hope you have coached him a bit in the Union conditions and minutes of previous sittings, etc: If he is not quite fit from a health point of view, however, I don’t want him to go. Detring is still at T’tsin and I know nothing about his doings, but rumour says he has been talking to the French Consul General there and that his idea now is a cosmopolitan affair (not simply Anglo-German). J don’t think the Chinese Govt. is prepared for such a Board: Sheng will not readily agree to give up his power, etc.: Liis not all-powerful: an AngloGerman offer would bring France and Russia and their followers on the Yamen sharp—how is he to put it through? I fear it will end like all his other schemes: he is always too sanguine and there is no “straw”’ in his “bricks’’—at one time his ends are of doubtful value and at another his means are not properly thought out. He has rare qualities and is a character, but it is not enough to don the “tail” to convert the “daw” into the “peacock!” “Go to the ant—and be wise!” Postal work is heavy and worrying—chiefly because Kopsch wants to go too fast and reports too slowly: on the 23rd I wired to him to issue no notification without my sanction: on the 29th he issued one on his own hook just before my draft of what it ought to be reached him, upsetting my plans, etc: and we’re in a difficulty all round! However—that’s no novelty! Yours truly, Robert Hart Read letter to B. close and send on.

[1104] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

Lady Hart Bruce O’Conor 1. Charles Mason (see letters 811 and 814) wasthe Library of Putnam, New York, 1894). He later anonymous author of The Shen’s Pigtail, or Other wrote a book on his adventures entitled The Cues of Anglo-China Life (from the Incognito Chinese Confessions of C.W, Mason (1924).

Z/742 7 February 1897 [Red. March 31]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1037 arrived 4th. Pr. Morgan, M.P. is still at S’hai, but I don’t think he has “‘scored” yet. Detring is at T’tsin and we have had no further communication—outsiders say he is “depressed and home-

sick’’; of course any check Sheng may meet would help D.’s plans, but, as for an Anglo- , German arrangement, it is an impossibility I fancy, for the Chinese would not pay the “price”, and, with Russia and France on their flanks, dare not! I see the “Sketch”’ has a reference to the Club doings and rather happily mentions Ct. C. as the French minister!’ The club readmitted G. & Cie and now G., they say, is a great deal there and bears himself as if nothing had ever happened. I very seldom appear there, having

plenty to do, and plenty to occupy me, athome. ~ | MacDonald has signed at last and the West River will be open from June: two ports Wuchowfu and Samshui, and five calling places;* I fear the public will be disappointed in its commercial doings and capabilities for many a long year, and, as for revenue, it will damage local Likin tremendously without putting much duty in the Imperial chest. Gérard will now dance a war dance and squeeze a quid pro quo out of the Yamen—poor Yamen! They have no backbone and daren’t say “‘no”’ boldly—and their only salvation lies in their doing that, for most of his “diplomacy” is the minister’s bluff and not the nation’s justly-demanded compensations or concessions. We are hammering away at the Post and I hope this year’s doings will see us begin the next year on the right track. We have to make the point as fine as possible and put on plenty of oil and the wedge must be very bendable, for we have to twist and turn and get round corners many before it will be all plain sailing. That telegram to Berne is connected with what I have to do with the Legations here regarding their port post-offices: we can’t suppress them—and don’t want to for foreign direct work, but, for domestic work, we cannot encourage, but can only make the best of the situation. A forthcoming circular covers a memo explaining all this.° ~ It is horribly cold here and for the first time I have chilblains on my fingers. I am feeling anything but comfortable internally—I mean mentally, not physically: over-work, overworry, and over-loneliness! And the feeling that I really want rest and change combined with the fear that departure may generate catastrophe, accentuates it all: everything seems to have gone wrong except the work I am responsible for, and the grief and vexation of it

[1105] FEBRUARY 1897

all press heavy. Everything seems to have gone wrong—both public and private! However— the milk’s spilt and crying won’t put it in the ewer again!

Yours truly, Robert Hart P. S. Curzon wrote to introduce Sir Ed. Ross who applied for Douglas-Irvine: so I thought C. knew all about it and would be the easiest channel of communication.*

Miss Bush R.H.

Lady Hart

Alcock

Wilzer

. 1. Count C: Count Cassini, the Russian minister. ing, ‘subject to certain formalities.” The burden

G.: Gérard. of the communication was a plea to the commissioners to go slowly, to handle efficiently the

2. The Anglo-Chinese treaty concerning the Burma simple matters already undertaken and not to urge boundary and trade in southwest China was signed expansion to parcel post and a money order sysby Li Hung-chang and Claude MacDonald on Feb- tem (as Kopsch was doing) until the postal staff

ruary 4. It opened T’eng-yueh and Szemao in was capable of handling its present responsibilities.

Yunnan as well as Wu-chou in Kwangsi and Sam- ‘ shui in Kwangtung. 4. Sir Edward Charles Ross was Resident in the

Persian Gulf and consul-general for South Persia

3. Hart’s circular no. 776 (second series), dated from 1872 to 1891. March 30, 1897, set forth the conditions under Walter Francis Douglas-Irvine joined the Cuswhich native postal agencies could continue ‘‘to toms as 4th assistant B at Lappa on June 1, 1898. do all they did before,” according to Hart’s head-

Z/743 14 February 1897 [Red. April 13]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1038 arrived 12th February. Montgomery’s leave throws me out: I was just putting him in orders to relieve Woodruff (who resigns) as Actg. Cmr. at Ichang from March. However, he’ll probably come in handy for Wuchowfu or Samshui in June. We are really hard up for Commissioners just now and for experienced Assistants—Creagh, too, is resigning.’ Detring arrived last Monday and came to me. He has talked freely and I think I know all the business now but there is much in it a la Detring: he has come out with a full head of steam and all sorts of backing—but he steered not for the open sea but for a coast line—and

there he’ll stick probably. He’s always a bit too sanguine and, cheered by backing, loses sight | of obstacles. His talk is very interesting and he is in very good form. His coming has cheered Li considerably: that worthy is stranded here for the present and finds little that is congenial, sympathetic or promising: he may get off the bank he now flounders on and do something more in deep water yet, but up to to-day he is only a member of the Yamen board

[1106] THE I.G. IN PEKING

and the new year has gone by without giving him any recognition or additional duty—except the nauseous one of having to sign the Macdonald Treaty; and now that Detring is here, the latter, like a true henchman, cheers him daily—having nothing else to do. The French Legation had a row this week: the 2° Sec. Ct. d’Apohier objected to being put below the Interpreter Vissi¢ére at dinner and some words took place, on which Sec. sent témoins to Interpreter and later refused to apologise and also refused to fight.2 Gérard was also in it: he tried to eject d’A., and got slapped in the face in consequence! d’A. telegraphed to Paris and asked for recall and he is recalled but still as Sec. of Leg", which means Quai d’Orsay will hear his story. People think the Club, and this, will do for Gérard—an active agent, but irritating everybody and losing friends. I am again a sufferer: the cold made exercise impossible—chilblains came—broke—and festered: my foot is awfully swollen and the pain is atrocious at times: Bushell says it is not

a case for local treatment, but that a general strengthening of the constitution is wanted: so , I must work less and walk more—two impossibles. It’s an awful nuisance! I stick to my work all the same, and am clapping on all Postal sail possible: it is going to be a tremendous success! But really work is too heavy for me and I don’t know how to pull through! All these letters now enclosed were written in the evenings between 6 and & under the gas after something like 8 to 6 of office work daily—and such heaps are still in the basket waiting for replies!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Miss Bush (omitted last week) Mrs. Dalton Twinem Frackelton Akerman Mrs. J.H. Hart Mrs. Price Verhaeghe de Berniéres (read and close) 1. G.F. Montgomery was due back from atwo-year 2. A. Vissiére was a Sinologue who later wrote leave on February 28, 1897, but had been granted Premieres lecons de Chinois: Langue mandarine an extension (see letter 1058). His post on his re- de Pekin (Leyden, 1909) and contributed notes turn in June was acting deputy commissioner at to H.H.G. d’Ollone’s Mission d’Ollone, 1906-1909:

Kowloon. Recherches sur les Musulmans chinois, and to A.E.

Creagh, in the Service since 1875, was on two- Moule’s The Chinese People (London, 1914). year home leave, his last post having been acting Témoins: seconds, as in a duel. deputy commissioner at Amoy. He resigned without returning to China.

[1107] FEBRUARY 1897

Z/744 21 February 1897 [Red. April 17]

Dear Campbell,

Yours Z/1040 of 1st January arrived 28th Feb. while the staff were complimenting me on my 62nd birthday. No—that would not do: it would be a poor compliment to the Queen to send me as ambassador, though, of course, it would be a great honour to me and there might be a possible fitness in making the bearer of congratulations on completing a cycle be a Britisher who has served China through two-thirds of it." Iam glad Doumer and not Gérard goes to Cochin-China!? This last knows the frontier “ropes” so well, that, what with his activity and little heed of means so long as there’s an end to be won, he’d have played the mischief! I am amused at Michie’s keeping away from you: perhaps he likes to “blush unseen”’. Detring, still here, does not appear to me to be making progress. He wants to use Li: the latter is using him! As I said before, he is too sanguine and does not count the cost: he had an excellent, an admirable programme—but he started without a linch-pin; so the wheel will come off, and he provided for a voyage over what turns out to be—not sea, but—land! The people who asked filled him with demands and promises: the people who are to reply can buy the same goods in a cheaper and pleasanter market! Colquhoun is also in Peking: his reports to the Bank must be queer reading! I don’t see him for I don’t wish to be involved in a triangular duel. D. is fond of picking up “‘lame ducks” and describing them as “‘swans’’—I rather think C. is of this sort. All the same I still hold the same ground: I wish D. every success—whatever is for the good of China, and I give him a free hand. We are hard up for men: Woodruff and Hirth resign—Palm, Edgar, Simpson, Kopsch, Merrill and Aglen go on leave and all this just as we have four new ports opened and two others about to be opened and the Postal business to whip into shape. How find Chinesespeaking Commissioners—how find experienced assistants for office work? and at C’ton Bredon is ill and has put Miller in charge!* I have been two weeks in the house with a bad foot (a chilblain broke and festered) and have still as many more: horrible agony at times—but I stick to my work: I could not go to the big Denby dinner in my honour yesterday! I have made Leslie, Unwin, and Morehouse Commissioners (M.’s claim simply seniority) and Brazier and King Depy. Commissioners—both good men. Leslie is doing excellent work at Hangchow. I also gave steps yesterday to Pym, Perry, and some others. The work here is awfully heavy—I really don’t know how to get through it. As for private affairs, I have to neglect them all round!

| Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart Mde. de Korostovetz Aglen 1. The Diamond Jubilee, to be held in 1897, would reign. celebrate the sixtieth year of Queen Victoria’s

[1108] THE I.G. IN PEKING

2. Paul Doumer, who had been president of the 3. Bredon had been commissioner at Canton since French chamber and minister of finance in the November 1896. Miiller had filled in as deputy Bourgeois cabinet in 1895-1896, was appointed commissioner several times: August 25-28 and in January 1897 to be governor-general of Indo- December 23-28, 1896; January 5-8 and February China, where he remained until his return to 12-25, 1897. Bredon resumed charge on February France in 1902. He was the author of L’Indo- 25 and remained until April 10, when he was re-

Chine francaise (1904). lieved by Drew.

Z/745 14 March 1897

[Red. April 26]

Dear Campbell,

These last three weeks have been full of work. My sore foot kept me in the house since the 9th Feb. and I am still in slippers unable to go out: so the demands of work have been beautifully seconded by the ailment which I have been fighting against—and which I hope will vanish this week. But I cannot overtake the arrears—private and public—do what I will, and I almost lose heart at times whén I think of all that’s to be attended to, for, so to speak, J feed the mill and dare not lay up. Your Z/1041 to 1044 arrived the 6th and 11th by the last couriers and first steamers: it was only last night that I finished reading the S/O’ correspondence that buried me like an avalanche, and the dispatches are still unread. Vapereau is specially appointed by the Yamen and although I may make plans and appoint others I cannot overlook him: it is my duty to work through him and the Paris people would not recognise another. He is competent enough, but the way he got the billet etc. rile me! Just now a huge packet comes from him saying Picard wants to know our intentions at once —and this rather puzzles me, for, as usual, the Yamen wants me to make bricks without

straw—‘““You may do our work’’, it says, ““and—find the money too!’”? , Gold Loan investment must remain till after we have secured the April interest: later on we can unload quietly and bit by bit. Addington’s nominee Chute was nominated by telegram: send on the enclosed.? Warren, Pres‘. of Magdalen, gives Weippert a good recommendation and W.’s own application is taking: I also enclose note for Warren—I don’t know whether he is Revd. or what.* Germans—there’s no use looking for Detring’s “‘superior’’ men: we want some of that nationality and the style of fellows who will make good clerks in merchants’ offices will suit. The 1041 enclosure was from de Berni¢res—not Aglen: very irate over V.’s appt. and disconsolate on account of the non-appearance of the Red Ribbon. I’m sorry he did not get the decoration, but I fear that is only for Frenchmen who are not appreciated by myself! Income Tax deduction on China’s money raises a queer question. Legation Privileges, Post Office Legislation, Removal of Wrecks, etc., have all to be handled by me here for the Yamen and sometimes with—sometimes against—the Legations: | have therefore to mind my ps and qs and neither take steps from which I must retreat nor give advice I cannot back. The Legations must pay on what they buy in China—we free what they import: that is our rule, and we also let them export without duty—a privilege they do not enjoy elsewhere I think. I am curious about the octroi in Paris: must Embassies pay it?

[1109] MARCH 1897

The foreign Post Offices, as you will see from Cir. 28, will use only Chinese stamps for inter-port or domestic mails.” Kopsch is very wroth with my ruling and demands to join the Union at once: I say “The Union cannot help me to eject the others and adherence to it would saddle us with all sorts of reciprocal obligations and special responsibilities for not one of which are we ready! First get the offices all opened and in good working order— crawl, walk, trot, gallop—that’s my plan: and you must take your time from me!”’ Wreck Laws etc. will always be a trouble to us here seeing that we only light the coast and do nothing to deepen water, etc: funds don’t suffice. Bruce is of course a constant worry to me: he has married his sweetheart—and I allow she was worth marrying, but he has spoiled his career in every other direction. He does not allow that he sees this—he acts as if he hadn’t—and he thinks me cruel if I don’t provide him with everything, position, work and money. I don’t want to spoil his life by stinting him nor do I want to wound him by reminding him he ought to work for himself and not look to me to slave on for him: and yet facts are facts—he has not fitted himself for anything outside of the ordinary Customs’ secretariat work I can give him to do—he draws all from me—and I am not a millionaire. If there were to be a crash, where would he be? I give up the idea of a Washington trip for him—for various reasons, and, as you know, I am now sending Taylor: Taylor will probably have the Stat. and Postal work for five years to come, to secure uniformity and continuity, and his introduction to the Postal notables from all the world will have its uses later on. That Chislehurst house is evidently a thing Bruce set his heart on: I think it’s a mistake to buy—it would have been better to rent and also to rent elsewhere and not necessarily near London. The country is nice round C. I know, but it must be a dear neighbourhood and if the international doings of the age end in war, it is just certain to be the scene of much activity on the part of invaders and defenders—I’d far rather have property and friends elsewhere when the evil day comes, and it’s on the cards it will come! I have asked you to arrange the purchase in my name and shall supply funds as soon as possible: but it’s like drawing an eye-tooth, I tell you! A/c Z. Thanks—I enclose cheque for £200 which will give you a balance of £80 odd to go on with. Chang’s Langham rooms not being available I have advised him to let you arrange for the best: no reply yet.°®

Your tel. C/621, telling me Bruce went to the Riviera, has disquieted me: was the trip specially for him, or did he simply join on? What a nut to crack Crete is!’ It may set the world on fire, but I should not like to be the naval man who has to point his guns at the Greek ships! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Addington Warren Price W.

1. S/O: semi-official. Paris. 2. Maurice-Alfred Picard, administrator and con- 3. Egerton Hubbard Addington, 2nd Baron, was a sulting engineer on railroad matters, had headed a partner in John Hubbard and Co., Russia mercommittee on mechanized industries and transpor- chants. His nominee, L.V. Chute, British, joined the tation at the Paris Exposition of 1889. In 1893 he Customs in May 1897 as 4th assistant B at Swatow. was placed in charge of the 1900 exhibition in

[1110] THE I.G. IN PEKING

4. Thomas Herbert Warren had been president of Imperial Post. Magdalen College, Oxford, since 1885. W.H.C.

Weippert, British, joined the Customs in October 6. Chang Yin-huan headed China’s delegation to

1897 with a 4th assistantship at Shanghai. Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

5. Hart’s circular on the post (see letter 1054n3), 7. Insurrection in Crete had been resumed in Febwhich was no. 776 in the total series but appar- ruary 1897, following a proclamation of union ently no. 28 of the year, made only one change in with Greece. On March 2 the powers proposed to the existing rules for mail carried by the offices Greece and Turkey the autonomy of Crete and run by individual foreign countries in China: that withdrawal of troops. This offer the Greek governinterport mails within China should be shipped, ment rejected, and on March 18 the blockade of by registered companies paying a fee, through the Crete commenced.

Z[746 21 March 1897 [Red. May 12]

Dear Campbell,

Chang will probably have Jem and yourself on his staff as Sec. of Embassy: so I hope you have lodged him nicely. This ought to make it easy for you to see all the sights, and join in all the doings of the Diamond Jubilee. From questions asked me a month ago I infer I could have gone either alone or as Chang’s colleague, but I said I was more necessary here for the time being—and in fact I have no desire to be seen in these grand gatherings for which my

life and work in China have so little fitted me. |

Customs work, owing to want of Chinese-speaking Commissioners and paucity of experienced office men, gives me some anxiety, and Postal Work is turning out far heavier then we counted on or prepared for—

S’hai recd. 1767 Chinese closed mails and 405 Foreign

despatched 2229 " S88" posted 20665 " 28086 ”"

distributed 10132 Chinese letters & 18313 " :

handled 993 post cards, 34,000 newspapers 3000 books parcels, and 3,400 registered letters in February! The work has almost killed all concerned, and it is growing there and everywhere. I hope Taylor is making himself as far as he can acquainted with the postal idea: English practice and forms would not suit us here and men and work have to accommodate themselves to Chinese requirements and Eastern peculiarities. Taylor, Merrill, and Bruce (after all) are likely to be China’s Postal Delegates at Washington. Berne’s first big congress only lasted three weeks: Washington, with littlé to do, ought to get through in ten days. Russia has followed Gérard’s lead and asks me to appoint ten or twelve Russian assistants— not nominees but men recommended from whom I can choose or to whom I may add etc. But it is “‘le déluge”’ that is coming along—and, to my horror while I’m here and not “apres’’/ G. Montgomery has lost Service chances by giving precedence to private investments, I am sorry to say. I intended him for Ichang—then for Wuchowfoo: the Yamen now orders me to appoint commissioners to Wuchowfu and Samshui at once—and his chance is gone! Corea also sends an Embassy to Europe: with it goes a very nice young Russian, named

[1111] MARCH 1897

Von Rautenfeld, of “ours’’. The Russo-Japanese Conventions re Corea have astonished the poor King, who does not relish their way of disposing of his internal affairs without consulting him.’ What I hate in the whole matter is that I seem to have been getting up a fine Service here and in Corea simply to do Russia’s work in the future! However, it is after all “humanum”’ and Providence rains on Russia quite as lovingly as in England—*sic tempore verti etc.”’”

I hope Archie will do well at the Cape; the £100 was to help him with his outfit, etc. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. In the course of their rivalry in Korea, Russia 2. Sic tempore verti Cernimus, atque illas assumere and Japan in a convention of February 24, 1897, robora gentes, Concidere has: “‘So we see that mutually guaranteed the independence of that change comes with time, and that some nations country, which however was to last only until gain strength, while others fall into decay” (Ovid

Japan’s defeat of Russia in 1905. Metamorphoses XV.420).

Z[747 28 March 1897 [Red. May 12]

Dear Campbell,

Yours 5th and 12th Feb. arrived 22nd and 26th instant. Yesterday and to-day I have been busy over Taylor’s instructions, which I am sending to the H’kg. Bank agent, Mr. Townsend, 50, Wall Street, New York.’ These delegates ought to have a nice time and I trust China’s appearance at the Congress will tend to help her postal experiment in the years to come. I thought it best to designate the incoming, and not the outgoing Postal Secy. for the work: there is nothing to be done, while there is everything to be Jearnt and everybody to make aquaintance with in the interest of the future. The two Presidents of the Hu-Pu called a few days ago ordered by the Emperor to give me the Native Opium control, and I am now planning how to tackle it. I fear Likin, Salt, and even Land Tax will follow suit: but how can I undertake it all? I am worked to death (and worried besides) as it is: I was in office yesterday from 7% A.M. till 6 P.M., and now Sunday it is 11 A.M. and I have been pegging away here ever since 7% A.M.: same thing every day the last five weeks. The sore has at last closed and tomorrow I hope to put on boots and go out after six weeks in the house: this enforced confinement was excellent for work, for, had I been going out, I could not have got through half I’ve done. Chang started 26th while rain and snow mixed were falling: awful weather and awful roads! I am sending 14 boxes to your care for him containing, 1 to 6, Imperial Presents for the Queen, and, 7 to 14, curios Chang himself intends to give away. Being for an ambassador

the Custom House is to be requested not to open them. I greatly fear they'll arrive dam- . aged for the cases are not tin-lined and the packers were not superintended by our people. They are insured for—£10,000!

[1112] THE LG. IN PEKING

I wonder will Bruce be well enough to go to Washington & I hope so—and that the wife will go too. I wired requesting Hutchins to tell Atkinson that I don’t think the Vint salt lease desirable: the return is not at all tempting and I don’t like to expose the ordinary farming tenants to the nuisance salt searches, etc. would surely excite. I’m amused to find Bruce’s “‘charming”’ residence is disapproved of by experts. I’d rather spend twice the amount and get a snug country house with a hundred acres attached to it further from London and in a westerly direction. Li is making “‘hay”’ at the Yamen and is very industrious. Detring is still nowhere—Loans are on the tapis.” Yamen has allowed Tls.60,000 for 1900 Exhibition preparations: I intend to put up a separate Chinese building for Chinese Exhibit—would it do to entrust it to Barbier? We cannot afford to be squeezed! That firm would probably charge actual cost simply on such an occasion, and I fear that if I work through Vapereau the outlay will be of the “record” kind!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. Taylor, who was on leave, would be going to 2. On the tapis: on the carpet, under consideration. Washington from London; mail for him was there-

fore being sent to New York to await his arrival.

Z/748 4 April 1897

[Rcd. May 15]

Dear Campbell,

I am in another difficulty here: Von Grot, just made Act’g Chinese Sec. and a most valuable man, has resigned without warning or reason given—except that he thinks it his “duty” to do so.’ Hippisley says he has talked since his return occasionally about the Service—its day is over, etc., and now he plays “‘rat”’ to the “‘sinking ship’! However we are far from being on our beam ends yet and my standing order is “full steam ahead”! But his departure is a Serious inconvenience and I have to go through all the “‘agony of labour” again before I bring forth the order which is to assign new men their places. At one moment I think of Van Aalst for Chinese Secy., and Campbell for Audit Secy. and Morehouse vice Campbell and Von Tanner or Johnston vice Morehouse: then I think I should avoid these changes and try and get Cartwright to return, but Cartwright would not like to be here with Hippisley as Chief Secy., and as H. gave up “‘leave” to come here he deserves every consideration— although he is not quite the man I expected: he too has gone “‘stale”’ a bit and lost heart over silver and other things.? Aglen is out and out the most promising of our men: his proposed leave is very inopportune from every point of view, but it would not be fair to refuse it. I shall probably wire to ask if Cartwright would be willing to return—an inquiry, not an offer, for there are various considerations yet to be weighed. The “loan” is the affair of the moment.? Li is very anxious to put it through and “money”

[1113] APRIL 1897

wants guarantees: China is coming nearer the “guarantee” point, but very grudgingly, and unless it is done with “‘a heart and a half” the control of any inland taxation would be very unsatisfactory work. I shall not refuse it, though half killed with work, for, if given to me, it is a Chinese establishment that does the work, whereas, if an altogether new office is created, e.g. by France and Russia to work the Salt Gabelle, it will be quite a foreign establishment and disintegrating. The “Native Opium” question is progressing: the Pres‘. of the Revenue Board sent yesterday to ask if my plans are not ready yet: I said he’d have them before the 10th.* If the plan I am going to start is quietly and patiently worked on for thirty years, 1930 will find the office collecting on 300,000 chests annually which, at 100 a chest, would give 30,000,000 taels revenue. I wish I could live and work all the time: I think I could re-establish or rather create healthy finance for this big empire: but as soon as I start the “Native Opium” work, I had better clear out—unless they want me to start something else under the new Loan guarantee: I must stay to start the thing—but I cannot hold on to work it into shape. There is no use groaning over the outlook or refusing the work of the day because the future seems hopeless: although the world may be coming to an end, we must go on (like Dr. Cumming)” ‘insuring our lives”! Who knows what may happen yet? So it’s best to be on the right ground “tomorrow”’ by being on “‘firm footing” to-day through doing one’s “duty” yesterday! Yours 19 Feb. arrived 2nd, Apl. The Pritchard Morgan party still here and Colquhoun down at T’tsin consulting with Detring. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Miss Hughes

Hutchins 1. The official date of von Grot’s resignation was took Morehouse’s place at Pakhoi, however; A.S. April 30, 1897. He then became affiliated with Deane (a Briton who had been in the Service since

the Russo-Chinese Bank. 1880) went there as assistant-in-charge on April 22.

2. Von Aalst became acting Chinese Secretary in

September 1897 after an interval filled by Mayers 3. The loan under negotiation was the second following von Grot’s departure on April 30. Anglo-German loan, signed in February 1898. See

’ Smollett Campbell became audit secretary on letter 1097n1. May 25, his place at Amoy being taken by More-

house on May 3. Neither Paul von Tanner (a 4. On native opium, see letter 1070. Russian who had joined the Customs in 1881 and

was a 2nd assistant B at Tientsin) nor Johnston 5. See letter 334n1.

[1114] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

Z|749 11 April 1897 | [Red. May 25]

Dear Campbell,

Z/1048 arrived 9th and your telegram of the 8th also in: if the chief, Taylor, can do with £200 I don’t see how I can authorize £600 for the junior, Bruce! In America people never have private sitting rooms: the reception rooms are immense and visitors and visited find accommodation in them easily. I am glad the Macaoese incident has gone to sleep again:' there is nothing to be got by delimitation, and as China is not interfering with Macao proper or its harbour Portugal ought to keep quiet and be content. Of course pride and vanity want more, but having the substance why seek to exceed the shadow? China has not yet sunk low enough for that to be tried without risk! Gérard has been bothering me about Exhibition matters and more especially wants me to give Vapereau something to do and recognise him at once as the herald of the 1900 Commission. I “swallow” all this with difficulty, and although it is one of my principles to “take medicine gracefully” I kick against it internally. Of course the right thing to do for comfort and ease is to work with and through Vapereau: in fact this has to be done and can’t be helped: and besides it will please French officialdom and shift responsibility—all the same, it is the result of such irritating meddling and of so much that was underhand if not treacherous that one’s “gorge” does get up! I shall replace Von Grot by Van Aalst—a very capable man (but unhappily one who by his language, which is too outspoken and too caustic, irritates his comrades generally )—and this latter by Campbell from Amoy, who will now be Audit Secy (promoted).? Russia objects to China employing any but Russian officers for military purposes and also maintains that north China being within the “Russian sphere” cannot be developed by others! This is a huge advance, and China must accept it and the world too! Li is working hard in the Yamen: having nothing else to do, he is there every day and must accordingly grow into a “fly” of some importance on the “wheel” of circumstances; but he is not yet given any other post and except in work that he lays hold of himself is rather ignored by the Empress than otherwise. When Prince Ouchtomsky arrives as Ambassador we shall have queer doings: it is thought he will not only deliver the presents to the Emperor but also have much to say by way of advice on all sorts of subjects.? Russian influence is paramount and must continue so as long as Russian power elsewhere lasts. I enclose a cheque for the outfit gift I wired to you to give Archie (£100 : B.E./248). He may see very stirring times at the Cape—I hope he went out strong and well. Milner is Ready’s cousin—a very capable man judging from Egypt; but the Transvaal is another kind of “nut” and the future must be waited for to see what will come out of it.* That shelling of the Cretan insurgents is a nasty thing to think of! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Maze

Robb

[1115] APRIL 1897

O’Conor

1. On Macao see letter 592n1. Russian minister but on a personal trade mission (see letter 1065). He had accompanied Li Hung-

2. Smollett Campbell, who had been acting com- chang to St. Petersburg for the coronation. missioner at Amoy since May 1896, held the post

of audit secretary (at the rank of commissioner) 4. In the growing friction between Great Britain

from May 1897 to April 1899. and the Transvaal, Sir Alfred Milner, who had been undersecretary for finance in Egypt from 1889 to

3. Prince E.E. Ukhtomskii, an influential figure 1892 and subsequently chairman of the Board of who stressed the cultural kinship of Russians and Inland Revenue, was appointed high commissioner Asians, came to Peking later in the year not as the in South Africa in August 1897.

Z/750 18 April 1897 | [Red. June 7]

Dear Campbell, . The weeks are so full of work they run round like hours and Sunday succeeds with always a new job for the day before I have time to begin a home letter: it is now 10% A.M. and I have been at work in the office since 7% o’clock and this is Easter Sunday—I had even to go to the Yamen on Good Friday and thus spoil a good working day (because uninterrupted) I intended to convert the office holiday into! Provincials are opposing the post, but the Yamen and central Govt. support it. | am sorry I made Kopsch Postal Secy., for with his own plans and preconceived ideas, he has not followed my lead and has caused me much trouble: his idea is join the Union—i.e. build from above—mine, perfect the domestic system,—i.e. work from below. Besides, I gave way to his economical, go-to-Japan, ideas, and so, here in May almost, we have still months to wait for Postage stamps—and after all paper and machinery had to be bought in Europe!—the question of Money Orders is now being considered and it is puzzling: Kopsch’s rules are too inadequate—Van Aalst’s too multitudinous, and the different dollar rates along the coast are bewildering. Further, our Postal Clerks are still green and I don’t want to overwork or confuse them—and now on the top of all this, Native Opium is coming along: of course I can only start it!—_Then, too, there is Vapereau in Paris and Gérard is worrying for his recognition, etc., for though V. has the Yamen’s appointment in his pocket, the money’s in mine, “nervos belli pecuniam infinitam”’.' In short my hands are too full, and on every side there is difficulty and perplexity: to go with the current would be easy enough, but that would end in shooting ‘“‘Niagara!’’—To crown it all, in come telegrams yesterday to say that another French missionary has been murdered near Poséh in Kwangsi, and that three members of the Commercial Mission who have also a missionary with them are in great danger and the Mandarins helpless!” We are certainly drifting towards complications and there is no intelligible policy behind the pilot’s sailing orders beyond the old “Do the best you can: give the least possible: hold on to old ways!” But this is dangerous with the wolves baying at the gate— in which danger there’s also that curious element of safety that keeps each individual wolf _ back through fear of being set upon by all the others! So, step as carefully as we may, the

is always there.°

-Ican’t understand why the Postal Congress should be likely to sit so long, or how Bruce will spend £600 where Taylor will find £200 enough. In any case, official funds cannot bear

[1116] THE I.G. IN PEKING

it all and my unfortunate a/c Z will have to yield another drop of milk—the best cow must go “dry” some time or other! Chang wires that he memorialized the appointments of Jem and yourself, but I have no proper official intimation of it yet. The 14 cases for the Ambassador (Presents from Emperor to Queen, etc.) went to you by the P. & O. “Thames” yesterday from S’hai and should arrive with this: being for Embassy, they ought not to be opened by Customs, etc.

Miss Hart .

Yours truly, Robert Hart

1. “The sinews of war [are] unlimited funds” on missionaries; in this case the settlement was

. (Cicero Philippic V.2.5). thought to be linked with a demand for the occupation of Hainan. 2. Pére Mazel was the murdered missionary. British

officials were disturbed by an increasing tendency 3. A hole punched for the string holding the letters on the part of the French to profit by such attacks together creates a gap here.

Z/751 25 April 1897 [Red. June 7]

Dear Campbell,

I wired that “‘thousand”’ to you to meet Washington advances. It horrifies me to hear Bruce’s passage would absorb two hundred: why I thought sixty would suffice for that! Your Z/1049, 1050 and 1051 arrived 18th and 22nd. As to H’kong Bank and the legal opinion—there was evidently a misunderstanding; but all the same, it put me in a difficulty vis-a-vis the Yamen for I had reported interest would commence from Ist. October. With Mr. Bruce’s explanations here, J do not expect any legal opinion to be in our favour: but I want it—for Yamen use—all the same. With the probability of his quitting us, I think Nettelbeck would not be a very desirable man: but I suppose we should have five years’ work out of him and that would suffice pro tem. I hope Taylor read up Postal Circulars and Union literature, and went to Washington somewhat prepared to understand what it’s all about and also to say what China is doing if asked a question: that’s all he has to do vis-a-vis the delegates, but of course I expect him to bring away useful knowledge and also, by appearing, to make acquaintances for himself and win some sympathy for the I.P.O.—which people are disposed to kick by the way! The Legations are awfully riled at my “collaring” the interport steamers as I did—Gerard calls it a coup d'état!" Hotel Cecil will do. Yamen just now writes Chang memorialized and got Decree “attaching you and Jim to his mission’’: I suppose as it is of such a temporary kind and has only congratulatory functions to perform, that all the staff are simply “‘attached”’ and that there is no “Secretary of Embassy”. I rather think, however, that there may be a desire to get as much work out of you two as possible and keep you in the background at the same time. So

[1117] MAY 1897

I am going to ask the Yamen to memorialize again and make you secretaries of Embassy formally. As to Bruce’s proposed house—I am rather glad it fell through for I really can’t afford it. He ought to take such a house as Jim has at Wimbledon—or such an one as the Mazes had at Brixton (1878)—which I suppose could be rented for £50 to 60: his pay and what I allow him would enable him to live well enough there. On the top of all my hard work and official worry, these family cares are a little too much! However—one must make the best of it: J

try to do that—I wish to heaven the others would do so too! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mat Bredon 1. See letter 1050n1.

Z/752 2 May 1897

[Rcd. June 19]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1052 arrived 27th April. I think Bruce had better follow Jim and take a house—cheap—down Wimbledon way. Penge, too, used to be a nice place.’ Bruce thinks evidently I am very wealthy—he is really

spending too much! ,

Foreman’s reception of Taylor is amusing reading! We have no desire to join the Union till we are ready, and we are far from that yet! I have used up all my power of nominating and have only reserved one place for Lang’s son—when old enough.” So, tell people—‘“‘no vacancies”’ till further orders! I am amused to see that your latest recruit is poor Bismarck’s son: the father and mother were always good friends of mine and I am glad to be able to place their son. I asked Von Brandt two or three times if I could do anything for the youngsters, but he did not know whether they had disappeared or were provided for. Do you know that B. was a natural son of the great Ct. Eulenberg.° By the way I begin to hope our prospects look better: it is whispered the proposal to revert to the 1858 value and collect for 3 taels duty one pound Sterling is likely to be consented to. If so, the Yamen will double our allowance, and we shall be on our legs again! A wire just from Chang who has arrived at Victoria, but been put in quarantine for 14 days on account of small pox on board. He asked “Macdonald’’ to wire to “Salisbury” to “relax quarantine’’. I fear that’s beyond the premier’s power! The fortnight’s delay will probably bring Chang to London about 10th June: all Chang’s things have gone by the P. & O. str. “Thames” (14 cases from here and some more from Canton about which Drew wrote you): as these are for Ambassador, don’t let Customs open them. Be on your guard with Lo Feng Luh. He will either try to impound your premises or pro-

[1118] THE I.G. IN PEKING

pose L.O. incorporation with Legation, I fear. So, don’t go out of your way to ask him to make himself at home at 26, Old Queen Street! Von Grot left yesterday and Mayers is now running the Chinese office: he is capable and promising. As I told you before, Aglen at T’tsin has turned out “A.1.” I wish I had a dozen such! Gérard goes—on leave—in June and Dubail (Brenier’s old private Secy.) comes as Chargé.

The Austrian Czikann is here: I feast him on the S5th.* Also the loquacious Jednia: did you know him in London? The Russian “‘princes”’ arrive ten days hence and some curious doings are looked for. Pritchard-Morgan, M.P., left yesterday: he’s very “‘fit”: I rather think he’ll win something, but only by working with the Russians. Keep your eye on him and get acquainted. He knows Rendel well. In another cover there are letters for Chang and Liang.° Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. Penge is a London suburb near Croyden. many’s ambassador to Vienna. 2. W.0.M. Lang, the son of Captain William Lang, 4. Moritz Freiherr von Czikann was the Austrian

joined the Service in February 1899. minister to Peking from 1896 to 1905.

3. H.M.A. Bismarck joined the Customs in June 5. Liang Ch’eng was a Cantonese whose personal 1897. His father had been an interpreter at the Ger- name (or tzu) was Chen-tung. Later, after receiving man Legation (see letter 45n4). Philipp, Prinz zu the K.C.M.G. in August for his services in connecEulenburg, was a close friend of Kaiser William II tion with the Jubilee Embassy, he was known as and, after the fall of Bismarck in 1890, his most Sir Chentung Liang (see letter 1074). influential adviser. Since 1894 he had been Ger-

. Z/753 23 May 1897 [Red. July 5] | Dear Campbell,

I was too done up to write on the 9th, too busy to do so on the 16th, and too much occu-

pied on week-days to give you or home a minute! | The Chang affair is curious: his English speaking surroundings do not want to be eclipsed and he himself knows how useful foreign assistance is—so he has to hedge! Then again Lo is making a push for leadership, and as his antecedents will not give him the official ladder of influence to ascend by he will use his position to trample on everything he can put his foot on and thus raise himself that way: he professes admiration and friendship for myself, but while really a superior man—well read, gifted, industrious and able—he is conceited and grasping and very “Chinese” in every feature and quality.’ So, as my telegram says, Beware! He will try to annex, run, or abolish the L.O., and, however nice he may show himself in word and deed, never forget that he is playing his own game and that so long as he wins it is no matter to him who goes under. With his knowledge of English and of foreigners and

[1119] MAY 1897

their ways, he will differ from all his predecessors: he is not a power here but he will be one in London—and destructive rather than constructive I fear! The F.O. of course finds such a staff overwhelming. Chang, Jim, and Ku? are the only men of proper official standing among them—the rest have “buttons” etc., but not having entered by the front gate they are of no account here. Liang is a nice fellow and a probable Minister of the future.* Dr. Ts’ao belongs to the American Methodist Mission near the Ha-Ta-Mén, and—plays tennis. As a representative body the Embassy is very inferior, but Chang is a Yamen minister, can use knife and fork and play whist, and is petted at the Legations here as a possibly useful man: so the F.O. will make much of him. Whether he has other work to do is not known: I think he is like Li and will cut in where he sees any opening. He is a bit rough and rather like a Canton compradore but is good sort of fellow. His Yamen colleagues rather look down on him, but you will see how respectfully Lch will have to treat him, and from that you will be able to gauge how small a thing Loh is at this end of the line! I enclose a letter for Vapereau; read, close and send on. His appointment is also one of Chang’s doings and it has muddled everything—and is directly hostile to Customs and I.G.: Gérard engineered it, and Chang did not see where he was going—in fact that’s the horrible thing in all foreign affairs: the Chinese consent to an act—thinking it is final: whereas it is a cause and breeder of consequences—all of which turn out to be difficulties and none of which were thought of or foreseen (except by the foreigner, whose aim was just that such results should follow). Yamen has given me Tls.60,000 for 1900 purposes of which I propose to devote half to putting up Chinese pavilion; I shall probably connect either you or Jim with Vapereau before winter and I think we ought to get Barbier to look after the building. V., with Yamen’s despatch in his pocket, will want to run everything himself, and the Quai d’Orsay will be disinclined (on Gérard’s advice) to recognise anybody else. I am sorry I touched the matter at all, but cannot get out of it now—except by a surrender, and that is not desirable. I am glad Taylor wires that he was well received: I primed him with a declaration which he was to take an opportunity to communicate, and | see it took well. The postal work gives me much to do, and the worry is increased by the doings of German and French Ministers whose policy is to oppose everything calculated to publish or strengthen China’s right to act as and be considered an independent power. They tell me their Govts. are very indignant at your attempt to correspond with them—“‘Who is Mr. Campbell?” But this is all bluff, and when I told Gérard your letter was a reply to an “official”? from the French ministry, you should have seen how he reddened and collapsed! He also had been giving me a sort of lecture on certain principles “his Govt.” wished to establish, and going away said, “Will my talk suffice?” I said, “I understand; but please send me extracts from your Govt’s remarks in this connection.” That was a week ago, and still no “‘extracts’’—don’t believe he has any! Similarly Von Heyking: who does not know I have Fritsch’s despatch to you advising China to join Union, etc.! Poor China is so weak that these fellows have no respect for her, and so try to belittle and get things out of me: knowing what poor support I have behind me. I have to fight my own battle the best way I can—so far without losing anything, I am glad to say! Soliveres, the Spanish chargé, has just been in for half-an-hour and made my home letter—

which was to follow this—an impossibility. He says the Legations are much exercised over ] the Ouchtomsky mission and the extravagant way China has received it: it is not an Embassy at all, it appears. This Prince is editor and owner of a paper and also head of the ChinoRussian Bank—is also well-viewed by the Emperor, and so, as he was coming re Bank and Rail, the Emperor took the opportunity to send presents on by him: and that is all! Of

[1120] THE I.G. IN PEKING

course, the Chinese receptivity and gullibility being so great, big results may all the same follow. I think Chang’s friend Foster’s appearance must mean that some work is in contemplation, possibly Tariff revision, etc.—or Loans.* Yours truly, Robert Hart

de Berniéres .

Campbell Bruce Hart

Vapereau

1. On Chang Yin-huan, see letter 1058; on Lo tung’s secretariat. Feng-luh, see letter 1045. 3. Liang Ch’eng was to become minister to the

2. Ku Hung-ming (original name, Ku T’ang-sheng) United States from 1902 to 1907.

was the holder of an M.A. degree from the Uni-

versity of Edinburgh and a member of Chang Chih- 4. John W. Foster; see letter 966n2.

Z/754 28 May 1897

[Red. July 10]

Dear Campbell,

I enclose a letter for Chang Ta-jen' sent to me by his son for transmission. Your telegram of the 27th No.032 announcing his arrival just in and communicated to his family. Yours truly, Robert Hart

} Lady Miss Hart ” Chang 1. Chang Ta-jen: Chang Yin-huan.

[1121] JUNE 1897

Z/755 6 June 1897

[Red. July 19]

Dear Campbell,

I have just sent you a wire for Chang from his son. The Govt. here wants him to take “‘tariff revision” and “increase of Duties” in hand as soon as the Jubilee doings are over: I told him Ministers will all be going off on a holiday and work at a stand-still till November. I also wired to Bank re the 40,000 taels—about which I had written on 23 April, expecting my letter to be in London before Chang’s arrival. Your 608 just in. Yamen shelved Chang’s second memorial, and I think dare not memorialize now after failing to pass it on at the right time when received! In getting Chang to put your names on his list, | hoped to do what would be useful to him and pleasant for you and Jim. I saw the telegram at the Legation informing F.O. that Chang’s staff consisted of so many Chinese “‘and Campbell and Hart of the Customs”’. The West River ports were formally opened on 4th June. It was on that day 43 years ago (4 June 1854) that I sailed in “Candia” from Southampton, starting for China. So that coincidences still hang round the dates that connect me with China. Rioting is feared at T’tsin on the 21st when the rebuilt cathedral is to be consecrated. Both Gérard and Dubail are to preside there. I called on the Russian “‘princes’’ on the 4th: the Yamen still makes much of them and rumour says they require the Emperor to send them his card! The other Legations take no notice of their presence here—all the same, they are big people, and a big mission, and doing something big as the future will show! As for Loans—China will be in a fix presently: I am keeping out of it—my advice will be weightier when asked for than when volunteered; probably Chang’s calculation of unpledged revenue is a couple of million taels above the amount, and the surplus is not, financially speaking, a good security in itself.

Yours truly, Robert Hart

Sutcliffe and Johnston were schoolfellows of mine 1846-1850.’ Lady Hart Sutcliffe Johnston Madrelli 1. That is, at the Wesleyan Connexional School in Dublin.

[1122] THE LG. IN PEKING

Z/756 13 June 1897

[Red. July 23]

Dear Campbell, ; Yours last received is Z/1058: that came on the 31st May and since then there has been no L.O. letter although the mail of 30th Ap. arrived 11th inst. Letters from Bruce and Taylor arrived yesterday. You know I am allowing Bruce a thousand a year: notwithstanding the expensive life that can be led at American hotels, I presume respectability is also possible there on even smaller incomes, and so it did not occur to me that his presence on the Commission would lead to any special call on either official or private account. However we'll see about that when the A/cs of expenditure come in. It is hinted here that Li is very jealous and does not want Chang to be honoured as he was: the second memorial was quietly pigeonholed by Li—it appears—and now he dare not present it! The presence of English-speaking people like Lo, Liang, Chen, Tséng, etc. not only frees Chang from being dependent on English secretaries but probably is made the means of hinting to him that it would be better to dispense with them. Your tel. re Jubilee invitations was answered at once by a short one for R.' I hope you'll all get what you want and enjoy the doings of the occasion. For my part I’d rather have a holiday in the country or do a good day’s work in my office here. The Russians are still here but will soon move on: they can tell their Govt. that Russia has only to bide her time and the ripe pear will drop into her open mouth. Helpless and hopeless is China now! A strong Emperor could put her on her feet tomorrow, however, and the Chinese begin to realise this; so possibly the poor amiable youth now on the throne may have to make way for the man the times require. Yuan-shih-kai, who was once in Corea and has now a big camp of instruction near T’tsin, will not be the last in the race should a scramble for the throne come about!? Detring is again with me with an excellent scheme in his pocket, a line of railway from T’tsin to Hangchow along the Grand Canal! I doubt if it will have more success than the other plans he has spent the last nine months on to no purpose. Li is busy at the Yamen— he wants occupation and the others are glad to let him handle such nasty work: if the Empress Dowager had her way he’d be rehabilitated—if the Emperor had his, the poor old man’s head would be off his shoulders before sunset. With such duality at headquarters, how expect anything good—the more especially as the Govt’s policy is not to live up to the requirements direct or indirect of treaty life, but to wriggle out of them and go back to the good old times? It is heart-breaking, and we must just let nature’s forces work out the evolution in their own way—which, after all, will be for the greatest happiness of the greatest number.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Jim Hart Tchang

1. R.: Rendel. 2. See letter 719n4.

[1123] JUNE 1897

Z[757 27 June 1897

[Rced. August 6]

Dear Campbell,

Detring left on the 21st and will be in London almost as soon as this. His schemes are excellent and his aims too, and, if carried into effect, would put China on her feet and make history: but he does not allow for obstacles and is too sanguine and so he goes home—perhaps with seed sown, but—with nothing achieved. Li could not put through his Railway I.G. idea, and soothed him by encouraging a Mining I.G. suggestion: Wang had to deal with this last, and said to D. “‘Ah! If you were a Chinaman now!”’ which of course to D. meant approval of the plan and the possible introduction of it in Chinese guise: to myself, it was I am sorry to say but a repetition of Li’s manoeuvre, and perhaps such a polite way of declining to do anything also meant “If you were Chinese and talked thus, I’d have your head off in a jiffy!’ So the advice I sent in that telegram which was too late to catch him when leaving Europe “Better spend your holiday with your family!’ was perfectly correct: by the way, did you ever communicate it to him? Affairs here look very mixed: officials can do nothing for Emperor and Empress Dowager are on such curious terms that nobody knows which to follow, and as for foreigners, Russia quietly waits, and others ride their respective hobby-horses, irritating China by their dust and noise, tiring themselves with their exertions, and dismounting just where they mounted! We have settled the Marty claim: 77s.200,000: This makes over a million and a half of taels which Gerard has got out of China for her friend France during three Legation years—and he has just been made Commander of the ““Legion d’Honneur’’. Dubail the Charge has arrived but G. is still here: he hates to take his fingers out of the bottle as long as there is some sugar to be got out of it: Sir Claude gives him a farewell dinner next Thursday, but whether he'll go or not nobody knows! Hippisley ought to be as far as T’tsin on his way back to-day and Van Aalst is still touring on postal business: Taylor arrived at S’hai on the 19th but is not in harness yet—he ought to have seen the end of the Congress for one thing, and his too early appearance here does not accord with the various movements I had to make for work, etc.’ He has rather alarmed me by protesting that he knows nothing about Postal or Statistical matters and also by one or two tactless things he has done on the way out: but I hope his real ability will fit him for the work and for doing it well. Your Z/1059 & 1060 arrived 20 June: how they left German and English mails at H’kg. and came on in the “Empress” is a mystery! Z/1061 arrived 21st. Yours truly, Robert Hart Moves: Hwang Tsung Hsien, who was rejected by Germany, has been made Yen-Fa Taotai in Hunan—one of the highest Taotai-ships. Lu Hai Huan goes to Germany, and Chang Keng to Sinkiang.°

P.S. So far there has been nothing remarkable in Mr. Lindholm’s career. Health has been somewhat against him, but service in Corea has won for him promotion which—though leaving him behind two or three rather distinguished men who joined about the same time—has put him ahead of eight or ten who have been employed longer.* The terrible fall in the gold-

[1124] THEI.G. IN PEKING

buying value of silver has of course made every position in the Chinese Customs seem poor and underpaid; but, this apart, Mr. Lindholm has got on rather better than the average as far as Official advancement is concerned, and his friends need not think that he has failed to give satisfaction or that he has been neglected and forgotten. As to the future, that is more in his own hands than in anybody else’s: for in the Service what is wanted, looked for, and required, is personal worth and individual ability, and able men always come to the front and do so for the most part quickly, although possibly some “‘hang fire” for a long time owing to the chance that keeps back opportunity—it is not given to everybody to be on the right spot at the right moment and ready, but the man who is ready can sometimes make the opportunity on the ground where he happens to be, and I shall be very glad if Mr. Lindholm manages to do so, for he possesses some admirable qualities. You can show this to Miss Knollys with my compliments. R.H. 27.V1.297

Lady Hart Eva Price Ohlmer Mde. Chavannes 1. Wang Wen-shao (see letter 976n1) was active in 3. The Yen-Fa taotai was in charge of salt revenue. both railways and mines. As governor-general at Lu Hai-huan succeeded Hsii Ching-ch’eng as ministhe northern end of the projected Lu-kou-ch’iao- ter to Germany in 1897. Ch’ang-keng was governor

Hankow railway, he was instrumental in getting of Ili in Sinkiang. construction of that line under way. A year later, in April 1898, he was to be one of the two Yamen 4. Average times for promotion are evidenced in

ministers appointed to the new Bureau for the the careers of the fifteen men who joined the Cus-

Control of Railways and Mines. toms in 1888, as Lindholm had done. By 1895 one was an acting deputy commissioner (Aglen, as act-

2. Kopsch had given up the position of postal ing assistant secretary), one was 2nd assistant B, secretary on June 1; van Aalst had become acting two were 3rd assistants A, nine were 3rd assistants postal secretary on that date, a position he would B, and two (one being Lindholm) were 4th assishold until December 1898. Taylor was to become tants A, only a step above the level at which they statistical secretary and deputy postal secretary on — entered. After this slow start, however, Lindholm

September 27, 1897. went on to a long career in the Service ending in the 1920s.

Z[758 4 July 1897 | [Red. August 19] Dear Campbell,

These Sunday mornings follow each other with appalling rapidity and there is always something new turning up to make it difficult to devote an hour to home letters. The twenty-four hours of the day do not suffice for what ought to be done: if there were seventy-two instead, however, I doubt if I’d have a bit more leisure! By dint of sticking to a time-table, dividing work, putting aside what can wait, and supported by good health, I am able to keep out of current difficulties—and that’s all: I don’t get through half of what I should really like to push on with.

[1125] JULY 1897

The most unsatisfactory thing is the Post: the want of Postage Stamps is felt at every point and I regret every hour of the day I ever put Kopsch in that particular saddle—although, to be fair, he did some very good work, and from some points of view was fitter than others, but he never grasped my idea—to perfect the domestic service first—and everything I gave him independence in turned out badly for my general plan. From some things I have heard I fear Taylor will err the other way: his manner riles people and I doubt if he’ll have enough initiative in him—which however means safety if he, as he asserts, knows nothing about postal matters or statistics! It’s too bad to be in such a fix at this hour of the day, and my load grows heavier and not lighter. The Hu-Pu stole my “‘thunder” and instead of giving me the Native Opium have directed the provincials themselves to deal with it: ordering them at once to collect Tls.20,000,000 annually on chests 330,000—I had promised that result in thirty years time! Of course my plan is spoiled, and their experiment will fail. Li hammers away at Loan questions—not very successfully. Chang was to have taken up the “Duty Increase” negotiations, but your tel. stating he leaves for China on the 31st shows that idea is abandoned—in fact the Hu Pu’s native opium memorial says that, with such a revenue as that will yield, duties need not be increased: they are counting their “chickens” early! I am wondering if the Queen decorated Chang: he'll be horribly disappointed if not! Detring has left for home and will probably be passing through London as you read this: I think my former idea—that he’d better spend his leave at home—was not far out! We are now sung-ing Gérard and welcoming Salvago, Yano and Dubail: it’s pretty heavy work this hot weather!’ The Band helps at these stiff entertainments immensely—I don’t know what P’king would be without it now! Queen’s Tea and a box for Lady Hart go forward tomorrow. Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Parker’s address wil be got at F.O. or publishers of “Asiatic” I fancy.” Miss Campbell E.H. Parker Lady Hart

1. Marquis Giuseppe Salvago-Raggi was Italy’s Sunging: sending off with civilities. minister to Peking from March 23, 1899, to De-

cember 19, 1901; Fumio Yano was Japan’s from 2. Edward Harper Parker, a former consul, now of March 1897 to December 1899. Dubail became the British Foreign Office, was a contributor to chargé after Gérard’s departure until the arrival of the Asiatic Review and the author of several books the new minister, Stephen-Jean-Marie Pichon, who on China, among them: A Thousand Years of the though appointed as of December 1897 did not Tartars (London, 1895), China Past and Present arrive in Peking until April 1898 (see letter 1104). (London, 1903), and Ancient China Simplified

Dubail himself became minister in 1902. (London, 1908).

[1126] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/759 18 July 1897

[Rcd. September 4]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1065 is the last received. We hear here to-day that Cassini captured Chang: Emperor takes him in as his guest and says he’ll see China through her financial difficulties and do the Loan etc. The only way to counteract such fierce love-making would be for England to direct the B/E to launch a Chinese 37% Loan, secured by England! But I don’t suppose our Govt. values China enough to try such a stroke. Unless some such thing is done, China goes further and further into the Russian “‘turkey-pen” and will not emerge for centuries. Last Sunday I wrote letters to you and Bank re my A/cs etc., but as I have to sign various P/A* before witnesses and have been too busy all week to attend to it they can only go for-

ward next Sunday.

Last week T’tsin sent on the box of tea for the Queen

J.D.C./T. 97 Ts. 50 and also another box marked R.H.

No. 2/36 Tls.200 which is to be sent to Lady Hart: it contains some cloisonné and materials for baby’s dresses

(presented by Chang and the Chefoo Customs to Robert Bruce). Kindly see that they are received and sent on. I am feeling awfully hollow to-day—brainless and heartless: so, good bye! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Bruce & Mrs. Bredon, R.E.

" Juliet

Eva Price Mrs. Brazier Hamilton Mrs. Glover Wagner 1. P/A: power of attorney.

[1127] JULY 1897

Z/760 24 July 1897

[Rcd. September 4]

Dear Campbell,

I enclose a cheque in your favour for £50, from which please repay yourself £20 for the amount forwarded to Miss Hughes, the Valley, Roscrea, and expend the rest thus: Send me out a Lady’s watch No.15,511—£25 (vide Gold. & Sil. Co’s Catalogue, 1897) with a nice Albert chain No.15, 403—£3.15.0—select some trifle—compass, cross, pencil, etc.,—to hang on the chain, and get the monogram C C S M (C.C.S.M.) neatly engraved on the back of the watch.’ Yours truly, Robert Hart 1. The watch was a birthday present for Charlotte Myers; see letter 1081.

7/761 25 July 1897

[Rced. September 4]

Dear Campbell,

It is said Sheng has signed his final contract with the Belgian syndicate and now the question is who is to get the big loan—it appears the Russian Witte told Chang to take things quietly as Russia will arrange with France and Germany, or, failing them, with England, to get all China requires.’ If English lenders stand aloof sternly, I doubt if the money can be got—and I think it would be a good thing to show China that these philandering opportunists in Russia and France are not so strong as to render a breach with England expedient or paying. I hear an Edict tells Chang to now take up the Increased Duty Question, and it is said he will have to stay in Europe till it is settled. There are more “thorns” than “roses” in this mandate, and I am going to wire to you to say that your connection with Chang ended when he left England after the Jubilee. The great Li wants to keep Chang out of Peking, and here it is a trial of strength between Li and Wang: they pretend to like each other and in fact have to support each other in a certain way—Li helping Wang before the Empress Dowager and the latter (Wang) doing the same for the former (Li), before the Emperor: but they hate each other and if either lost his Imperial backer, his head would be in jeopardy. But this dual authority is harmful and nothing good is being done for the country. I see Yuan Shih Kai, who used to be in Corea, has just been made judge in Chihli: he is a coming man and should there ever be a revolution will play a very prominent part in it. The C’ton Viceroy was denounced recently, but has come out of it with flying colours. Chang, Liu, and Wang still rule at Hankow, Nanking, and T’tsin.” They are a fine people, these Chinese: they have immense “‘stay” and their reserve force and luck bring them through storms that wreck empires. With just a little improvement in the way of doing things, the country would soon

[1128] THE I.G. IN PEKING

be felt: but the improvement requires two qualities and China does not possess them—love of truth and reliability in handling Govt. funds! Villard has just got into serious trouble: a clever man with his pencil, and now—alas/— under examination for forgery.? Van Aalst is not yet back: so Postal matters are waiting. Taylor is doing Depy. Cmrs. work at S’hai under von Mollendorff and is thus getting hold of the Stat. and Postal work in the right way before taking charge. The tael is down to 2/6 they tell me, and, instead of buying 14 tiao here as formerly, only buys 11—so our financial prospect does not improve. Yours truly, Robert Hart N.B. Did I not order two pairs walking-boots, one pair evening do., and one pair slippers some time ago? If not, please order them for me at once as I am in want of a new stock for winter. Also I wish you would get me a pair of boots with thick leather soles and the upper part of thick black felt with flannel lining: I must try and keep my feet warm this winter and avoid chilblains. By the way I hope you will send me out that remedy for chilblains you referred to some letters back. I don’t want to be a cripple again, I assure you! R.H. 25.VII.’97. Mrs. Beauclerk Miss Hughes

Chang Tajen .

Miss Hart McCormac

1. Sergei Witte, first minister of communications 2. Chang Chih-tung; Liu K’un-i; Wang Wen-shao. and later minister of finance under Czar Nicholas

II, was the guiding spirit in the industrialization 3. R.A. de Villard, a German who had been in the

then proceeding in Russia. Customs since September 1892, was a clerk at

Chang is Chang Yin-huan. Shanghai.

Z/762 1 August 1897

[Red. September 15]

Dear Campbell,

Tcheng’s request to have 9th July Yamen letter returned will be attended to. Ambassador’s telegram to son (30 July) sent on yesterday. As to Lebas I am puzzled—the suggestions that the Doctors can so report as to pass him and that living in Jersey France could not claim him, don’t show much respect for principle and makes nationality doubtful.’ Gérard said L. is a special protegé of Hanotaux’s: from H.’s silence I take it, he knew nothing about L.! But that is just like G.’s way of doing things!

[1129] AUGUST 1897

Mail cart robbed last week and von Heyking making a row. Villard suspended for forgery: Lay at C’kiang in trouble and Yamen demanding his dismissal: and at N’chwang poor Happ@ has just died of hydrophobia, although he went through the Pasteur treatment at Saigon after being bitten by a pet dog (said not to be mad) last Christmas—could the treatment have sown the seeds of the terrible disease that carried him off six months later?? Hippisley back from Postal visit to H’kong but Van Aalst still away. I await his return before going into points that require reconsideration and revision. This year’s experience, will have been very useful and there is much to be done when it’s up. Between ourselves I am not sure that joining the Union is either necessary or expedient for some time to come:* meanwhile I want to get the Domestic side of the P. service in efficient condition and with a principle of development established, but the want of backbone in the Yamen and the disposition of various legations to interfere are crippling. Iam keeping wonderfully well, but the drop in temperature and the humidity following heavy rains these last three or four days have set my kidneys a-going distressingly. Work is heavier and heavier and I shall be glad when my relief comes—what a time he’ll have! If English he’ll have worry and discomfort from first to last, and if French or Russian—he’ll simply be his own country’s agent and China will “pay the piper”! Your wire has just come in to say Chang is G.C.M.G. and Liang K.C_M.G.; but the last sentence reads “Yesterday I saw the mutineer from selected all well’’* but I guess it is “‘saw them off from Southampton”’—though this surprises me, as I understood Chang was to spend a long time in Europe over Duties increase question! But perhaps my remark here that it was a hopeless task undertaken thus may have got C.’s release.

I hope you have sent me Boots (I am barefooted almost!), Musical Instruments, and Books for winter reading.

Yours truly, / Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Maze Bruce

Acheson 1. Edmond George Lebas, French, joined the Ser- since April 1894. On Happer, see letter 538n1. vice in August 1897, the date of Hart’s letter.

Whatever the difficulties over his nationality and 3. China was to join the Postal Union only in military service, they did not prevent a career in 1914. the Customs extending into the 1930s. 4. The telegram was in code. 2. W.T. Lay had been commissioner at Chinkiang

[1130] THE 1G. IN PEKING

Z/762° 2 August 1897

[Red. September 28]

Dear Campbell, ~ I enclose letter to Bank of England covering 1. Blank transfer of £5000 Industrial 34%% stock. 2. Special Power of Attorney for Cashiers. 3. Dividend Request, £5000 Chinese 5% stock. 4. Power of Attorney for Kidder & Co. Chicago Grt.West. Railway. 5. Letter authorising Bank to follow your instructions. 6. Power of Attorney for drawn Bonds and a P.S. confirming your July 1894 request to put the Promissory notes for Rupees 42,000 into the Ind. Govt. 344% Loan. As regards the Industrial Trust I wish that stock to be disposed of and the proceeds reinvested in the Chinese 5% Gold Loan. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Z/763 8 August 1897

[Rced. September 28]

Dear Campbell,

Your wire re Chang’s decoration and its causes came yesterday and to-day I have sent thanks to Pauncefote, and to Rendel also for Jubilee help. Yesterday Chang’s son was with me and he asked why the decoration was given after and not before continental trip: so that the Legation is not the only puzzled one! He also told me a censor has just denounced Liang as a Han-chien or traitor—on account of his knowledge of foreign affairs and acquaintance with foreigners, etc. That’s the reward anything out of the beaten track gets here! Li Hung Tsao is dead and one of his many posts—Tsung Ts ‘ai or chief of the Han Lin—is given to Li Hung Chang: it does not mean anything in particular and has neither duties nor power. The poor old boy is still sticking to his work pluckily, but I don’t see any future for him—except toleration. Liao has been reappointed to the Yamen—by the way I have not been up there for an age!? I hear Detring’s last three letters have caused much irritation. What he considered their strength, others regard as “cheek” and all are angry. His Railway plans are not at all likely to go through—however good for China they might be.

I have a lot of worrying work in hand and this weather is not the best to work in, but I think I can hold on till spring. People are all very unhappy over exchange: it takes over six taels to buy a pound, and the tael only exchanges for twelve tiao now where it used to fetch

[1131] AUGUST 1897

sixteen. Perhaps increased duties may get increased office allowance and then the Service will lift its head again: but I shall not be here then. Have you seen the Animatoscope as some call it or the Kinetoscope as the inventor named it?? I wish you to look up the Perfected Projecting Kinetoscope at Dollond’s, Ludgate Hill. Is it good? Does it not vibrate? How is it worked—by hand power or electricity? What is its cost? And what do they charge for views, films, etc.? Poor Happer’s death has saddened us, but his coolness and courage were wonderful. He ~ called Moorhead’s attention to the fact that he could neither drink water or tea on the 26th and said as he was enjoying a cigar—““You see I can only smoke: I am smoking away!” You remember how Charlie Forbes died as you said “‘with all the fortitude of a stoic’. Happer was even cooler—and his was the calmness of a Christian.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Glover 1. On Li Hung-tsao, see letter 980n2. Liao Shou- 2. The kinetoscope was an early motion picture heng was reappointed to the Tsungli Yamen on device invented by Thomas A. Edison in which the

August 2, 1897. film passed beneath a peephole and was seen by a single viewer.

Z,/764 15 August 1897

[Rcd. September 28]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1070 arrived 12th August. I am sure Chang enjoyed his evening at your house: he likes a rubber, a good cigar, and something to drink. The composition of my wife’s tiffin party amuses me: pity she could not resurrect Methusalah for the occasion! King East’s affair does not surprise me: official honesty is a thing that only develops after fermenting through several generations! Your draft answer for Chang was just the thing.

Your telegram saying Detring had arrived is also in: wonder what new web he’ll spin this | time—‘‘of the stuff that dreams are made of’—and what backing London will give him. As for China—I don’t expect him to put anything through here! We are feeling the want of more seniors all along the line and I am astonished everywhere at being told that men of five or six years’ standing are simply griffins’ and know nothing! In the old times, six months in an office fitted a man for anything. Then Happer’s death, Lay’s difficulty, Howard’s trouble,” and the Villard affair have all made difficulties for me, and necessitated lengthy despatches to Yamen, etc. I have been very busy—not a spare moment—and very worried: but worry is my normal condition and so does not count except that it gives me a bad headache when too perplexing. Li is still fooling over the Loan: he now puts it in Sheng’s hands who offers 95 at 5% and

[1132] THE I.G. IN PEKING

says his backer is—Hooley!* I expect another fiasco and an outcry from Cameron, Gordon & Co. over the damage to Chinese credit. But the worst thing to-day is exchange: fancy the tael at 2/5 and banks saying it will go to 1/6! What are we to do? and how will China pay her sterling loans? It already means that where she had [to] provide a million a year ago, she will now have to provide a million and a quarter! The lookout is really terrible, and it is said half Shanghai is on the verge of bankruptcy. We are having a splendid autumn, but it is still white trouser weather and the nights are hotter than ever. I have wired to you to take Lebas into the L.O. I rather think that he is Gérard’s protégé and anything you’d like G. to know need not be locked up. I thought Hanotaux was his backer: but I doubt that. Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Bruce Hart Miss Rosalie Porter 1. “Griffin” was treaty-port slang for an untried 1864. None of them left because of this “trouble.” pony—hence for a newly arrived Westerner.

3. Ernest Hooley, an English developer, was asso-

2. Though there were three Howards in the Service ciated with Major Eustace Jameson in a syndicate at this time, the one mentioned here is probably negotiating with Li Hung-chang for an indemnity

the senior of them, W.C. Howard, British, a chief loan. tidesurveyor who had been in the Customs since

Z/765 22 August [Red. 1897 October 13] Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1067 ended by saying: “this letter .. . will be posted . . . before 7.30 and another will be posted before 10 p.m.”; dated the /0th p.m. this 1067 arrived the 26th July, and the same day I received 1068 dated “JSth/9 p.m. June’. As you underlined the date 18th [am wondering how to connect 1068 and 1067! Your 1072 has just arrived. I quite agree with the F.O. that these “decorations” do little (positive) good, and I think they are more or less out of place given to Asiatics and especially Chinese: but the Li embassy gave such honours a “boom” and every man of Chang's following went away expecting to return “‘decorated”’; knowing that Chang and Liang would both feel complimented by getting some appropriate honour and hurt if let come away without it, I advised Sir Claude to see to it and then you and I exchanged our telegrams—with a successful result. What the G.C.M.G. and K.C.M.G. will do is simply this: their possession will be a constant pleasure and will frame very nicely the memory Chang and Liang bring away of England and the English—whereas the absence of such things would have festered as a sore and every English question would thereafter feel its effect more or less disagreeably: the “decorations” possibly obtain no gain but they certainly stave off vexation for both

[1133] AUGUST 1897

sides at Peking, keep Chang in good humour, please the Yamen, and make the situation generally pleasanter and easier for the British Minister. If you have an opportunity you might tell all this to Mr. Villiers—but do not trouble him with the communication specially: at the same time, add that I am very grateful to him and the F.O. for acting.’

| A memorial from Chang came from Russia on the 16th and Yamen was for not presenting it, but Prince Kung said the Emperor must see it: so on it went. It discussed Loans and said Yamen ought to find out from me what available balance remains for guaranteeing, etc. This forced Li’s hand and he at once followed Chang’s by a private memorial of his own reporting that he had arranged the sixteen million loan with the Hooley Jamieson Syndicate.* So Yamen has not yet consulted me, and I think “‘rope” would do Li & Co. good! The Syndicate’s agent Frossel arrives here to-day and has with him a S’hai lawyer Platt: which looks like business, and—mischief! We shall have some fun over it before all’s ended!

I am worried beyond expression by Service difficulties: S’hai tael down to 2/4; and the ports crying out for experienced men that I cannot lay hands on. I have just had to sack Sir W. Robinson’s nominee Courtney,* and Van Aalst’s tour brings me news of a disagreeable kind from every place: I have been here too long and ought to have gone round the ports every three years. But positively the work would not let me budge and altogether I am in a fix. High time for a successor to mount the box! The College, too, is again to be a trouble: Oliver wants to go—and his departure may let in a score of difficulties. The Post has done as well as could be expected: but our people, with silver going down, resent double work and none of us are real postal experts. The public expects everything from me as if we were in Europe and no allowance is made for difficulties: ““Why did you begin if not ready—Why did you take it if not fit?” is their outcry. I fear Taylor will not suit the position—he rubs everybody the wrong way and rather makes a point of saying he knows nothing about postal work! The new ports are doing well: Wuchowfu collected Tls.10,000 in July—a very good beginning, and Hangchow reports 77s.48,000 during same month: I fear this last is too good to be true and half expect a correction—one cipher too many! Shasi and Samshui are not yet making any show but Soochow is alive—collected Tls.60,000 in the June quarter. Unfortunately S’hai and N’po seem to have fallen off to about the extent that H’chow and S’chow collected—so it may be simply a displacement and not an increase of revenue. Leslie has broken down I’m sorry to say and must go to Japan for a month or two: Pym takes his place.*

The boots have arrived: many thanks! But the slippers are not quite what I wanted. I have

an old pair of German shoes or slippers like this f ) | ; thick leather sole and almost equally thick felt top with a sort of curdled flannel lining: excellent for house wear, but not for walking in—and the want of heels fatigued me at my standing desk. If you have anything good for chilblains, send it: I am really afraid of the winter seeing how a sore toe imprisons me! I wired yesterday for a small fiddle for Rowley, who is musical and whom I want to start

[1134] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

this winter: Gracie plays every day, accompanying the ’cello from 6 to 6%, and learning the fiddle from 6% to 7%: she is a bright child and getting on.> Rowley’s fiddle ought to be %4 size and in a case with bow and supply of strings: but I daresay you'll think of all the accompanying requisites. Nothing from you yet about the Musical instruments wired for 8th May telegram 733. Tcheng’s Yamen despatch received 7th July mail a few days ago was sent back to him as requested by 30 July telegram yesterday—sent direct to Paris. Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Thirty-one years married to-day! 22 VIII, 97.

Your telegram 594 and one from Bredon just in 10’ A.M.

Major Van Cortlandt Man

Lady Hart 1. Francis Hyde Villiers, who had been private Kong from 1891 to 1898. secretary to the Earl of Rosebery when the latter Philip Courtney had joined the Customs on Febwas Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had himself ruary 18, 1897, as 4th assistant B on probation at been Assistant Under-secretary of State for For- Swatow, and is recorded as having resigned on

eign Affairs since 1896. August 23 of that year.

2. A preliminary agreement was signed for a loan 4. Leslie, who had opened the port of Hangchow ; of £16 million on the security of the Maritime on July 1, 1896, was away from August 30, 1897, Customs and the salt and likin taxes, but the to October 27, 1897, while Pym took over as arrangement fell through when the syndicate clerk-in-charge. failed to produce the £100,000 which was to be

deposited as security for the performance of the 5. Rowley was Rowland S. Campbell, Smollett

contract. Campbell’s son, then about ten. He was to join the Customs in 1907. Gracie was Grace Magdalen

3. Sir William Robinson was governor of Hong Campbell, his older sister.

Z/|766 5 September 1897 [Red. October 23]

Dear Campbell, Your Postal telegrams have driven me wild this week! Having supplied approved designs, Waterlow had simply to execute them: so a fortnight has been lost, and I suppose a couple of hundred pounds, over this “lace” discussion!’ I hope there will be no delay and that your assurance that supply would commence to come forward two months after arrival of designs will be made good. The central designs—dragon, fish and swan—mark the three values well, and the border flower has some signification in Chinese eyes. As far as counterfeiting is concerned, would lace be a bit more difficult for experts than those clever things you call

[1135] SEPTEMBER 1897

“dots’’? It’s curious how English manufacturers dislike adhering to designs and always suggest some improvement as they think but which generally is the wrong thing for the other end! Henderson, Bisbee, and myself have all had these experiences! You ought simply have said to Waterlow, ““There are the designs—follow them faithfully in every respect!”

Those Russians—what have you been doing about them? I expected they would start at once when I wired, in reply to your telegram 044 of 24 June, “‘three Russians” on 6 July. The delay has caused some friction at the Russian Legation here. The French have taken Féer from us and made him Interpreter (Acting Consul) at Szemao—and they never said a word to me about it!” The drop in exchange 2/3 for the tael is alarming: China will now have to pay over 20,000,000 taels for the gold she could buy last year for 15,000,000—and so her Customs “revenue” is all wiped out and in fact does not suffice for service of existing loans. The Hooley Jamieson Syndicate feel confident they will win through: they don’t expect to make any money by the loan, but they do look for heaps out of the Railway concession (H’kow to either C’ton or S’hai) which they make their main condition. Cameron of course holds the London money market will not look at the loan: but I don’t consider him infallible! To some minds it will be a good thing for this loan to go through: if H’kong Bank had it, German banks would claim half: but if H. & J. get it, England has it all and a railway concession to boot! Frosell (H. & J.’s man) says he saw Lo every day for weeks before coming out, and I hear here that Jamieson told F.O. that they are after the indemnity loan— doubtless part of their game is to throw dust in the eyes of the H’kong bank. Boots have arrived—also paper. I think this will be the last I shall want here.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Z/1073 just in. Lady Hart 1. Postage stamps—the design of a Chinese artist— and dollars being issued in 1897. had been in use in China since 1878, with subse-

quent issues in 1885 and 1894, all in three values 2. Féer, who had been in the Customs since 1886, of fen or candareens (the hundredth part of a was assistant-in-charge at Lungchow at the time of tael). Three provisional issues of 1896 and 1897 his resignation. were also candareen stamps, the first set in cents

Z/767 12 September 1897 [Red. October 26] Dear Campbell,

Your chit of the 30th July arrived 8th and yesterday Chang telegraphed his arrival at S’hai —“‘all well’’.

I hope you have lost no more time over those postage stamps: the designs were all fully

[1136] THE I.G. IN PEKING

considered here and approved, and, barring the Jace substitution, no change, beyond saying C.1.P.! and not I.C.P. is wanted. There’s another thing I wanted to say these years and years and has always escaped me: the office hours are J0 to 4, even for the L.O., and I wish you to start every day at that hour, go home yourself, and let the others go too. Work can wait till the following day, no matter what it is! The Hooley affair is now working out at S’hai: if Sheng gives the railway concession, Frosell will take the loan: if this falls through, a Russo-French loan is reported ready to fill the gap, but its condition will be control of revenues—and that will be like an end of China, and yet it might be her saving for she’s too big a country to be wiped out or divided for long.

My own difficulties daily increase and I hardly have time to turn round: fortunately my health keeps very good and I am fit enough for any work the hours will hold, but not for more—and “‘more’”’ is the chronic state!

J was just now called on by M. Gude who has on his card Ministre Plenipotentaire de S.M. le Roi de S. et de N.: what’s he come about, I wonder! Had you heard of his mission in London? It was he who recommended Hansson and I think Giertsen.? Yours truly,

| Robert Hart Jem Debrett Tcheng

1. C.LP.: Chinese Imperial Post. lar legation in China. The two men named, P.C. Hanssen and C.T. Giertsen, were both Norwegians

2. Gude was a minister from the king of Sweden and had joined the Customs as deck officers in and of Norway, countries that maintained no regu- 1894 and 1896, respectively.

Z/768 19 September 1897 {[Rcd. November 9]

Dear Campbell,

Last from you is Z/1074. I am glad you were able to do so much for Chang’s party: they all feel that Lo & Co. did anything but help them! Your tel. C/S589 and L.O./064 have also come. Hutchins’ advice to simply pay bearer was quite right: to have done more would have involved us in risks, etc. If Lang’s son is old enough, he can come along. How about young Bouinais? As to selling £600,000 Bonds, etc., this must wait a bit. We don’t want to lose anything, and we must also avoid doing what might be said to interfere with the new loan. Li & Co.

[1137] SEPTEMBER 1897

are confident Hooley will pull them through, and the agent Frosell, of course, tells the Chinese they’ll do so. I suspect they’ll have to come to me in the end—but they’ll only do so at the last moment, and my ability to effect anything then may be very doubtful. Boots, Paper, Musical Instruments—all arrived—thanks! But the musical publishers (Smith & Boosey) are not sending the additional music for the additional instruments (Trumpets and Trombone). The watch is for Miss Charlotte Myers, Mrs. Brazier’s sister, whose birthday is at the end of Oct: I wonder will it arrive in time? I doubt it—I suppose I shall also have to wire for something for Jours wedding, and perhaps for Christmas—the last I expect to spend in

China!! |

I am glad Bobbie has done so well at his finals and that Archie is so favourably thought of at the Cape. By the way, has Bruce given you an account of the Postal expedition? He has not sent me any, and it is wanted. Tell him so! The outlook here is far from pleasant and I fear my successor will have many thorns and few roses along his path! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. What about the candidates Rousse, Von Zach, and Pegorini?* I expect the silver explanation will keep them away from China! R.H.

Lady Hart 1. Berthold George Tours, who had come to China 2. J.M.C. Rousse (French), E. von Zach (Austrian), in 1893 as a student interpreter at the Legation, and D. Pegorini (Italian) all joined the Service in was in 1897 a second class assistant. He was to be November 1897. married on October 9 to Miss Harwood; see letter 1090.

Z/769 26 September 1897 [Rcd. November 9]

Dear Campbell,

Your last C telegram came in as No. 577 instead of 588—two gs instead of hs. My reply 736 refers to “N.C.D. News” of 20th Sept., and as I said either your highest financial authorities must be blind or the H.J. doings one stupendous piece of bluff! I would rather see China act through the H’kong Bank, but the H.J.’ has two good sides—it is not bound to share with others as the H’kg BK. is, and it is getting Railway concessions which will be a big thing for British interests: so I am not at all opposed to it—but I am doing nothing to help it, for I of course doubt its capability. Morgan left an engineer here—Shockley—and he has gone to Moukden at Tartar General’s

[1138] THE I.G. IN PEKING

request, and on Li’s introduction, to look into some gold-producing hills in Liaotung. M. and two daughters are to leave England 3rd Oct. and to winter here. I have not heard from Detring since he left S’hai and do not know how his plans progress

) or what his intentions look like. The letters he wrote the Yamen and Liang from my house— without showing them to me—have done him harm—and me too! He’s a clever fellow, but, like the rest of us, has his “limitations” (in which, however, he does not believe): his aims are excellent—his means are also excellent, but both one and the other are unpalatable and quixotic, and China will not adopt such “‘children”’. _ Dubail has been to me about Vapereau and wishes to arrange “a /’‘aimable”’ that I should do something for V.’s amour propre (which I suppose means write him an official despatch appointing or recognising him as ““Commissaire Général”). He has also been touching postal questions tentatively. Having hung fire so long, I wish the Yamen had let postal business alone till the advent of my successor: but it would have been better had it begun it ten years ago. China’s way, however, is to wait in all things till the last moment: it then gives “‘full powers’, but in the meantime its agent has been weighted with all sorts of impediments, and, though interesting all the more on account of the difficulty, the task is trying and thankless. China has a big field before her for work and revenue in her own internal and domestic postal service, and for years to come can gain nothing by joining the Union: I hope next year things will work better. On all sides the drop in silver is playing the mischief and both postal and revenue services will find it hard to get the right sort of men on silver pay. Kerr is dead I am sorry to say, and Heron had had to hurry home—spitting blood. —— death did not surprise me, but I was sorry to hear of it: he was a very good fellow.’ What about Bouinais and young Lang? We want a few more men as Brown is requisitioning additional hands for two new ports in Corea, where we are still well to the fore—isn’t it odd?

Yours truly, Robert Hart Bruce Nollie Mde. de Korostovetz

1. H.J.: Hooley, Jamieson. perhaps partly because he was kept in London for several years as an assistant in the London Office;

2. Kerr’s last post was as 2nd assistant B at Shang- see letter 1101. hai. Heron’s case had a more favorable ending, The name of the third decedent is illegible.

Z/770 3 October 1897

[Rced. November 11]

Dear Campbell,

I fear I have been writing a cipher instead of a six in numbering the last Z. letters from 765 to 769: an indistinct 6—No. 764—written 704 in my note-book set me wrong and I see the note book numbers the next 705, 706, etc.: ought to be 765, 766, etc.

[1139] OCTOBER 1897

The H.J. affair looks like bursting at this end. Li has been sounding J.M. & Co: he’s too proud to go back to the H’kg Bank, and he’s afraid of being laughed at if he has to come to me (which I think will be the end of it: but I am doing absolutely nothing beyond keeping my eyes open and my hands free). The Belgians are also said to be unable to raise money and Sheng is reported to be shivering: but these things always right themselves! When Li was interviewing J.M. & Co.’s agent, in stepped Dubail to say, “The H.J. affair looks like disappearing and I call to say the French Govt. have decided to attend to this Loan for you”’. “Much obliged’, said Li, “but there’s no opening for you yet!” (When Li was going to Japan I primed him with one piece of advice: I said, ““About your other terms I can say nothing, but, as to indemnity, get the Japanese to spread it over a term of years so that you may not have to burden the Govt. and country with foreign loans: the Japs will probably want two hundred millions—if you spread that over ten years, the Customs can pay it!” Li spread it over seven years and on the foreign loan principle and spoiled everything! He could have got ten years, and that would have saved China forty years’ slavery and fifty millions sterling! I’m awfully sorry I did not accompany that mission—I’m sure I could have put it through! I fear Li was playing another game, for he told me the Japs would not extend beyond seven years (which I don’t believe). Your Tel/068 has just come in: 99% is a good price to get, is it not? By the way I wish you'd quietly find out whether Chang has touched that £16412 lodged in H’kg BK. in his name last Oct.? Exchange is hitting people hard and I understand resignations are being already considered: at Foochow Galembert, de la Touche, and Chute all want to be off, and I cannot blame them!’ People who can make up their minds to live in China and who have no home expenditure to remit for, can do well enough on silver pay: but remitters cannot live on it. Of course, China says, “Live here—and don’t remit”! I enclose £100/a/c 257 to pay for those musical instruments and the tea service (No. 16084 £25)—the last is for Tours, a wedding gift on his marriage. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Mrs. Kerr | Lady Hart

1. None of these men in fact resigned. Hart under- only a few months before, in May 1897. lines Chute’s name because he had come to China

Z/77\ 10 October 1897

[Rcd. November 25]

Dear Campbell,

The Syndicate still here and financial atmosphere remarkable for erroneous observations and unfulfilled predictions. I have not been to the Yamen for an age: they are paddling their own canoe and I don’t want to spoil their stroke, but tomorrow I shall go up and prospect

[1140] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

though I can’t say I expect much to come of it. Since they picked my brains re Native Opium and went at the work themselves they don’t seem to have wanted further advice—or perhaps didn’t like to ask it and I haven’t volunteered any, being busy enough in my own enclosure and having my hands there far fuller than is pleasant. What I most fear is the Russo-French combination: the moment the syndicate collapses and others say they can’t float loans without proper securities, the R-F will step in and force the acceptance of their assistance in which are probably lurking further humiliation for Japan, soporific assistance to China, and mutual aggrandizement. If R. tackles Japan, it will probably be on Formosa to start with: by doing so forces would be drawn off from Japan, opening it itself to attack— the Pescadores would square F., and, with Formosa in hand, R. could trade it off for Manchuria etc. plus additional Chinese gratitude and enervating slumber. There is quite a nice game ahead and by recent Corean doings R. looks like moving: a R. agent has arrived there to take charge of finance and customs and Brown says we 7] have to clear out (I replied, “Sit tight till the countries concerned have had their say!” but I fear that R. will go at the Yamen and require it to order me to draw off my men—an order which I could not refuse giving and which would have to be obeyed if the King there—H.M. will be declared Emperor tomorrow!!—also requires our withdrawal). What England will do remains to be seen, but the R-F lot look like standing to their guns and I doubt if anything short of willingness to fight would move them: would it be worth England’s while to go so far? I fear the East must again be giving the F.O. a sore head—especially after all Curzon said in the House anent policy in Corea! Old Li is said to begin to fear Russian policy as regards China’s future, but his own position—perhaps even safety—is said to depend so much on Russian support that nolens volens he must play this game, and nothing could be better for R. seeing that other Ministers are only too glad to find one of their number willing to handle such thorny questions. Aglen is up from T’tsin for a day: he left at 10% A.M. and was talking to me in my office here at 3% P.M.: that is a change, is it not!’ Hippisley is to take his place when he goes on leave next month and I shall then begin to “‘dust”’ my office—now that the end seems at hand, how poor the result of forty years’ continuous hard work looks! ‘“Vanitas vanitatum!”’ Yours truly, Robert Hart

P.S. No time to write a “home” letter! R.H. Mde. de Wimpffen?

" —" Sercey Miss J. de Noidans Von Brandt 1. Aglen made the trip on the new train from posing Peking to attack delayed the construction Tientsin to Machiapu, just outside the walls of of the western section until after the Japanese Peking. In 1888 the China Railway Company, war. In the autumn of 1895 the work was begun, headed by Li Hung-chang, completed a line from carried to completion a year later. Lutai to Tientsin, the first third of a project that was to include a western extension from Tientsin 2. Mme. de Wimpffen was the daughter of Albert to Peking (eighty miles) and an eastern extension Bourée, former French minister to China. to Shanhaikwan. Opposition based on fear of ex-

[1141] OCTOBER 1897

Z/772 17 October 1897

[Rcd. December 6]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1079 arrived 16th. Hausemann’s letter is very interesting. The Loan has not taken shape yet, nor has the Hooley episode disappeared; at the last moment Frosell did not lodge the Hundred thousand and Zi at once sent for Hillier—but the same old gentleman is also

talking to Dubail, Cousins, and somebody else. I am not in the running at all, and I hear that / Li now denounces me as the cause of his failure and also as the cause of all the newspaper criticism questioning securities and China’s power to borrow, etc. Chang will be here this week and it is quite on the cards that at the last moment I may be called in as before: whether it would be prudent to assist, will then be a question! I fear the Yamen has anything but fine weather before it for some time to come and China’s financial difficulties will go on growing. If they’d go in for reform even moderately all would be well, but that’s just the last thing officials want—and of course there is no moving the Emperor to say “Go!” except through officials. I always hoped I should some day have the doing of this job, but now that the time for it seems close at hand my career is ending and another will have it: it will not be child’s play, and it will be rather a pity that no matter who comes will not have my experience in his wallet! However—Heaven will look after all that and cause and effect will shape circumstances and evolution will triumph in the long run. Aglen is going on leave and Hippisley replaces him at T’tsin. Your young friend Currie has not been the same man since he came back: before his leave I considered him in the running, but since then his immediate chiefs do not find him up to the mark even—I don’t know what it is. A lot of changes are impending and although the silver question is galling everybody the Service still holds its own and does its work. The Klondyke fever is in some veins however and next spring may see some of our fellows off in that direction.* Those slippers that the bootmaker sent are most disappointing: they are a tight fit—hard to get into and out of—and the soles are horribly uneven. I fled to them for comfort last night and had to pitch them aside as useless at once! Your telegram re colour of Postage stamps just in. As I did not see those the Stat. Dept. sent forward I am at a loss what to answer till after consulting S’hai. Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. What about young Lang? Is he old enough? and is he fit? R.H.

Lady Hart Miss Price

Sir N. O’Conor 1. The Klondike gold rush in Alaska began in August 1896.

[1142] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

Z/773| 31 October 1897 [Rcd. December 20] Dear Campbell,

I have received your Z/1080 and 1081. As regards our P. Stamps, Mr. Bass’s criticism may be just, he being, I suppose, an expert: and the Waterlow engraving—as your tel.1.0./071 says—may produce a better Dragon and Fish than the Japanese did; but the designs we sent you represented what we wanted and one of my reasons for yielding to Kopsch’s economy and going to Japan was the belief that dragon, fish and bird, and more especially the Chinese characters, would be easier there than in England. I hope you are not preparing me for a six months’ delay when you add that “We never contemplated such a number of designs’! Our clever draughtsman, de Villard, has been discharged: Kopsch trusted him overmuch and there is a general feeling that we will be better without him. The Loan is still unsettled but looks like going into Russo-French hands: I don’t know whether I shall be able to come to the rescue or not and in any case I am not likely to have an opening till the very last minute. I have an idea, but I am not sure it would be quite acceptable on the Chinese side even if feasible on the other and I have to keep it to myself for a bit lest abortion should be the reward of Chinese inspection. Chang is back and speaks highly of all your arrangements. He’s not at all thankful to Lo & Co., but he is keeping very quiet being evidently somewhat afraid of both Li and Weng— queer fellows, these Chinese! The Hippisleys are off to T’tsin tomorrow and Aglen would like to be at home for Xmas but I fear he’ll just miss it. This same Aglen is all round the most satisfactory man I have had, personally, socially and officially, and I have given him his commissionership.’ Corea is still puzzling over the Russian demand for Brown’s departure: Curzon’s declaration in “the house” struck me as unhappy when I first read it, and I daresay the Customs will now get the blame of putting its value to the test.? I had hoped to be off before any change occurs there: it strikes me that it might have been better for myself had I cleared out earlier, but I always thought I could keep the ship afloat till safe in port and so may have remained too long on board. However—what’s done’s done! The last P. & O. boat had a terrible time between S’pore and H’kong. Poor Kergariou was in it all—he is not here yet!* I am bringing him, Bismarck, Pegorini, von Zachs, and Weippert to the Nan Yuan, to study Chinese: that mess will form a good subject lesson later on when my cosmopolitan principles are attacked! In the office here I have also Belgian, Russian and Portuguese—thus making eight nationalities in the Peking staff.* We have had a most perfect autumn, but unfortunately I have had to spend it all in the office and cannot afford time for an outing: I am feeling my age more and more and my eyes have been overworked: I shall be glad when my relief comes—but, what a time he’ll have!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Eliz". Hill

[1143] NOVEMBER 1897

1. Aglen, who had entered the Service in Decem- Peking and Seoul. ber, 1888, thus gained his commissionership in

less than ten years, a rapid rise. 3. H.M.A. de Kergariou, French, joined the Customs in October 1897. He was a B-és-L., Rennes, 2. Part of Russia’s push to establish a predominant 1890, and Eléve Breveté de l’Ecole coloniale,

influence over China was the control of Korea. By Paris, 1897. the end of 1897 she succeeded to the point of obtaining the peremptory dismissal of J. McLeavy 4. The eight staff members were: Hippisley (chief Brown, who since 1893 had been chief commis- secretary, British), van Aalst (postal secretary, sioner of Korean Customs and financial adviser Belgian), von Grot (acting Chinese Secretary, to the Korean king, and his replacement by a Rus- Russian), Encarnacao (clerk, Portuguese), Kergasian, Alexeieff (see letter 1087). England, by now tiou (French), Bismarck (German), von Zach (Aus-

too much absorbed in the question of Kiaochow trian), Pegorini (Italian)—the last four being 4th : to intervene, merely made a formal protest to assistants B.

Z/774 7 November 1897

[Rcd. December 20|

Dear Campbell,

The Legation tells me I may expect Brown and his men to be out of Corea almost immediately ‘“‘as the King has signed’’ (the Decree appointing Alexieff). The next fight will be over my billet, and, that finished, ““The [.G.” will be a thing of the past. If I were younger I’d hold on, but at 63 and with the ailments of old age creeping over me I don’t see the good of it.! I am playing a little “card” in a different direction and if it succeeds perhaps the future will wear another appearance: but I must let it develop before explaining. The watch arrived all right and the young lady is in ecstasies over it: as she is off back to Formosa, it just caught her.” I hope the “‘small violin” for Rowley will arrive before long: I wired for it in August; and also the Tea Service 16.084/Argennon’ wired for a month later —the last is for Tours, who is to be married here in December. Rowley sings nicely and I want to start him on the fiddle. Gracie is learning with me and has made a good beginning. Your Z/1082 arrived 4th. I did not expect anything very fine from Russia on this occasion and the three men now coming will probably be posted in Manchuria later on. Young Konovaloff is everybody’s pet—a very nice lad indeed and doing very well: so also is Destelan.* Hippisley has taken charge at T’tsin and Aglen is starting for home, full commissioner, one of the most satisfactory men that ever came out: he has pleased me in all respects and has a

future before him. Bredon is due at S’hai on the 19th and I hope to place him in charge when I go on leave: but the French swear they’ll have a mixed Board in operation a fortnight after I go, although they are good enough to say they’ll respect me while I stay and make no change. It is Race-week here and the young folk are gay, but the weather—damp and Scotch-misty —is anything but cheering: as usual I stay in the office to clear off “odds and ends’. Yours truly, Robert Hart

P.S. I hope you sent on that £100 to Mrs. Maze. He wired the word “extremity” the day before, and I fear they are hard up! R.H.

[1144] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Lady Hart Cassini

Goldsmiths Co. B/E Cashier 1. Actually Hart was sixty-two, though in his 3. Argennon was a member of the firm of Gold-

sixty-third year. smith & Silversmiths Co., Ltd. (see letter 1119). 2. The young lady, Charlotte Myers, was the sister 4. N.A. Konovaloff, Russian, joined the Service in of W.W. Myers, a surgeon in the Customs who was January 1897. H. Picard Destelan, French, arrived

stationed at Tainan on the southwest coast of in November 1896. ;

Formosa.

Z/775 28 November 1897

[Red. January 5, 1898]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1085 has just come in. We are in the grip of the Germans and China will come out second best.’ Li is for invoking Russian protection—and sooner or later it must come to this, but the others see in that a farewell to independence and oppose it. ] advise them to concede Von Heyking’s demands and finish with it, as the least damaging solution. Of course the German procedure is, internationally speaking, disgraceful: but, on the other hand, the Chinese officials when dealt with as comity suggests have been too slow to do their duty and have rather interpreted politeness and comity as a confession of inferiority and weakness—they are only reaping what they have sown! The latest news about Prince Henry’s coming, looks as if the Emperor intended to make a big thing out of it—altogether the outlook is discouraging. Weng called on Friday and asked me if there was yet time to do as I had advised for strengthening China (reforms, military, naval, financial, and official), but I said I feared it was too late— Charles Reade notwithstanding! I think both Russian and French agents here advise the Yamen to attack the Germans: I say “‘If this means they will assist—all right! But does it? May it not be that they want you to do what they would do—then leave you there—and then join in the scramble for the pieces?”’ What is at stake is enormous and advice of every kind is dangerous. I say to them that all depends on what they will really do to-morrow: if they are determined to begin reforms properly tomorrow, a loss to-day is of no importance —but if there is no intention to set reforms agoing it is immaterial, except that by throwing bit by bit to them the wolves may be kept off till the horse drops exhausted, etc. I can’t tell you how vexed I am at this hour to find China weaker than ever and no hope ahead. The wisest thing her statesmen could do—things being as they are: internal reform not to be inaugurated and really friendly powers only Platonically sympathetic—would be to throw in their lot with Russia and France, but, as an Englishman, how can I go out of my way to suggest that?

Bredon will be here this week. Ill at once tell him to carry on as if chief, and then Ill arrange my papers quietly and be off in March. The watch was all that could be desired: the violin for a boy of 10 ought to have been %4

[1145] DECEMBER 1897

and not % size, and the case does not take the bow properly: The Tea Service has not arrived yet, but I hear it was looked for at S’hai last week—with the box of books also. The last three weeks have been full of work and worry, and I require all my pluck and philosophy to face things!

Yours truly, | Robert Hart Lady Hart Beauclerk Mde. de Noidans 1. On November 1, 1897, two German mission- of Tsingtao and occupied Kiaochow Bay. A week aries were murdered in a village of southwestern later, on November 22, von Heyking presented the Shantung, an incident that was the culmination of demands of the German government which inmore than a year of attacks on missionaries of cluded indemnity, the sole right to construct various nationalities. In retaliation a small German railways and open mines in Shantung, and a naval force on November 14 seized the forts at the port station at Kiaochow.

Z/776 9 December 1897

[Red. January 17, 1898]

Dear Campbell,

Kindly send on this cover to the B/E: it contains a cheque for my private A/c £6359. Awtully busy!

Yours truly, Robert Hart B/E.

Z/777 5 December 1897

[Red. January 17, 1898]

Dear Campbell,

I enclose a cheque for £6000 No. 261 B/E/PQ 000563 in your favour to pay for that house freehold No.35, Draycott Place for Bruce.’ I am sending him another thousand to help to furnish it: he ought to have a lot saved out of his year’s pay and allowance and is able to provide the balance himself, I hope.

[1146] THE I.G. INPEKING

storms along his route! .

The Bredons arrived yesterday: from “‘weather indications” I fancy he’ll find Legation

The Corean Govt. has taken its orders from Russia and our people must leave—not because they are British, says the Russ, but because they are—Chinese! The Russian Minister in Corea, Speyer, is appointed to Peking: he distinguished himself in Persia by his anti-British policy, and again in Corea, and when he comes here doubtless he’ll play the same tune.” “‘The Star of Empire” glittering in the East is distinctly Russian! Nothing is said about Loans for the moment: the termination of the Kiaochow incident is waited for. The Emperor’s speech is amusing to us out here—that such high-handed action should be the result of such an accident and that the Prince’s coming should be painted as the sacrifice of a brother is really too amusing—or would be, were it not that the whole affair is so ghastly here.? Two boxes have just come in: one marked “from Mudie’s”, and the other probably the Tea Service: this last is a wedding gift for Legation Tours who marries a Miss Harwood on the 9th—so it comes just in time.

The Postal experiment is interesting: I supposed all the Legations would hail it and support it as a progressive movement on China’s part, but to my surprise I find that most of my difficulties come from the Legations—they don’t want China to go ahead, or they object to progress that is engineered by a Britisher! However it has started, is gaining headway, and is bound to succeed. In Van Aalst I have a capital Lieutenant. Yours truly, Robert Hart N.B. Z/776 enclosed £6359 cheque for B/E private A/c. Bruce 1. Draycott Place, London S.W.3, is on the oppo- Korean army. It was not Speyer who replaced site side of Sloane Street from Cadogan Place, Cassini as Russian minister to Peking, however, where Lady Hart lived, but in the same neighbor- but M.N. de Giers.

hood, near Sloane Square. Bruce’s house was , apparently on the opposite side of the street from 3. Reinforcements were dispatched from Germany the small park; see letter 1092. under the command of the Emperor’s brother,

Admiral Prince Heinrich of Prussia. In sending him

2. When secretary at the Russian Legation in forth the Emperor declared that the German eagle Tokyo, Speyer had in June 1885 been dispatched had been planted on the soil of China to give proto Seoul to arrange with von Mollendorff for the tection to all who sought it. employment of Russians as drill instructors in the

Z/778 12 December 1897

[Red. January 31, 1898]

Dear Campbell, The “outsider plus Hutchins’”’ advice is sensible and I bow to it. Of course one feels so riled here that it is not easy to ask oneself what would result from giving expression to the

[1147] JANUARY 1898

feeling far away. Yesterday’s Gazette removes Li Ping Héng, Gov. of Shantung from office: this is less than cashiering—which Von Heyking demanded—and probably the difference is made up for by the concession of a coaling station at Samsah Inlet between Foochow and Nankwan; if so the incident may be considered ended, but future troubles will probably entail similar action on the part of other powers.’ German action had its present efficiency— but will possibly find its ‘“‘change” taken out later on: the international enormity of the affair is, however, a something which will stink in even pagan nostrils! Bredon has arrived and I now hope to get some relief: I shall arrange my office papers and, beyond that, shall try to push Postal development as far as possible before April and see that each new office is on a good footing. I hope then to wander homewards, but by what route, or how long Ill spend on it, I can’t yet say. In making my arrangements to be off I feel, however, as if I were ordering my own funeral, and I now can understand how “being in harness”’’ really helps to keep an old horse on his legs.

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! R.H.

Lady Hart Bruce 1. The German demand had been that “Li Ping- he had memorialized the throne against the estabheng (retiring governor of Shantung, viceroy- lishment of railways, mines, telegraph lines, facdesignate of Szechwan)... be cashiered and tories, modern armies, and the post office. He was dismissed from the public service.”’ As governor later to be a sponsor of anti-foreign secret societies, of Shantung from 1894 to 1897, Li had been among them the Boxers. He was succeeded as bitterly opposed to the Western invasion; in 1895 governor of Shantung by Yii-hsien.

Z/779 7 January 1898

[Red. February 25]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1090 & 1091 arrived together on the 8th. I have been too “hipped””” to write homewards the last four weeks and I have nothing to tell you of a pleasant kind to-day. German action simply drives me wild—it is so high-handed and opposed to all that’s right, and it is so likely to attract imitation.” Poor China! The Chinese are just as far from progress as ever: if they’d do one single thing in the right direction, it might save the ship—but no! They’d rather drift! Bredon is now Deputy I.G. and this clears the way for my getting off for at least a run: whether it means he will be I.G. when I disappear remains to be seen.* He finds the work crushing: it takes all his time to simply read what comes in! I wired yesterday to buy me £20,000 5% Chinese Bonds—wiring the full amount: I am \

[1148] THE 1G. IN PEKING

surprised at such a rapid recovery; from 96 to jump in a couple of days to 98% is wonderful and as I write your other wire comes in ‘3/8 premium’’. By the way what is this 3% Loan: the cipher comes geo?—I read it ger (Russia): that would be a coup if England and Russia jointly guarantee! I hope to be off in March and to wander through the Pacific slowly homewards; but various reasons for acting otherwise—for holding on longer=begin to emerge from clouds and circumstances, and till I am gone actually no one should rely on my going. Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. The Von Brandts ask me to be godfather to their baby (expected this month). Please tell Lady Hart. Also please send Mrs. Von B. with my compliments a godfather’s gift—whatever custom requires; and let it be dainty! Cranach strasse 7, Weimar. R.H.

P.S. Isn’t it a pity Bruce did not get an even number at Draycott Place? That would have given garden rights—surely an advantage! Hope it is a good house and that all goes well with the young ménage! R.H.

Mrs. Detring

" Pritchard " Von Brandt " Douglas Irvine Esmé Simpson‘ Lady Hart 1. Hipped: over-anxious, depressed (probably 3. The official date of Bredon’s appointment as

from hypochondria). deputy Inspector General was July 1, 1898.

2. Following the occupation of Kiaochow in 4. Enclosures: Esmé Simpson was the daughter of November 1897 (letter 1088n1). German demands Clare Lenox Simpson, who had been in the Cusfor a sphere of influence in Shantung were nego- toms since 1861, and the sister of Evelyn and tiated at Peking. After Weng T’ung-ho and Chang Bertram Lenox Simpson, the latter of whom Yin-huan had paid nine visits to the German lega- wrote under the pen name of Putnam Weale.

tion, the Ch’ing court assented to the German Mrs. Douglas Irvine was presumably the mother

demands on January 4, 1897. of a new Customs recruit who would arrive in China later in the year (letter 1130).

[1149] JANUARY 1898

Z/780 23 January 1898 [Rced. March 21]

Dear Campbell, (

We have been very busy over the Loan and although the British offer is viewed with favour there are various things to be cleared out of the way before it can be accepted.’ A control clause is necessary in case of default but there are serious objections to that and it takes time to round everything into the requisite shape. I have not yet begun to pack up or arrange my office: even with Bredon running the Customs’ current work, my every minute is occupied! The Yamen is most unwilling to let me go and the future is far from clear. The eclipse yesterday, China’s New Year, caused general gloom and depression: it was nicely visible here and, at the close, the setting sun, as the moon began to pass on, looked just like a new moon in the western sky. We have had no good fall of snow yet and the mildness of the winter is not good for the general health. Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Swanton 1. MacDonald on January 8, 1898, proposed a toms, salt, and likin revenues, all to be adminisloan for £12,000,000 to be guaranteed on cus- _ tered by British personnel.

Z/781 30 January 1898 [Red. March 21]

Dear Campbell,

Although I have been putting everything in Bredon’s hands—S/O as well as official correspondence—I am not a bit free-er than before, and the last few weeks have been full to the brim with the usual accompaniments of my life here—work and worry. For a change I have devoted the afternoon to ladies and now only have time for a few covering lines to yourself. The Loan looks ugly, France and Russia having both been on the high-horse towards China: Russia objected first to Talien-wan and then to the whole loan, as upsetting Russian equilibrium, and yesterday Dubail told Yamen that if Nanning is opened, France will at once seize something bigger than Hainan—probably the peninsula east and south of Pakhoi. This puts England in a nasty position—to be dictated to thus through China.’ I recommended Sir C. at the start to be content with the loan itself and not touch other things, but Gundry or somebody of that ilk got hold of the F.O. and tabulated a lot of conditions—of no special value whether as guarantees or as promises—and these conditions have made difficulties for China and riled all the others.? Circumstances are looking liker and liker doing what I always feared—forcing China to join the Russo-French alliance bodily: she gives no sign of reform

[1150] THE I1.G. IN PEKING

and to say the least of it nobody will promise such protection as those two powers would— of course they’d then go on to exploit her to their own special advantage, but that’s for the future to take care of—and, so, to-day’s official leaders are looking, I fear, in that direction, and if I were to say, ““Go,” I believe they’d do it! They laughed at me the other day when I talked of leave at the Yamen and I fancy they'll try to keep me longer: but what good would it do? We are in the rapids and “Niagara”’ is ahead! I must try and get some home letters written next week—I have had to neglect them rather lately and have had no taste for them!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Miss Bush

""Campbell Bolitho |;

Mrs. Hockin 1. Britain proposed opening Nanning in Kwangsi, only intensive negotiations but the revival of acHsiang-tan in Hunan, and Talienwan (Dairen) in tive proposals for reform within China. Manchuria. The agreement would also specify

that a British subject should be I.G. during the 2. Richard Simpson Gundry was secretary of the currency of the loan. Agreement was reached Executive Committee of the China Association. between MacDonald and the Yamen on January A prolific writer, he had been editor of the North

19. China Herald, and from 1865 to 1878 the China The demands, threats, and counterthreats of correspondent for the Times of London.

the imperialist powers in this period inspired not

Z/782 6 February 1898 Dear Campbell,

I find from Miss Louie’s letter that I am to congratulate you on Miss Jeannie’s engagement.’ I am glad it is to a sweetheart and to a young man she has said ““Yes’’! I had heard of an elderly suitor. So as the match has your approval, best congratulations to all and best wishes for the young people! _ We are not improving in our condition here and China seems drifting more helplessly than ever: the past is driving her along its own old lines into the future and the rocks and shoals of foreign intercourse are as much novelties as ever and far greater dangers than before. The heavy figures of indemnity bring a difficulty. Japan was asked to extend the term six months and seemed willing, but the Hsi trip to St. Petersburg got known and I fear now China will fall between two stools—getting neither loan nor extension.” Last week some Yamen ministers called for a quiet talk and it was painful to see how helpless and hopeless they are—I noticed too that they had gone off in dignity and no longer bore themselves as before. They are playing blind-man’s-bluff with fate and don’t see their course in any direction: in fact it now seems doubtful whether Russia and France would even admit them into the alliance for the pear appears to be ripening and those who are to eat it have only to wait. The opin-

[1151] FEBRUARY 1898

ion of yourself, Hutchins and Macrae re writing on the Kiaochow incident are quite in order: of course I could not foresee the effect, but you know the home feeling and I am glad you held back. The matter is far from ended and having tasted “‘blood”’, I fear the Germans will want, not merely a steak, but a sirloin, round, and big! China can do nothing to oppose them and has besides to take up the somewhat ridiculous position of thinking out their right and justifying their demand for the acceptance of the Chinese people. If all the men in China would rise to the occasion and go at foreigners as the Zulus did at that regiment (? XXIVth), it would be well to fight: but they could not be depended on to do that, and then the penalty of defeat would be still greater losses.* Could I have foreseen the future, I think I would not have refused the Legation in ’85 and then I would have gone home the minute I got the B°”., in 93! However—I’m here still and must try and make the best of it. Your Z/1096 arrived 2 Feb., 40 days from London and on the fifth day from S’hai by the winter Peitaiho steamer route—fast travelling! But Z/1095 has not yet turned up. (The Brit. and Jap. Legations here had early intimation of Hsit’s movements.) Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. Louie and Jeanie were Louisa and Jean Camp- 3. In 1879 during a frontier dispute between the bell, the latter of whom was to marry Charles Zulus and the Transvaal Boers, the Zulus wiped

Spencer Fitzgerald Ridgway in 1900. out a foreign force guarding the camp at Isandhlwana in the absence of a reconnoitering party.

2. Hsu Ching-ch’eng, minister to Germany, was Almost every man was killed, more than half of ordered on January 27, 1898, to go to Russia to them belonging to the 24th regiment under Lord

negotiate about a proposed Russian sphere in Chelmsford. North China.

Z/783 13 February 1898 [Red. April 6]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1097 (you make it 1897) arrived 12th. Thanks for copy of D.’s' letter—which is interesting. He certainly did advise Yamen to make Kiaochow a treaty port, etc., but his talks at Berlin about that place had probably much to do with Germany’s action there. Bobby’s testimonials are all very nice. I should think a school-inspectorship would give him as happy, as comfortable, and as useful a life as any other career: it is a mistake to think the “‘pinnacle” the most agreeable seat our social edifice offers! From what you told me of boyish proclivities years ago I thought he would go to one of the public schools as a tutor, become headmaster, and die a bishop: but what he aims at now is a far broader kind of life and I should think healthier for both mind and body. Kiaochow matters still not settled and done with—the Germans become more and more exacting: the diplomatic circle here feels that Von Heyking begins to pose as the leader—he

. [1152] THE 1.G. IN PEKING has lots of go in him certainly and his wife has enough brains for a dozen ministers! China has no backing: people give her advice, but when she says “Very good: if we don’t do this or if we do do that on your advice—if it gets us into a scrape, will you see us through?” and the reply then is—‘‘O—that is your affair!’ With a little support she would not yield so tamely, and even now is quite capable of saying ’’I have paid indemnities and offered other apologies—and now I'll do no more: I can’t turn you out—but it is simple spoliation and I will not legalise it by recognising it!” The Loan is all important for China: I hope the Bank will be able to undertake it! The offered security—Likin under the I.G.—is excellent in itself, and full of promise: the Yamen say to me “If you collect more than the present collection, it will justify our action in placing Likin, contrary to the advice of all financial officials, in your hands, and it will also form a good reason for extending the control”. Such prospect being in view, I think reforms of many kinds might be looked for. Unfortunately the Yamen’s willingness to do these things is connected with my own personality: I doubt if they’d go ahead with another I.G., and therefore, partly on that account and partly because I am ashamed to run off when they are in such difficulties, I fancy my chance of seeing home this year is at an end: but J might get free from routine work. It is not easy to delimit: what ought I to touch and what ought I not to touch?—However the future will shape itself and past sown seeds will either reappear in the future’s crops, or sleep on calmly with the other disappointed fathers of mighthave-beens. Yours truly, Robert Hart Mabel Aglen Norman Hannen Tcheng 1. D.: Detring.

Z,/784 27 February 1898 [Red. April 13]

Dear Campbell,

I’m sorry the Bank could not make it 84, but, all considered, we are lucky to be so far out of the wood! The Likin management will not be a joke, especially as all the Provincial authorities will be opposed to it; but it will begin financial reform and is what I always hoped to lay hands on—it comes now too late for my handling, I fear.’ I yesterday formally applied for two years’ leave, but do not expect to get it: the application will, however, help me to insist on it “‘next spring’ though I doubt if things will be in order even then. I hope to get additional funds for Service support out of the Likin and in that way add to the silver pay of

the staff.

[1153] MARCH 1898

Germany’s pretensions grow: they now hold that the whole province of Shantung is to take their orders! From a coaling station to a port—from a port to a province—from a province to an empire: is that to be the Deutscher progression? I am seedy to-day, with a nasty cough, etc. So far Bredon’s arrival has not freed me in the least! Yours truly, Robert Hart Miss A. Cassini Mde. Madrelli Lady Hart 1. A preliminary agreement with the Hongkong the Yamen pledged quotas from the likin of and Shanghai Bank was signed on February 21 by Ichang, Hankow, and Tatung, the collection of

Hart acting for the Yamen. The Gold Loan of which was henceforth to be under the control of 1898 for £16,000,000 was issued jointly by the the Inspector General. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and The likin was an inland, provincial tax on the sale the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank, at 444%, the price of or transit of goods; it had been collected throughout issue 83, the term forty-five years. The price of China since the late 1850s. Originally one-tenth

issue represents the discount (strictly speaking, of one per cent ad valorem, by the end of the another form of interest charge), the difference century it might amount to five per cent for goods between the pay value of the principal that China passing through one province only, but as much borrowed and was obligated to repay—that is, the as twenty per cent for goods passing through redemption value—and the amount that was re- several. Foreign traders had of course long sought ceived by China and available for spending. The its abolition (see letter 180n3). With his usual difference usually went to the issuing banks, caution, Hart moved slowly and diplomatically in although sometimes the bonds were sold to the bringing it under Customs control. public at a price below par, as here. For security

Z/785 6 March 1898

[Red. April 18]

Dear Campbell,

People say the Banks will float the 83% loan at 90 and so make 7% of the transaction. | most sincerely trust they will float it at a lower figure so as to secure its final success on the one hand and on the other leave no reason for this Govt. to feel sore at being so “done”’ as it were! I therefore wired to ask for a higher figure than 83 (although the Agreement is signed)’ if the floating rate allows it. There is a possibility of certain financial doings in the future and I should like the H’kg Bank to secure the refusal of them by spontaneous fairness. The Yamen refuses my leave and says I’m to apply again in a year or two. I don’t see how I could go with this new Likin work to be provided for, and I hope to work out of it two good things—first increased silver pay for the Service & secondly financial reforms for the Govt. All I want to do is to start the train on the right line and clear the ground a bit at first: I don’t care a fig for the honour of cutting the “first sod’’, but, with myself at hand, a beginning is less feared than would otherwise be the case. Of course it is satisfactory, that, just when some people say I have lost all influence, the Govt. should put such new work in my hands. How I shall arrange matters and what men I shall employ are far from easy to settle

[1154] THE LG. IN PEKING

right off: but I have a general plan in my hand and I fancy it will come out all right before Midsummer. The great want just now is Chinese-speaking men: we are none too strong in that respect! Rumour just says Russia demands Port Arthur and Talien-wan on the same terms as Kiaochow, and that France, following suit, demands Hainan! Should this prove true we may be on the verge of a catastrophe. The action of Germany has removed conscience as a drag from the international coach, and the powers are drifting towards that condition in which each’s view of its own interests—maskee other people’s rights—is to be the guide. The future will however right itself and after picking its conquerer’s brains China will assert herself once more; when that day comes I hope wisdom, and not revenge, will shape her action. I expected some statement of Postage stamps cost before this: what do we pay for them— is it per 1000 or 100,000?—after initial cost of engraving dies? And what for the dies?

Curzon ,

Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart

1. The final agreement had been signed on March of the Liaotung Peninsula, including Talienwan 2. and Port Arthur, with the right to construct a railway from Harbin in the north to these leased 2. On March 6, 1898, Germany secured from China ports. According to the Memoirs of Count Witte, a convention granting her a 99-year lease on Kiao- the Russian Foreign Minister, Li Hung-chang and chow Bay, with exclusive rights to build railways Chang Yin-huan signed the lease after receiving and develop mines in Shantung. Shortly thereafter, bribes from Witte of 500,000 and 250,000 rubles, on March 27 and May 7, 1898, Russia extorted respectively. On other bribes to Chang, see letter

from China a 25-year lease of the southern part 1114nl.

Z/786 13 March 1898 [Red. May 2]

Dear Campbell,

We are wondering will the Loan go through.” Curzon’s remark in “the house”’ that it was “all due to the ability of Sir Claude Macdonald, our Minister’ was wired out by Reuter and the Legations at once were in arms and put their heads together how to upset what was not a simply commercial, but a secretly political, loan. Then there is the “‘issue rate’’: it is said to be 90 and the “‘friends” are telling the Chinese how they have been “‘done’’, only getting 83 where the Banks get 90/ Your last telegram C/519 shows that Curzon had been “‘heckled” and was climbing down—but too late to undo the mischief. The Likin business will be interesting to initiate, but as we to a great extent shall have to leave it, we must go slow: I hope however to start the work probably during the year, and that will be something. My time has been terribly full of work and worry latterly and Bredon’s presence—while it gets some work done that might otherwise be left undone—has only freed my hands for

other wheels to lay hold of and both fill them fuller and twist them faster. I thought worry | was affecting my stomach as I felt anything but well for some weeks past: to my surprise it is worms and not worry—I seem to be full of them and where they came from Heaven only

[1155] MARCH 1898

knows! I am just sending for some Santonine lozenges and I hope they will rid me of this plague—truly I must be approaching second childhood to be thus afflicted!” I’ve just wired to take Huber’s son into the L.O., if fit, and send out Lebas.* I was sorry to have Lyons thrown back for stammering: I presume it was a serious kind of stuttering, and not simply a slight hesitation. Those half dozen fellows Gérard was so anxious to give me seem to have all (except Kergariou) found other posts: one of them Lecomte came to the Legation here. I should rather like to get hold of Guisaud—as I hear he is a self-made man and has good stuff in him. Vapereau seems to be running his title of ““Commissaire Général” for all it is worth: I have not yet got either plans or instructions ready for him, but having just got rid of the revised “Yanetsze Regulations” and the new “Rules for Steam Traffic Inland’’, I hope to be able to devote a day to Exhibition consideration.” I have not been able to send money for those £20,000 Bonds yet. A lot of Service movements are called for: the men coming out will have to take small ports—I wonder how de Berniéres would like Szemao!° Have you seen young Heron? Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. I enclose a memo of some light literature I want. Telegram from Detring c/518 just in. R.H. Mrs. Bruce Hart 1. Although the agreement had been signed, the Yangtze, culminating in December with circular

actual date of issue was March 1898. no. 868 (second series), setting forth the final ten articles to come into effect in April 1899.

2. Santonin is a crystalline, slightly bitter com- On steam navigation inland he also wrote several

pound, used as an anthelmintic. circulars, the one referred to here being no. 824 (second series).

3. P.E. Huber, French, son of former commissioner

A. Huber, joined the Customs in June 1899 and 5. Carl, the commissioner who had opened

was sent as 4th assistant B to Nanking. Szemao in November 1896, was due to leave on February 19. Szemao was of course a small and

4. During 1898 Hart wrote a series of sixteen remote post, far to the southwest in Yunnan. circulars relating to regulations for trade on the

Z/787 20 March 1898 [Rcd. May 2]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1102 arrived 13th. The week has been full of trouble and I do not know that your tel. C514 just received, saying China will get the money in any case, relieves me much, for, if she gets the money, J7/ have to take up the Likin work and as I approach it its magnitude comes out and I almost funk it. Again and again I say to myself why did I not clear out in

[1156] THE I.G. IN PEKING

1893?! However, here I am, and I must toe the line and face the music of to-day! The French demands are not receivea by the Yamen in quite the same way as the Russian: these last are friendly (!) commands that must be obeyed—the first are impertinencies that must be stopped, and there is a little more backbone displayed in the way they are met. Meantime China is struggling towards the light—but in her own way, and that does not promise good results right off although probably laying the foundation for them. One of the last edicts recognises for the first time that the Empire is face to face with a new state of affairs, fengchi jih hsin and pien-t’ung chiu chih,* and that changes must be made and I think the Govt’s aim is to make a good graft rather than plant what is alien to both soil and surroundings: looking far ahead it is not bad policy, but the fear is that the tree may be cut down before the graft takes or fruits—although of course empires are not wiped out in a day asa rule. The interesting moment will come when the time arrives for the Japs to leave Wei Hai Wei: will they go, or will a union of Russia, France and Germany order them off—and will they be ordered off? Just now the Legation hears from Corea that Russia is quite willing to withdraw Alexieff & Co., but the Yamen’s agent wires that Russia again requires Corea to dismiss the non-Russians!* If the first is true, it perhaps means that R. will resign Corea to J. provided J. gives R. a free hand in Liaotung. Altogether China’s weakness is playing the deuce and is setting free a lot of warring elements that were aforetime dormant. Cartwright’s reappearance in Morgan’s employ will be interesting.* Detring’s retention by the Legation—“‘to look after the ships and building’’—is amusing. The Parliamentary utterances re China’s concessions etc. have been huge mistakes: they merely set up so many targets for the other powers to aim at and base demands on, and they don’t do the I.G. any good! I used to flatter myself I was impervious to worry and grew brighter in difficulties: I can no longer say so, as I wish I was out of it! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Belfast returned Mrs. Hill’s letter too soon: it was to remain there till called for, so I return it through her brother, Lenox Davis. R.H.

Lady Montgomery Browne Davis

1. Hart had all plans made for leave in 1893 (see Pien-t’ung chiu chih: “old institutions [must be] letters 878, 884, 885); Bruce arrived in Peking adapted.”’ Hart gave only the Chinese characters, in September to accompany him home (letter which are in the glossary. 904). As usual, the press of business and the

Yamen’s reluctance to grant him leave (letter 3. On Alexieff, see letter 1086n2. 916) kept him in Peking; Bruce left alone in

April 1894. 4. Morgan is presumably Pritchard Morgan, who had gold-mining interests in Australia and who had

2. Feng-ch’7i jih hsin: “customs are daily reno- left the engineer Shockley (see letter 1082) to

vated.” conduct mining searches in Liaotung for Li.

[1157] MARCH 1898

Z/788 27 March 1898 [Rced. May 10]

Dear Campbell,

It is satisfactory to know the Underwriters will make it up, but it is a pity the English subscription weakens the British complexion of the loan by its smallness. The German enthusiasm is a surprise and | do not think your C/509 telegram can be its only explanation. In any case we shall now have to go on with the Likin—which really I have little heart for and was hoping the failure of the loan would free me from, and so I am busy on preliminary arrangements, part of them being to get the right men in the right places and part to increase staff, etc. To-day I wired to you to send out ten Britishers forthwith and to get Ohlmer and Farago to nominate half-a-dozen Germans and Austrians. I fear the Robert boys for whom Col. Duncan writes are too young: the squatting boy to the right of the moustached man at the extreme end is a specially prepossessing looking youth—who is he? He looks, however, more like the makings of a Middy than a gauger! Vide D.’s photo. If Biddulph is fit he had better come along too: in which case you can take young Heron into the office for a year or two. I hope Lebas has been freed. I shall probably call out Acheson also.’ For the Likin work we do not want University men: the ordinary Excise officer or gauger stamp will do well enough—men who can “‘read, write and count”’, in good health, and of average reliability: such begin in Ireland on £75 and are lucky and contented if after thirty years service they rise to be “Supervisors” —on £200 a year! Jim knows what I mean. The outlook is far from good but it is not alarming: I don’t think there is to be either collapse or dismemberment, but the powers will worry poor China henceforward and the “raw” they have now established creates intense discomfort all round. The old fogies round the Emperor will change nothing, and new men cannot get at him: their “platform’’, too, is eminently respectable—the Confucian civilization, they say, enthrones Right, and the Western civilization Might: better die than be false to it! Our eyes see that this is not practical, but our tongues fail to convince them that they must change—que faire? Your Postage stamp reply amazes me—£642 for a dragon die and then only 95s./7d. per 100,000! I shall be curious to see the explanation despatched a month hence. I wired you a £2000 remittance on the 10th. Henceforth outfit is to be only £100: passages cost only about half that and we have to economise.” I hope to add much silver to our stock from the likin arrangements and in that way better everybody’s position in a year or two. I am still troubled by worms, and although the Santonine has dislodged a lot—almost a hundred these last three weeks!—the nest is still there I fancy and how to stop the breeding in it is the question. Yours truly, Robert Hart

I owe Rendel two or three letters, but I have neither had the time nor the heart to write this many a month! Lady Hart Huber

Tcheng

[1158] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Mrs. Kirk?

1. Leonard Shrapnell Biddulph, who joined the 2. The earlier custom was to pay each man £200 Customs in 1898, resigned on October 4, 1899, on his arrival in China to reimburse him for ex-

while 4th assistant B on probation at Wuhu. penses incurred on his passage out. G.F.H. Acheson, whose latest post had been as

3rd assistant A at Canton, was on home leave. 3. Enclosures: W. Kirk, a surgeon in the Customs, was on leave in England, due back in May.

Z/789 3 April 1898

[Red. May 16]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1104 arrived 31 March. The Dutch Minister did try a Four Million Loan in a half-hearted way and it was it that Dubail tried to arrange as a French loan for a week or so. I watched the future of the issue of our Loan with no great anxiety: if it failed, J should be saved the Likin work—if it succeeded, the success would be weighted with that new responsibility. This Likin affair is going to be a job and no mistake! I believe the position to be thus: the Chinese Ministers say—‘‘What we want is the money! all right - we’ll get that on the 6th May. What the Banks demand is that Hart shall have the Likin: all right—let him have it—let him collect it too—saddle him with the whole thing, and if the money is not forthcoming we’ll say to the Banks—‘Is it not what you yourselves demand?’ ” So I must take special pains to start right, or, the money once paid over, I may whistle for the official support required by my men inland to collect efficiently! I shall have my men in charge of each collectorate on the spot by the Ist May, but the staff each will require can only be supplied gradually and after each district has been studied: the HuPu, i.e. Board of Revenue, can'give me no information: it says “You'll find out all about it on the spot!” The Yamen was to say “Yes” to British demand for Wei Hai Wei yesterday.’ I was going to send you the enclosed in reply to your 507 re interview with Chamberlain, but decided not to do so.” If England would ally herself with China, China would stand with her against all the world! But Parliamentary Govt. makes such a thing impossible for England—so it’s useless to suggest or go on urging for it. What I always feared is slowly but surely approaching— Russian protectorate! With it China will be quiet and safe as far as others are concerned: and if she bestirs herself and develops, Russia will never swallow her. Yours truly, Robert Hart Private

P.S. I am still tormented by worms. For three weeks I have been passing from four to ten daily—some three inches long and others not quite an inch. I have taken Santonine four times—and still they come! I fancy they must be bits that break off from a Tape-worm

[1159] APRIL 1898

whose head still holds on to my inside, and till I get rid of that head the plague will continue. I have lost flesh very considerably and my ribs begin to stick out alarmingly. There is some other special medicine for the Tape-worm: it is not Santonine: kindly send me out some doses—I don’t know its name or how it is put up, but I think it is partly made up, as to name, of the word fern. R.H. 3/iv/98.

Mrs. — Lady Hart James Hart

Aglen, F.A.

"Archdeacon

B/E (2 drafts £500) Henraux 1. The territory leased to Britain for twenty-five for twenty-five years on March 27, 1898, and years from July 1, 1898, comprised the Bay of Germany leased Kiachow for ninety-nine years Weihaiwei, all the islands in the bay, and a strip on March 6, 1898, Britain took over Weihaiwei of land ten miles wide along the whole coastline for as long “‘as Port Arthur remains in the occupaof the bay. It had come into prominence in 1895 tion of Russia.” See letter 1098n2. when the Chinese squadron surrendered there to the Japanese, who remained in control for three 2. Joseph Chamberlain was colonial secretary in years. When Russia leased the Liaotung peninsula the third Salisbury ministry, from 1895 to 1902.

Z/790 10 April 1898 Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1105 arrived 7th. Russians and French tell Yamen daily that there is no money in the Loan and that the Banks concerned will throw it up at the last moment—so Li & Co. are anxious. As to Li himself, he is a mystery: he is industrious and cheerful but is not a power just now, and, as to his real proclivities etc., he talks as if he thought England alone to be trusted and acts as if in Russia’s pay! The other old fogies sigh for the past and will do noth. ing to “bring in the new’’, but a lot of changes are at work—Inland steam, new Ports, Likin, Post, etc., etc., etc., and more liberal ideas are in the ascendant. It’s a bit late in the day, but not too late. I find my mind very much perplexed about all sorts of things: the future looks so very uncertain that it is not easy to go on with the work of the day quietly and steadily, and yet this is the right thing to do. If there’s to be a national collapse it is almost a pity the Loan succeeded, except that it may give certain rights to the bondholders’ country: if it—the loan—should collapse, I'll get out of this Likin work—which is no joke, but that would spoil reform’s chances: and so forth—pros and cons waging horrid war in the kingdom of the mind! We are terribly short-handed and I hardly know where to turn for men: recruits nowadays learn nothing as quickly as the fellows of thirty years ago and Commissioners look upon a man of five to six years’ standing as a mere beginner. Then how to place the returning Commissioners—that is also a horrid bit of work, with its “wheels within wheels” and all

[1160] THE I.G. IN PEKING

their reasons for and against! As I said before, ““What a fool I was not to be off in 1893!” I hope you will now be starting a lot of fellows—we want them badly. Corea too is applying to me for three or four good men—as if I could spare any experienced man to go there now: in fact I should like to recall all these for work in China, and would do so only that I don’t want to stop or smash up the good work the Customs are doing for the Hermit Kingdom or rather Empire! The French are now pestering the Yamen for their share: they want Kwang Chow wan, etc.’ As to the Post—they draw back on finding that it is in a dependent and undeveloped condition, but bound the Yamen to remember French aspirations when it is strong and successful enough to be independent! That’s a pretty finale to work up to! However—one must sink one’s own personality and remember the State!

Jim : Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart

Mrs. Price

1. Kwangchowan territory, leased to France in opposite Hainan, about 230 miles west of Hong April for nintey-nine years, consisted of a bay and Kong. surrounding territory on the Kwangtung coast

Z/791 24 April 1898 Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1106 and 1107 have arrived. Thanks for sending god-fatherly gifts to the Von Brandt puella—I don’t know her name yet. The work of the last fortnight has been awfully heavy, but I now begin to breathe again: it will be interesting to watch the planting and bedding of the Likin tree.’ From all sides I hear the Provincials—from Chang Chih Tung down!—are in terror: not only do they expect me to oust all the old hands (which I do not intend to do) but they fear that, collecting more in the future, I'll reveal all their iniquities in the past (nous verrons)! We are very hard up for men and the offices are all frightened at the advent of a lot of new and untrained hands. I hope you are getting a few more than those I named as nominated. That “‘corner youth” in the Duncan-Roberts picture has a good face in the photo and I hope he’ll come along: who is he? As soon as we get the Loan off our hands (6 May) I shall turn to the “Service finances question” and try and get increased grant from Yamen:” to attempt sooner would give trouble, and, not attended to at once, would hang fire still more with every day’s delay. The Service I hear is exasperated and almost mutinous over silver depreciation and Likin appointments: which I can quite understand—but nobody can see or know things from my point of view, which is the safe one now and the winning one Jater on, and I go my way in silence and with both a stiff upper lip and as gay a heart as may be. Prince Henry expected here about 12th May to stay a week:° his visit will upset our so-

[1161] MAY 1898

ciety a bit, but I hope it will bring the Emperor out of his shell somewhat—the only fear is that China will now turn round and kiss the hand that smote it! New French Minister, Pichon, arrived but not seen yet:* is Dr. P. any connection, I wonder? Find out and wire! Weather cold, chilly, stormy, dusty and disagreeable! I am still in the power of the enemy and although I took Santonine five times and Castor Oil twice I still pass worms: I don’t understand it at all! Kidney trouble disappeared when I ceased taking sugar in tea etc: but the disappearance of sugar from the system was soon followed by worms—can there be any connection? Just off to church!

Lady Hart | Yours truly, Robert Hart

Constans d’Imecourt Stat. Socy. (2)

1. Hart had just sent out a circular (no. 820, April Grimani, Kiukiang; Wolf, Wuhu; Mayers, Soochow; 21, 1898) spelling out some of the new likin pro- = G. Montgomery, Hangchow. cedures, but mostly laying down lines of inquiry

for gathering information about existing offices, 2. See letters 1106 and 1112. barriers, staff, kinds of payment, receipts, etc. His specific instructions were to see that collec- 3. Prince Henry of Prussia, the grandson of Queen tions continued as before, with the present Victoria, arrived in Shanghai on April 17, 1898. managers (Chinese) in charge and responsible for

their several quotas. To complete inquiries, Hart 4. Stephen-Jean-Marie Pichon, who had been estimated, might take several months. In the mean- _ minister to Italy (1894-1896) and to Brazil

time he appointed six ““‘Deputy Commissioners (1896-1898), was to be minister to China from for the likin work of the Soochow and Sung-Hu 1898 to 1900. collectorates”: Parr, Ichang; de Luca, Hankow;

Z/792 8 May 1898

{[Rced. June 20]

Dear Campbell, , Hillier wrote yesterday London Office had wired payment of the loan moneys (£11,008, 875 16/9) to Chinese Minister. This must have occurred on 6th, and I am puzzled

to know if the Bank did this after making such a fuss over the necessity for being allowed to , the 7th to complete payment! I am now awaiting your telegram to know whether the transfer of the money to the Japs went off without a hitch on the 7th. The coming and doings of Cartwright and Detring will be interesting to watch. Did you know that the Bank consulted C. in regard to its negotiations with the German Banks last summer? The new era now begins for China, and with Russia, Germany, France and England where they are, it will be interesting for those who come after to watch developments. I fancy matters will now quiet down for a decade, but I doubt very much whether China will take advantage of it to pull herself together. Perhaps the British at Wei Hai Wei may form a

[1162] THE 1.G. IN PEKING

nucleus for acquisition of naval (perhaps military) strength, while we in the Likin work do

something useful for finance. .

Now that the indemnity is done with and the Likin work started I shall quietly drop out, first of all trying however to put the Service allowance on a better footing: I think we can

get more silver, but I do not think gold can be secured. |

I have written to the Yamen to put M. Barbier and yourself on the Paris 1900 Commission, and have written to this effect to Vapereau: telling him you will have the funds—Barbier will construct—and that all three are to consult and arrange on the spot, having an eye to the site and its surroundings, so that there may be sufficient light inside and a certain Chinese appearance outside. Yamen reply not in yet.

Do you ever hear anything about Lay?’ He has just written to ask me to lend him £1500 for eighteen months to complete some work in hand. I have no spare cash now and | doubt his ability to repay. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Elsa Drew? H.N. Lay Mrs. Maze 1. Hart, writing on May 8, had not heard the news 2. Elsa Drew was the daughter of E.B. Drew, then

that Lay had died on May 4 at Forest Hill. commissioner at Canton.

Z/793 22 May 1898 [Red. July 6]

Dear Campbell,

We are more or less out of our usual habits now, for Prince Henry is here—winning all hearts by his sympathetic face and charming unaffectedness—and, what with Japanese Indemnity paid off, Kwangsi missionary murder settled, Shasi riot at end, and the cool way in which the new territorial lords are settling down to administer their territories (all who go to Talien-wan must take out passports at Russian Legation!), our inter-fun minutes do not hang heavily. But how will F.O. and Parliament like the fresh demolition of the open port idea? Chamberlain’s bellicose speech is poor reading out here: if not able to fight, why blurt it out so?! It only riles Russia and points to the time for her to make her game—and so she is making it! It amuses me to find Parliament making so much of China’s concessions: they read big at home, but here we see little value in steam traffic inland or in the three new ports! It is good to have the I.G. promised to be an Englishman, but I think it a pity the Legation touched the question thus for every other Legation has a precedent and an opening:? they can say “‘all right—let your I.G. always be British! But we demand that the Commissioner at S’hai shall always be French—or at T’tsin German—or at H’kow Russian—or that the Service shall be so and so constituted, or that there shall be such and such Deputy I.G.,

[1163] MAY 1898

etc., etc., etc.” The complimentary references of Curzon, Balfour, etc. to myself are pleasant reading but is it not ignotum pro magnifico ?3 When once I do go home people will say “Is that all? Why he has only one nose, and his ears are normal!” By the way I have just put through the service pay question: we must accept silver pay, but Yamen consents to double indoor silver pay, to add 2/3 to outdoor and % to Chinese silver pay.* This will relieve everybody, and I shall be able to leave the Service in a flourishing condition, with its base extended, its walls strengthened, its granaries full, and its life insured! Z/1108 to 1111 have all been received. The new men are appearing and not at all too soon, and are being distributed: I don’t yet know how many Likin will absorb, but I should think thirty at least and I can only send them on to it after some experience of Customs’ work. The Postal development will now go slowly—no occasion for hurry. Yourself and Barbier are approved by Yamen for the Paris Commission—Chinese delegates and colleagues of Vapereau: official next week. Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. The worm trouble still continues: I can’t understand it at all, but so far have not consulted any doctor here. R.H.

Lady Hart Sir M.A. Biddulph*®

Tching 1. Chamberlain, Britain’s colonial secretary, on the words, ““During the last five or six years I have May 13 made a speech at Birmingham in which he not failed to notice the effect silver depreciation protested that there had been “a combined assault was producing.” After enumerating his attempts by the nations of the world upon the commercial to cope with the problem, he reported the Ya-

supremacy of this country.” His words, aimed men’s latest plan. At the conclusion of tariff revispecifically at Russia and France, were a bid for sion (possibly in the following year) there would the friendship of the United States and Germany. be no obstacle in the way of a Service request for a fixed sterling (i.e., gold-based) pay rate. 2. During the course of negotiations in 1897-1898 | Meanwhile a silver relief was provided: the Indoor

over a loan to China, both sides, Russian and Staff, brought especially from “home” and exBritish, offered favorable terms to which they pecting (though not promised) sterling pay, would attached stringent conditions aimed at insuring immediately receive double silver pay; the Outdoor the furtherance of their own commercial or poli- Staff (recruited in China and engaged for silver tical plans. When there seemed danger that Britain pay) would receive an increase of two-thirds; the might not be able to conclude the loan, the govern- Chinese staff, engaged for silver pay but out of ment instructed MacDonald to inform the Yamen, pocket because of the decreased number of cash on January 17, 1898, that loan or no loan, the for which silver exchanged, would have an increase British government were determined that the post of about one-half. of Inspector General of the Maritime Customs

“should always be held by an Englishman.” >. Sir Michael Anthony Shrapnel Biddulph, who had held various army posts, was at this time

3. “I esteem a thing in proportion as it is un- Groom-in-waiting to Queen Victoria. He was doubt-

known” (source unknown). less a relative of L.S. Biddulph who had just joined the Customs (see letter 1101) though the latter 4. Hart’s circular no. 833 (second series) under spelled his middle name Shrapnell. the date of June, 18, 1898, blandly opened with

[1164] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Z/794 27 May 1898

[Red. July 11]

Dear Campbell,

On the other side you will find a list of things I want here before the 1st October. Kindly hurry them off. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Goldsmiths Co.

A. Lady’s watch No. 17.335/£25.0.0 Demi Hunter Monogram to be engraved on it HLJB with Lady’s watch chain No. 17.231 £4.10.0 (with compass as pendant) and No. 765 - (Fine gold & Enamel links chain) (£8.0.0) N.B. To be in one neat, new case.

B. 17.421 Handkerchief Box

£8.10.0 Repousseé

17.424 Glove Box £9.10.0 17.417 Bonnet Whisk £0.16.6 N.B. The lined silk to be new—and not old and faded.

N.B. Put some nice evening handkerchiefs (lace borders, etc.) in 17.421, and a selection of lady’s gloves (size 6%) in 17.424, for evening wear at dinners, etc.

Z/795 4 June 1898

[Red. July 19]

Dear Campbell,

I want some things for the table. Get them from the Goldsmiths’ Company please and send them out to arrive in November at latest. List on other side. Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1165] JUNE 1898

Dinner knives 4 doz.

Cheese ” 2" 2” = Fruit =” 2 Fish ” 2" S Table Forks 4" 5 S Dessert ” 2” Fruit ” 2" s

Fish =” 2" =

Grape Scissors 2 = 3 Nut cracks 2 S.

= Crumb scoop 2 S

za " "1 v Egg 3, Table spoons”2 2” doz. 6 = 5 Dessert oO Tea " 9) ”
Thanks for the wire re boom in American Railways! I have not had time to attend to it: my milling investment in S’hai is not turning out well: we all expected 10%, but J.M. & Co. say there’s nothing to divide! Detring and Chang want to make Chin-Wang-Tao a big place, but at a big outlay: Sir J. Barry has sent out a cute engineer to report (Willoughby R. Hughes)—is the Barry reputation first-class?® By the way, have you seen anything of Henderson (David Marr) since he went home? I fancy you will have him as M.P. presently: he minded the pennies, and he’s worth several thousands a year! For his work—one of the best qualified men to be found: but he was not a favourite! My lumbago has not quite left me yet, but I suffer no pain: after another fortnight I hope to be free for some months to come. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart , [1187] FEBRUARY 1899

Mrs. Maze

Mrs. Bjornson

"Jamieson

1. Vincent Carlile Henderson, Irish, joined the 4. Claude Kinder, who in the 1880s had been chief Customs in January 1899, and in 1900 went as engineer of the Kaiping mines, was now chief engi4th assistant B to Yatung, where he shortly be- neer of the Imperial Railways of North China; see came assistant-in-charge when Montgomery went letter 756n. on leave. Hart’s comment on Henderson’s ability

was made in response to Campbell’s report of 5. H.W. Wilson was a young man in his early thirinterviews with him. Both Campbell and James ties but already a contributor to the leading periHart were especially impressed with Henderson’s odicals of the day: Pall Mall Gazette, Saturday linguistic abilities; he knew French and German Review, Fortnightly Review, and so on. thoroughly and had studied Russian and Hindu-

stani. He was twenty-six years old at the time, 6. Chinwangtao, a port about ten miles from Shanhaving served for six years in the 19th Hussars, haikuan on the Liaotung Gulf, is seldom closed

which he left for financial reasons. by ice. Its advantages were discovered by the

Chinese Engineering and Mining Co. in shipping

2. H.D. O’Kelly, French, joined the Customs in coal from the mines. After December 1897 the

January 1899. Post Office landed mails there during the season

of ice on the Peiho; somewhat later, in 1901, it 3. Hu was Hu Yii-fen, since late 1895 director of was opened to trade. railway construction in North China. Hsii Ching- Sir John Barry, president of the Institution of ch’eng, better known as minister to Germany, was Civil Engineers and consultant for a number of appointed January 25, 1899, to superintend cer- British firms and railways, was the representative tain construction, but Hu was not to be eclipsed of Great Britain on the International Technical

for long. Commission for the Suez Canal. Cute: informal for “‘clever,”’ “shrewd.”

Z/818 12 February 1899 [Red. April 10]

Dear Campbell,

It’s holiday time and nobody here: when the office reopens I shall inquire, but, to the best of my recollection, your Double Dragon was sent on to you (perhaps I am confusing yours with somebody else’s); I shall also see if the Yamen will move in the matter of getting you permission to wear it, etc. As regards Exhibition—I did not gather from your telegram that you hoped to be able to do anything: and I am of opinion you could not have effected any change. Gérard was too strong at the F.O. and the matter has gone too far. It’s rather a pity they took this line: I hoped we’d all have a good time in Paris in 1900, before saying “good-bye’’, to meet again—

or be separated—in “‘the sweet by and by”! .

Thanks for looking after young Staeger: Von Tanner is a good fellow and will appreciate the attention.!

My own movements are quite uncertain. Yesterday I felt very like throwing up and bolt- | ing: the Japs came and asked me to appoint a certain Japanese official to be Commissioner at Amoy right off! I said I could employ some Japs as 4th Assts., but could not at this date appoint Commissioners. They said they’d wire for instructions, etc. I fear they’ll return to the charge, and that this is the first outcome of the British Legation’s “‘success”’ in getting

[1188] THE I.G. IN PEKING

Yamen to promise /.G. would always be British. I have ever since been fearing each Power would appropriate a certain port and tell Yamen the Commissioner there must always be one of their nationals: and I think the Japanese demand is a move in this direction. The Ser| vice will still go on—as long as the Loans last; but the action is of a distinctly disintegrating kind and will be harmful. On every side things are going in new directions and the future is hard to foresee. If I had gone home when the B°” came, what a lot of worry I’d have escaped! Now it grows harder and harder to bear, and also more and more difficult to get away from. The “‘C.B.Q.” prospectus reads well, but eight weeks of regimen seems a bit trying!” I shall either go home in November this year or March next: a certain amount of “‘cussedness’’ makes me inclined to “hold on” and so keep the wolves off the course a little longer: but, although one might foil some particular or individual wolf by thus staying, I fear the pack will in the end have their wicked will to work—it is what evolution demands, unless China steps out briskly in a new direction: but will she? Likin is worrying me—also Service finances: I have added too many new hands!

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Poor Maze must be cracked at times: what a life for his poor wife—and nothing can be

done to mend matters! R.H.

Lady Hart "— Napier* Mrs. Maze

1. H. Staeger, a Russian who entered the Customs James Street. in January 1898, was doubtless a protégé of P. von

Tanner, also a Russian, then commissioner at 3. Campbell reported that Robert Maze (who left Canton. The hospitable Campbells took him under the Customs because of ill health in 1894) called their wing while he was in London. “‘Staeger seems _at the office asking for money, which he said Hart to be a sharp, wiry little fellow,” Campbell wrote; would repay. When Campbell refused, lacking au-

“fas he has no friends in London, my wife has thority from Hart himself, Maze telegraphed his given him a general invitation to dine with us on father, who wrote an unpleasant letter the same Wednesdays, when a German comes to join in a day, followed by another from his mother—both

quartet—Piano, ’Cello and two Violins.”’ of which Campbell enclosed. 2. By every mail for eight weeks Campbell was 4. Enclosures: Lady Napier was presumably the sending a bottle of “‘Port’s C.B.Q. cure,” highly mother of young C.S. Napier, British, who joined recommended by Pope Roach, a chemist in St. the Customs in September 1898.

Z/819 26 February 1899 [Red. April 10]

Dear Campbell,

Z/1150 came last night. The “Times” notice is as laudatory as one could desire, but the comparative statement will probably result in my getting a hammering from various powers

. [1189] FEBRUARY 1899 for having so few of their men.’ The writer too forgets that Wade preceded Lay —that J put the fleet affair in Lay’s hands—and some other things; and when he finds fault with me for not doing bigger things in finance and for my “‘one man rule”’ idea, he forgets that I could only do what China would let be done—that my arrangement for national Mint and Post in 1876 was upset by Wade—and that the “representative rule—3 men” of the S’hai Inspectorate in 1854 would not fit or work: safety and success of the Customs is owing to the oneman-rule! The last two years I have taken people into my confidence and have taken their advice—and burnt my fingers in consequence! Of course when I go there will possibly be a difficulty, and, although the chief may be a Britisher, I fancy a Board will have to be allowed—to pacify the powers: then one man, the Britisher, will run the Customs’ side of the work, and the othes will try all sorts of amateur experiments outside of that—and the result of all that will be bad for all concerned, I believe. But don’t go and write this to the “Times” —it is only for your private consideration. I am feeling my age more and more and I must try and make arrangements for my plan of | getting away either this fall or next spring at the very latest—can’t hold on longer, except to die here! The Japs have not followed up their attack yet, but the Americans have asked for more men and the Russians reminded me that I am expected to go on adding. The result is we are over-manned, and I had to wire to you to tell everybody that there is absolutely no British vacancy. The six who won are not the men I expected: but, of course, they are the right ones to send as their answering, etc., was best. A very good candidate has come to Peking— a Mr. Ed. Backhouse—(with letters from Ld. Salisbury, Duke of Devonshire, and Mr. Chamberlain) a son of a Director in Barclay & Co.’s, who knows Russian and Chinese and is aged 25; he would be a very desirable addition, but I can’t afford it.” Thanks for what you tell me about those things you got for me: all the same, I was ashamed to give the things away they looked so seedy, and the gloves—almost all of one kind —were specially unsightly: but, for heaven’s sake, don’t tell that to the fair selectress!° The cape I wanted was the duplicate of one you sent me (I think) in 1870 or thereabouts: don’t you remember the thick, light brown, cloak-like thing I had over my shoulders on arrival at the station in Paris that April day in 1878, very loose, very light, very warm? I wish you had not got the ladies’ help: you’d have done better yourself!!! The difficulties here are very worrying: the Hongkong people now try to hound us out of Kowloon, etc. Yours truly, Robert Hart Thanks for the “C.B.Q.” I am trying those tablets. Lady Hart 1. Campbell in his Z/1150, acknowledged by Hart co-author with an ex-Customs man, J.O.P. Bland, here, reported that “there is a long article in the of books on China, the best known being Annals ‘Times’ of 16th January on the Customs’ Service. and Memoirs of the Court of Peking (Boston, I think that Chirol must be the writer of it.”” On 1914). Chirol, see letter 974nS. 3. The fair selectress was Mrs. Campbell, to whom

2. Although Backhouse never joined the Customs, Campbell had delegated the shopping for feminine

he did serve in the British legation and become apparel.

[1190] THE LG. IN PEKING

Z/820 27 February 1899 [Red. April 10]

Dear Campbell,

Kindly procure these two books and send them to Willoughby Price (Eva’s brother). I suppose they are still at Holly Lodge Victoria Road Gt. Malvern. He is developing quite a wonderful genius for invention, and is using steam and electricity for his self-made toys! Yours truly, Robert Hart

Z/820° 12 March 1899 [Red. April 22] Dear Campbell,

The Italian Ultimatum is in: China to say “yes” in four days or take the consequences! The situation is again critical and whether China says “‘yes” or “‘no”’ I fear we must go on from bad to worse. We have no spare money—we have no navy—we have no proper military organization: and these can’t be extemporized in any serviceable forms. Other powers will follow suit and the débacle can’t be far off. It is not China that is falling to pieces: it is the powers that are pulling her to pieces! I see the “China Express” of the 26 July says there was then talk of an Italian demand for a coaling station: I wish [you] had wired it—we might have been prepared to act more warily on its presentation. Von Wurmb has been “discharged” and provided with a passage home. It seems probable that the other man Knox will have to be dealt with similarly.” Two or three of the English recruits (Biddulph, Douglas-Irvine, and another) are also qualifying for similar treatment. Thanks for the “C.B.Q.” The parcel with 6 bottles arrived safely. I am taking the tablets— I am also avoiding salt (on the advice of Glass, C.J.E.) and sugar, and life has consequently seemingly lost some of its charm. Aglen has reached S’hai and is now off to [chang to report on Likin and inquire into the same there, and to Hankow, Kiukiang, and Tatung (Wuhu), before taking up his post, (probably Com’. at Nanking).? He is a first-class man, all round! The young Frenchman I picked up here, Lauru, is a splendid violinist:* de Luca is a fair pianist, and also composes—so we are well off for music this winter. We have had four falls of snow during the last six weeks and the streets are awful, but the river is open and steamers running. The Campbells are off at the end of the month.* The Macdonalds were also to go, but the

[1191] MARCH 1899

Italian affair will probably keep him here: he is a bit run down—the Legation work has been too much for him, they say. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Bristow®

Macrae

1. To keep up with the imperialists, Italy on 3. Aglen reached Nanking on March 31, 1899, to March 2, 1899, asked for a lease on San-men be the port’s first commissioner. Bay on the Chekiang coast and recognition of that province as an Italian sphere of influence. China’s 4. Charles Henry Lauru entered the Customs on refusal was accompanied by a warlike posture and November 24, 1898, as 4th assistant B at the In-

military preparations. Eventually Italy recalled spectorate General. He later married Hart’s niece, her minister on the pretext he had exceeeded Juliet Bredon, the author of Sir Robert Hart: The

instructions. Romance of a Great Career (London, 1909) and Peking (Shanghai, 1920).

2. Von Wurmb, 4th assistant B at Shanghai, was

. discharged on March 3, 1899. 5. Smollett Campbell, audit secretary, went on Percy Manfred Skene-Knox, a German, entered leave from 1899 to 1901.

the Customs on December 10, 1898, as 4th assis-

tant B at Shanghai. He was not discharged but was 6. Enclosures: Henry Barnes Bristow was consul promoted on July 1, 1899, as 4th assistant A at at Tientsin from 1893 to 1897, and retired on Hankow. A year later, in August 1900, he resigned, pension on April 1, 1897. but rejoined the following January as 4th assistant B on probation. He died in June 1903 at Foochow.

Z/821 19 March 1899 [Red. April 29]

Dear Campbell,

Yours 3d Feb. Z/1153. Thanks for your ““American Railways boom” wire—I was too busy to attend to the matter. At this distance, too, I prefer leaving things where they are—if possible—to speculating or selling at a profit. America is not at the end of her existence yet and railways will still run—with varying fortunes: later on another boom may come. As a matter of fact I never wanted these American railway investments and wish May had not made them, but once made I simply booked them to be held on to and wait. Italy recalls her minister but apparently does not drop the question: midsummer will probably find us in the throes of another ultimatum—but by all accounts the Chinese this time are more likely to fight than to give way.’ It’s too bad that we can have no lasting quiet: no sooner are we out of one difficulty, than we are into another and the moment we are rid of one anxiety, another mounts us! You of course have heard that Von Wurmb’s fiancée broke off the engagement on arriving at S’hai. He appears to have been in with the “Devonshire House” lot, and, instead of going to meet her at H’kong, for which he had got a month’s leave, he quietly spent the time in S’hai with them. I discharged him and provided passage home. Then he came here, and, after talking, I said I could only reconsider my decision in case Rocher should write to certify

[1192] THE I.G. IN PEKING

that the time was not spent in any unbecoming manner. I was sorry to see such a finale at the beginning of a career, more especially as several people wrote to me both about himself and the young lady—this latter appears to be very nice indeed, but he has not had a good word from anybody since arrival. I am taking those “‘C.B.Q.”’ tablets, and am also following an Indian prescription and abstaining from salt. Now'that I have given up salt with food and sugar with tea, life seems to have lost half its charm! At present I have got a rasping cough but fortunately lumbago is not just now troubling me. I fear I have added too largely to our English members recently, and that our funds will be pressed to make both ends meet. The Likin business must go more slowly than I had intended and will not absorb our men in such numbers or so quickly. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Hutchins Bertie” Miss Hart

Bruce " 1. Italy’s minister, Renato de Martino, was in under-secretary in charge of the China Department Peking for only one year, 1898-1899; he was re- of the Foreign Office, exercised a considerable and

placed by Marquis Guiseppe Salvago-Raggi. energetic influence over the formulation of Great Britain’s Chinese policy.

2. Enclosures: Sir Francis Bertie, as assistant |

Z,/822 26 March 1899 [Red. May 8]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1154-5 came 24th. We are now awaiting the return of Li and the report of the Boards on his plan for improving the Yellow River.’ As Sir Claude has gone away on 6 mos. leave the Empress Dowager may seize the opportunity to put him in the Yamen again: there is no strong man there now, and, what with the Italian demand for Sanmun and its possible developments and consequences, a strong man is badly wanted. China is sufficiently glutinous to hold together for ever, but she is a jelly fish without backbone—can be pulled to pieces—and is powerless to assert herself. Hill, of Panmure Gordon, Hill & Co. called yesterday: a City man: seeing what China is like and doing and taking notes for future operations. He’s off again on Tuesday and will run by train to Shanhaikwan to see what the line is like. Peking is full of globe trotters. I have two in the house, Lyell and Peirse, and at the hotel is a lovely woman, the wife of a painter named Vos—half Hawaiian. I am gradually making the spring changes but have to go slowly so as not to disturb the Service: it is not easy to reconcile ports’ requirements and men’s likes and dislikes! Spread

[1193] APRIL 1899

over thirty ports, the proportion of seniors for each is small and for all inadequate. What to do with Detring and how to provide for T’tsin are the difficulties of the moment: T’tsin does not want him and he doesn’t want any place else!” That Von Wurmb affair has worried me a good deal. He’s ashamed to go home and she wants to earn her bread out here! Likin is coming in regularly but I still hold off and don’t attempt collection. Postal work is meeting with difficulties owing to the presence and spread of foreign post offices. I added too many Britishers to the list latterly and as other powers are now claiming to be represented, I am in a difficulty.

Lady Hart : Yours truly, Robert Hart

Mde. Korostovetz

1. Although Li Hung-chang had been dismissed 1899, with recommendations for the project there. from attendance at the Tsungli Yamen on Sep-

tember 7, 1898, he was sent that autumn to 2. Hart settled the difficulty for the moment by

supervise conservancy work along the Yellow listing Detring as ‘““commissioner, detached, for

River. He memorialized the throne on March 25, duty at Chinwangtao,” from May 1, 1899.

Z/823 2 April 1899

[Red. May 13]

Dear Campbell,

We are waiting for Salvago and wondering whether he is to push the Italian demand for Sanmun or drop it. Meantime we read in Reuter that Denmark is about to send out some cruisers—I suppose to follow suit and filch a coast-port! Poor China—even yet they’ll not wake up to the necessity for real reform! They can be hammered and hectored into giving up anything, but no advice—no warning—will rouse them to strengthening their back-bone or sharpening their claws! Since Macdonald put through that “‘Britisher to be I.G.” demand, the Yamen has eyed me suspiciously, and the other Legations have rubbed it in:' I therefore refrain as far as possible from touching anything I am not asked to deal with. The H’kong people are giving us quite unnecessary trouble with their indecent haste in attempting to hurry us out of Kowloon, etc. The Portugese are following suit: that rice-boat incident which I asked you to communicate to Roza is quite a new move. The original crew abandoned the boat as our steam launch approached at Cumsingmoon and hurried down overland to Macao, where, seeing the prize had drifted into Macao waters, they talked the officials into believing our men (in uniform) were pirates and got the police to seize and had the prize crew thrown into prison! The Gov'. listened to all Piry had to say, and said then, even so, they’d hold on to the boat, etc.” H’kong wires Mat Bredon is in hospital with fever—a bad beginning! He himself does not like the idea of Hoihow to which I had posted him—‘‘would only be sick there”’.* Li is back from the Yellow River, but I doubt if the Govt. can find money for the project, and that I fear is hastily got up and not sufficiently studied.

[1194] THE I.G. IN PEKING

There is trouble about the T’tsin Railway Loan.* The monthly instalments to be paid by the Rly. Co. to cover the service of the Loan are not forthcoming! I’m glad I had nothing to do with these Railway Loans and have always been against them: China cannot afford to borrow money at 5% to build Railways! Yours truly, Robert Hart.

1. See letter 1106n2. 3. Hoihow was the actual port, three miles distant from the treaty port of Kiungchow, on Hainan.

2. Cumsingmoon, a port in the Canton estuary a Bredon did not take up his appointment there. few miles north of Macao, had long been a center Schoenicke, who had been the commissioner, for smugglers and, earlier, for the export of coolie delayed his departure until Neumann took over ,

laborers. on May 27. Bredon took up commissioner’s duties A.T. Piry was commissioner at Lappa (close to a month later at Swatow.

Macao) from 1896 to 1900.

4. See letter 1130.

Z/824 23 April 1899 [Red. June 5]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1156, 7, 8, & 9 have all arrived. I feel very little inclined for letter writing, and the condition of China is so limp, helpless, and hopeless, that even to go on with the ordinary current work of the day seems waste of time, useless, and grows distasteful: I begin to realize how wild and wicked men can be when ruin is impending and hope of betterment gone. If the powers would leave China alone she’d hold together just as before, but they are all pegging away in one direction or another and it all tends to loosen and disintegrate: although face to face with so much to worry and frighten, the Govt. still sleeps on and dreaming that all the old ways are the best goes on doing a lot of old things energetically—but to no purpose: the bricks have no straw in them and won’t last! If they would really and heartily adopt one plan—one simple, good plan—and stick to it, they might pull through all right but they won’t do that! I declare it’s maddening to be here and see how they let time slip without improving it and lose opportunity after opportunity of getting out of the mud on to firm ground. Govt. now begins to be very bitter against England: the rough way Hongkong has handled the extension of territory riles everybody!! This and the effect of requiring Yamen to promise I.G. shall be English—damage me! I hope to go to Peitaiho in June and come back in September: I shall then give three months to sorting the papers in my own office, and after that take my leave. The Yamen does not want me to go, for they expect my departure will at once bring on a battle in which every Legation will bang the Yamen’s head over Customs organization, etc.—they keep quiet as long as I am here, but it is feared they will all be very troublesome when I go. I cannot do anything for Mr. Jasper More’s son—or for anybody else: absolutely no vacancies!” You can send on any applications—if it will please people, but the printed “no va~ cancy”’ reply will go to all. We are quite swamped by juniors now, and we want some forty Chinese-speaking semi-seniors very badly—these last ten years men have not studied much

[1195] APRIL 1899

and we are, in respect of efficiency in Chinese, very short-handed: this is bad enough for the Customs, but it bars the way for Likin action very completely.° The Italian demand is a puzzle: if yielded to, still more powers will follow suit—if refused, war will result, with defeat or funk and still greater loss! I don’t think Cartwright could himself be connected with it, but doubtless Volpicelli has a finger in the pie.* I’m sorry to hear Lady Alcock is dead, but pneumonia seems fatal where old folk are concerned: the great loss, however, will be Hutchins—I am awfully sorry he’s gone!* Sun yu Weén (who was my right-hand help in the Franco-Chinese affair 1884-5, and Japanese 18945) is also just dead:° Li and myself are about the only survivors of the old lot—and nature must soon claim us both! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. I wish very much those two music publishers would send me their numbers every fortnight regularly as they did formerly! This last year nothing has come properly—months pass without anything, and then more than can be digested arrives in one cover! R.H. 23 Ap: 1899

Lady Hart

Bruce ” Addington Lady Grey Henniker-Heaton® Devonshire 1. British authorities had long wanted to improve 4. Campbell, in a letter just received by Hart, the military position of Hong Kong, whose harbor reported that Cartwright had left England and was was bordered on the north by Chinese territory. then in Rome, ending with, “I wonder whether he When China ceded Kwangchow Bay to France, is in any way connected with the Italian demand!” Britain demanded as compensation an extension of Volpicelli, by this time a 2nd assistant B on her holdings around Hong Kong. A convention was leave from his post in Shanghai, was to resign on

signed on June 9, 1898, by which England ob- April 30. He had in the 1890s begun a literary tained on lease for ninety-nine years the whole of career, publishing in London under the pseudoKowloon peninsula from Deep Bay to Mirs Bay, nym of Vladimir. The China-Japan War appeared together with certain bays, adding in all some in 1896; Russia on the Pacific, and the Siberian 376 square miles to what had previously been 29. Railway in 1899. On April 15, 1899, two days before the British flag was to be raised over the territory, the inhabi- 5. Hutchins, long Hart’s trusted solicitor in Lontants rose in protest, but were put down with some don and consulted constantly by Campbell on

loss of life by the British police and military. matters relating to the Customs, died suddenly on April 6, 1899. He had been in his office the pre-

2. Robert Jasper More had been M.P. for the Lud- ceding Saturday, when he had written Campbell;

low Division of Shropshire since 1885. on Sunday he was found to have pneumonia, and died three days later. Campbell telegraphed Hart.

3. Hart had on January 18, 1899, issued a circular

on the necessity for a knowledge of the Chinese 6. See letters 801n3 and 947n1. language by members of the Indoor Staff and the penalties for its neglect (no retiring allowance; no 7. John Henniker Heaton, M.P. for Canterbury

promotion to a deputy commissionership or a since 1885, was an expert on telegraph and posts. commissionership; discharge for anyone already He carried the Imperial Penny Postage Scheme in

promoted who backslid). Parliament in July 1898, and introduced telegraphic money orders in England.

[1196] THE LG. IN PEKING

Z/825 30 April 1899

[Rced. June 12]

Dear Campbell,

Please tell Poole to send me out the things on the other side: as they are for autumn, not winter, wear, I do not want any flannel or cotton-wadded lining, and, as I have grown very thin, the measurement round hips and waist is given and will be found to be somewhat under whatever is in Poole’s 1878 book. I should also like an Inverness cape for winter wear—no hood (I enclose a bit of the old one, still in use, you got for me 30 years ago!) Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. I also want one pair of walking boots from Bowley. Gracie Campbell Goldsmiths’

Z/826 14 May 1899

[Red. June 26]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1160 and 1161 have arrived. The Italian demand does not seem likely to be backed by the nation, but I fear we are in for worse things as the Russians are for making a railway to Peking (!) and the Chinese have sent 15,000 men to “demonstrate” in Shantung. Tung Fu Hsiang’s men are returning to this neighborhood—to cut our throats, they say, in June.’ The outlook is unsettling and I am thinking of getting the ladies and children away while things are quiet. Whenever any French “‘Yellow-book” re China comes out, try and get me copies. Are they sold to public or only for “deputies’’? The revenue is looking well, but the English doings at Kowloon are very irritating:* we are badly off for experienced and Chinese-speaking men—just now I don’t know who to send to Foochow!® Hillier has got his leave and Paul King goes to K’loon. I am keeping pretty well, but age is telling on me daily! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Please get, and send to Gracie Campbell, this book. “Violinschule von C. Dancla” (Op. 52)

[1197] MAY 1899

Scott & Co. 159 Regent Street (Z a/c)

Lady Hart Gracie Campbell

1. See letter 1121n1. work by this and by the closing to them of the waters of Deep Bay and Mirs Bay.

2. In retaliation for the uprising of the inhabitants

of Kowloon peninsula upon its cession to the 3. Von Tanner, who had been at Foochow since British (see letter 1138n1), Chinese jurisdiction February 1898 and who was also due for a leave, was expelled from the city of Kowloon. Chinese stayed on until August, when W.T. Lay arrived. customs cruisers were seriously hampered in their

Z/827 28 May 1899

[Red. July 10]

My Dear Campbell,

Jim and his charming young wife have been here the last three weeks and their presence has been very enjoyable, but all the time I have been worried—I can’t tell you how much!— by the troubles of China. British doings at Kowloon have been very aggravating: Russian demand for Peking-railway has been a thunderbolt: German action and military movements in Shantung have outraged the people: and everywhere there is a feeling of uneasiness spreading. The Chinaman is very philosophical and matter of fact, and many Chinese would go on with their ordinary lives and work without any question as to who’s Emperor or what the Govt. is so long as “‘old Custom” is to the fore, but there are lots of rowdies among every thousand men and the proof that their own Govt. is weak, as shown by the inroads of foreigners, will encourage their natural rowdyism, while, instead of seeing superior civilization in the foreigner, they will regard him as simply another rowdy and chip in for their share of what disorder can wring from weakness. Some Chinese say that revolt and disorder are fast coming on—that the rioters will wipe out every foreigner they come across—that, regardless of consequences every province will follow suit and such anarchy and bloodshed follow that for years and years industry and commerce will all disappear: how will that suit the west? I am thinking of wiring you tomorrow to let you show what I have to say about the situation to Rendel and Sassoon—but what good would come of it?’ I fear we shall only go on blundering from bad to worse and wake up in chaos. What the future of the Customs is to be, is a question! Loans, etc., will naturally be supported by “‘Sphere of influence”’ states, and the continued existence of the Customs could not be dispensed with: but it will no longer be one service, or if re-organized on an international and cosmopolitan basis, will be very much changed—perhaps for the better. Still, if the Chinese prophecy of disorder becomes fact, what will Customs collect, and on what will personnel live? The outlook is far from reassuring! Meanwhile years are passing away and I am growing old. I’m ashamed to go off while China is in such difficulties, but I do not see that my staying on can do any good, and so, when I get back from Peitaiho in September, I shall begin to pack up: this time next year I ° shall be on my way home. I fear Likin and Post will still be a bit nebulous, but I do not want

; [1198] THE I.G. INPEKING to add to the present confusion by pushing my new irons into the seething elements of disorder: they would irritate rather than settle! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Ruhstrat Johnston Henniker Heaton R!. Stat. Soc. Sec. 2 1. Sir Edward Sassoon, lately elected a conserva- tion was from Hart and confidential but that he tive member for Hythe, asked through Panmure would consider how much he might reasonably Gordon early in May for a talk with Campbell. supply as background. He then telegraphed Hart Proposing to make his first speech in the House on __in case the latter should wish to avail himself of the occasion of the China debate, he was anxious this opportunity. for pointers. Campbell explained that his informa-

Z/828 4 June 1899

[Red. July 18]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1164-5 have come. You did right to give those Russians the additional £50 each.? Hutchins is a great loss: I don’t know how we’ll replace him! I am sorry v. Rothe was over age, but, having refused several just before, I could not make an exception for him. You also did right to offer to pay his expenses. Thanks for the Currie Prospectus: I don’t think that institution would suit a weak boy like Willoughby Price—but the lad has genius and if he lives will be heard of in his line. Thanks for letting me know the whereabouts of Vapereau! The French action re exhibition has upset my own plans: I wanted to summer in Paris next year, but I don’t see how I can do so now. The Italian affair will probably end in “fizzle”, though the Chargé, Salvago, will possibly try to get something nice from China for dropping the demand. The Russians are ear-marking various places, but, as they can afford to wait till the “‘pear’”’ is ripe, I don’t think they'll give us any special trouble unless other powers’ doings force their hand. The Loan they have just launched in London is here supposed to be the first step towards buying up the Newchwang-ShanHaiKwan line and very likely they have arranged that with Lord Salisbury as a way out of interfering with financial spheres. The Germans don’t want any trouble in Shantung and they find military promenades very expensive; if the Chinese will only behave properly the province is not certain to be Germanized. There is a curious feeling of unrest among the Chinese just now and they seem to expect something serious to occur this summer—whether a change of Emperor or a big and general demonstration against foreigners, I can’t make out. They say the Empress Dowager wants to

[1199] JUNE 1899

do the right thing, but she’s in a funk of the Kansuh General Tung Fu Hsiang, and his rabble, a very numerous one, may make trouble. I had to give up the “C.B.Q.” tabloids: they disordered my digestion. I am fairly well, eating with appetite and sleeping well, but age is making fast and terrible inroads and I am all but used up. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Bruce Mrs. Hill Chang

1. Campbell gave each of the three Russian re- passage to China; special equipment (books, etc.); cruits an extra £50 so that they could acquire pay for the time in transit; incidental expenses what they needed in England and “‘cut a better after arrival (furniture, etc.); and enough for living appearance.” In March 1898 Hart had reduced the expenses until salary commenced upon arrival at

previous allowance of £200 to £100 (see letter one’s port. 1101n2). The allowance was to cover: first class

Z/829 18 June 1899

[Red. July 31]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1166, 7 have come. Thanks for what you are doing re Evey’s Trustee. You did right not to communicate with Von Wurmb’s father. Postage stamp supplies: we are still in an embryonic condition and we cannot fill our store here with quantities of not-required stock. When we have statistics to work on and see our way more clearly, we shall know better what to do. But your remarks, etc., will not be lost sight of. Pritchard Morgan certainly believed his contract was all right: but I cannot say it is or it is not. I am wondering when people are likely to see these syndicates pay dividends from real earnings! The Railways arranged that the first few years’ interest should be paid from capital: I fear when that gives out, there will be a crash! See how hard it is to get the interest on the Peking-ShanHaikKwan loan, although’the line has been in good running order through a quiet and populous country for a considerable time. Sir John Lister-Kaye is just now starting off for Chin-tu (Szechuan) to arrange with Kuei Viceroy (having squared people here) for a concession to—improve the navigation between Ichang and Chungking:* return for expenditure to come from a toll on passing vessels, and that toll expected to be a big income as the result of a largely increased trade, the increase being expected to follow increased facilities, etc. He came here with a big scheme for railways from Bhamo to Hankow with junction from Canton to Changsha and further line from Hankow to S’hai, and the Ichang-Chungking river improvement idea was only a railway feeder originally: now it is everything and railway is not talked about. Sir John is exceeedingly nice and I wish him good luck, but I am

[1200] THE I.G. IN PEKING

not sanguine and I don’t quite see how it is to be a success. The fact is everybody’s for exploiting China and concessions in China are thought to be everything—as well have them in the moon! There is nothing new under the sun and why should not a South Sea Bubble repeat itself?” At the bottom of every scheme there are two things that, to my mind, damn it: the first is that it is forced on China, and shows so little respect for China, that China will drop it whenever she can; and the second thing is that the framers know next to nothing about the country or the conditions the working of the scheme will meet and that the paying or buying public exists more in fanciful estimates than in sober reality—and so [| think all these schemes will be ruinous in the end. Yes—I wish Murray & Hutchins to continue to be my private solicitors. Yu Keng (Yamen Minister)—deaf and blind and married to a Eurasian, with a noisy family of English speaking children—just nominated for appointment to France to replace Tching Tchang.° I don’t like the appointment! The present man is said to have compromised himself in some matters affecting those suicides. Very hot just now— Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Barrington Lemaire Chavannes

Lecomte

Takuhashi Rendel Feer

1. Chin-tu is presumably Chengtu, the capital of financial panic. Szechwan, near the center of the province but west

of both Ichang and Chungking. “‘Kuei viceroy” 3. Yii-keng, a Manchu, who had been minister to is K’uei-chiin, governor-general of Szechwan from Japan from 1895 to 1898, served in the Tsungli

July 12, 1898, to August 5, 1902. Yamen only from January to June 1899, before

leaving for France, where he remained as minister

2. An English speculative venture known as the until 1902. His wife was the Eurasian daughter of South Sea Bubble collapsed in January 1720 at an American, a small storekeeper in Shanghai (see about the same time as the French colonial Missis- letter 1252). sippi Bubble, the combination causing disastrous

Z/830 24 September[Rced. 1899 November 6] : Dear Campbell,

Absent from Peking from 1 July to 21 Sept. I now resume writing. I was seedy mostly at Peitaiho and I feel older and stiffer, but I am well enough for the business in hand—Likin, Post, and K’loon withdrawal:! these will occupy me all October and then I’ll begin to pack up, for, unless plague news from Europe makes China preferable, I’m really off in spring.

[1201] OCTOBER 1899

I’ve just opened the Poole box: things look all right. The Goldsmiths’ box I ordered to be detained for presentation (Walsham-Myers) at S’hai and I have not seen it, but it came some weeks ago. Has the Queen’s tea arrived? sent in July! The Reuter telegrams look like war with the Boers. It’s a great pity to have to fight them, but British supremacy must be upheld! I hope Archie will come through it safely and with distinction: he’s lucky to be on the ground so young!? Everything is very quiet here, but we non-Chinese are all more or less anxious expecting startling occurrences: the Chinese go on as if the situation had never altered! Your last is numbered Z/1181 of 11 Augst. I hope you are all right again—nerve-killing is a dreadful thing to go through! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Johnston Bruce Mabel 1. The leasing to Great Britain on June 9, 1898, of | Customs would consider feasible. The formal the Kowloon peninsula (see letter 1138n1) neces- British take-over was in April 1899. sitated changes in the location of customs posts.

On June 27, 1898, Hart addressed a letter to 2. Archibald Campbell was nineteen years old and MacDonald on the subject, setting forth what the already in South Africa when the Boer War began.

Z/832' 1 October 1899

[Rcd. November 13]

Dear Campbell,

A capital invention this of yours—beginning a letter on letter paper, filling one page, and sending half a sheet: one lays the flattering unction to one’s soul that one intends to write volumes and that one has written quite enough! Your 18th Augst. Z/1182 arrived 26 Sept. I hope your dentist troubles are over! King disappeared at the wrong moment: fortunately the Viceroy has turned amiable and Piry is handling him nicely.” Chang Chih Tung has wired to invite me to re-organize the whole of the Hu Peh provincial courier system on post-office lines! This move, if worked properly will make the I.P.O. a success very soon; but, unfortunately, I have no really good man to depend on—Van Aalst and Kopsch have studied postal work, it is true, but both are amateurs and the one has fads and the other temper: besides K. is not likely to return (gossip credits him with £10,000 a year!) and Van A. wants leave; if I could hold on I would not fear but I am off in spring and I am sure things will not be quite the same afterwards!* We might get out a smart fellow from Berne, but he would be no use for three years i.e. till he could do work in Chinese and understood Chinese ways—what’s possible and what to be avoided, etc. It just occurs to me that when I go I shall carry off a very considerable amount of what may now be called intu-

[1202] THE I.G. IN PEKING

ition—I am in touch with Chinese thought and methods—that it is a pity I cannot bequeath to another man. I hope you have good news from Archie and that all may go well with him. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. J.H. Hart Willoughby Price 1. By a mistake in the numbering, there was no and Hupei (see letter 974n3).

letter Z/831. Kopsch was at this time on leave; in fact, Hart had as of September just extended the leave to 2. Paul King was acting commissioner at Kowloon November 30, 1899. Kopsch returned and re-

from June 2 to July 7, 1899. ported for duty in Shanghai, but resigned on January 15, 1900. 3. Chang Chih-tung was governor-general of Hunan

Z/833 15 October 1899 | [Rcd. November 25]

Dear Campbell, | Your Z/1183 came 11th. Poor fellow—so ill you could only eat sweet-bread: accept my sympathy!’ I’m glad you got over that attack of diarrhoea. Is not it extraordinary how much we live by “faith”? What do we not take for granted—our children, our food, our attendants, our everything? Your revised form of the £600,000 a/c, I am told, agrees with our records here. At the Yamen nobody seems to take a whole-hearted interest in anything. Just now we have had a long spell of dry weather at Peking and heaven does not hear prayers for rain; accordingly Edicts are now coming out exhorting everybody to be good. Plague, too, is feared, but not here yet: it has carried off some Russians at Newchwang. At Kowloon we have moved off to the new stations, but opium collection in Hongkong by us still goes on till the Govt. there decides what is to be done about it. H’kong at first proposed to do the collection itself and charge expense of collection: now it appears unwilling to undertake the work, and, after ousting us from the stations, wants us to stay in Hongkong and go on as before! This K’loon episode has done immense harm. As far as I can see, China’s only chance of recuperating is to be friends with Japan and follow Japan’s lead, but Russia opposes—and Russia is China’s bugbear. I have had Mrs. Glover visiting here the last ten days—also the Detring and Drew girls, two from each family: a very jolly time it was and all Peking was at the feet of the girls.” I am now alone again and shall begin packing for home in November. I was out calling yesterday

| and a Minister said to me “All will go easily and as before while you stay, but it can’t do so once you leave!” and this is the fact. | am now just as before in size and shape—but stagnant: when the new man takes over, change will come along. This Transvaal affair will I fear be a sorrowful one: every Boer bullet will hit a British sol-

[1203] OCTOBER 1899

dier! Even our loose line formation will be poor opposed to their individual tactics over rough country that they know well. I shall not be surprised to hear of disaster after disaster, and panic after panic, on our side: we ought to win in the end, but at what a cost of men in the field and business upset in all directions there and elsewhere! I hope Archie will come out of it scatheless, and with both V.C. and C.B.—but I wish there had been no war, and I fear Wilson’s way of looking at it (vide “Investors Review” 19 Agst.) is the right one! The wind is howling and the dust blowing to-day—and, as no rain has fallen this autumn, the dust is inches deep when it’s calm and hundreds of yards high when it blows! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Bruce Hart Cambridge Syndics Miss Glass 1. Campbell, suffering from tooth extractions three Drew girls, Elsa, Kathleen, and Lucy, all and able to eat only soft foods, had the bad for- lived in Tientsin, where their father was commistune to be poisoned by eating tainted sweetbreads. sioner. Of the three Detring girls, Elsa was already married to Major von Hanneken (see letter 965),

2. Mrs. Glover was the widow of the former com- and so it must have been Lucy and Dora who were

missioner, who had died in October 1885. The Hart’s guests. .

Z/834 22 October 1899

[Rcd. December 4]

Dear Campbell,

The French mail broke down near Saigon and is not in yet and the English is only due: so there is no new letter of yours in to answer. We are all anxious about the consequences of the Transvaal affair: even if won, its cost in men and money will be tremendous, and the blood spilt on African sands will only tend to grow a Dutch republic later on I fear; but, this local question apart, I cannot get rid of the idea, that, now that England is denuded of troops, France may suddenly cut in to pay us off for Fashoda etc.—and if she does, what then? Here everything is, as it were, dead: there is no vitality and no growth—China is hibernating. People see that change is wanted, but the whole huge edifice is so rickety, that, although it will stand for years if left alone, the fear is that the moving of one brick may bring down the structure: this difficulty stares reformers in the face, and even these, when they do try anything, cannot get out of the old groove in which support must be bought by bribes and self-interest is more important than public good. I feel very sad and downcast over the situation and outlook, and it requires a good deal of philosophy and optimism to carry on as if all were right. Strange to say the revenue this year is booming: so far to the end of Sept. we are 3% million taels ahead of the same period last year: if Dec. quarter shows no decrease this will be the record year, and then I shall be off in spring with flying colours.’

[1204] THEI. G. IN PEKING

I want the ring from 112 Regent Street by first mail, and the music from Hawkes & Son as soon as possible. My band is now not only Brass but String: we danced the other night to the music of the latter, and it was in perfect time and perfect tune. Truly these fellows can learn anything! You’d be surprised to hear how well they play—one of my regrets going away will be to leave them behind! I hope your news from Archie is good: where and under whom is he now serving? Yours truly, Robert Hart Goldsmiths’ Co. Hawkes & Son (separate cover) Lady Hart Hannen 1. In the Customs’ Trade Reports for 1899, Hart 26,661,460, or 4,158,063 higher than the previous proudly reviewed the foreign trade for the year year, and 3,143,439 more than was collected in

and announced that the revenue was Hk. Ts. the record year of 1891,

Z/835 29 October 1899

[Red. December 11]

Dear Campbell,

Your 1185 came yesterday. Portier has come out too badly in arithmetic, but Cardot will do.! Here I must stop—visits from Yano and Kato, Japanese Ministers.’ Yours truly, Robert Hart

Mrs. Bruce Hart . Lady Hart

1. L.M.J. Cardot, French, joined the Customs in from March 1897 to December 1899. Kato:

February 1900; Portier did not join. Takasaki, who had been Japanese minister in London, returned to Japan in 1899 and became 2. Yano Fumio was the Japanese minister to China foreign minister.

[1205] NOVEMBER 1899

Z/836 . 6 November 1899 [Rcd. December 18] Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1186 from Hotel Ritz arrived Ist. British officials are never sympathetic and British tradesmen of all classes and followings seem so wedded to old ways, and so sure that elsewhere nothing can come up to them, that it is no wonder people write to The Times and

then buy abroad. }

The War news is dreadful! Boer Commando is too much for British regimental strategy. How dreadfully sore all those prisoners must feel, except those of them whose view of humour can see how laughable their fate is. Our next news will be that White and his command have been sent to Pretoria and then each Regiment as landed will be puckerooned by Kruger and the whole British army will “eat humble pie” for a season: with this will come change of Govt. at home and rioting in London—and perhaps danger to the monarchy! Then if France chooses to cut in, what a smash! Of course I believe in British pluck and British stay: but more is wanted nowadays, and I fear we are behind the times. It takes more than an orchid and an eye-glass to make a statesman. C.’s Transvaal doings, read through Wilson’s spectacles, have been singularly inept—but Kowloon has made me so pachydermatous I can stand anything!* Only the nation will have to pay for all this, and military success, if even secured, will now be paid for at a price that will be terrible to realise, and hard to recover from! Heaven help us! There is nothing specially new here. The cold weather has really come with Nov. as it generally does and the last two days have stripped the trees. We had rain on the 2nd.—the very day on which prayers for rain ceased, to make way for Empress Dowager’s birthday doings! At Peking all are well, but they have the plague at Newchwang—an epidemic of dysentery at T’tsin—and malaria at other places. The Yamen has its hands full looking after finance—paying loan interest and providing for military demands: this necessity for being ready with big sums monthly is to my mind very wearing, but it does not seem to hurt the Chinese—they do what they can, “make” what they can, and, like “‘Pillycoddy’’,® think that whatever Providence may do by way of hurting others will not come their way! On the whole things are at a stand-still, but the Japanese are more alive to the situation than others and I think are winning the “inside track’’—and that is where they ought to be; these two yellow powers ought to stand side by side, and shoulder to shoulder, and Japan seems the only power that can, or will be let by others, really get China forward: their methods coalesce and couple without jarring. Of course acting in the direction of partition might upset all plans, but that would only be to put off events a century or two: the Chinese as a race have “stay”—cannot be wiped out—and must come to the front sooner or later: of that I’m sure!

Hope your news from Archie is always good!

Yours truly, Robert Hart

To-day I go to church to hear Bishop Moule. He and I travelled together by the “‘Nanzing”’ from Chefoo to S’hai in Sept. 1863 and he preached on board on Sunday the 6th Sept. from

[1206] THEI. G. IN PEKING

Galatians V.24. We never met since, till he came to Peking a few days ago. Realism was on board that day.*

Lady Hart Jim Cordier 1. Campbell, in Paris for the inspection of the tary from 1895 to 1903. Gutzlaff Light before it should be shipped to

China, had commented on the willingness of the 3. See letter 510n3. French to “give us the benefit of their experience

and advice,” very different, he thought, from the 4. The Rt. Rev. George Evans Moule, Bishop of attitude of the English with whom he had been Mid-China since 1880, had in 1863 been a mis-

dealing in similar matters. sionary. The Nanzing was a steamship under

British registry, at that time owned by Trautmann 2. Sir George White, in command of British forces, & Co. and plying between Shanghai and the north-

lost the battle of Laing’s Nek on October 12; the ern ports. Boers pushed on to win the battle at Nicholson’s Galatians V.24: “Therefore as the church is Nek on October 30 and to invest Ladysmith on subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their

November 2. own husbands in every thing.” “C.” was Joseph Chamberlain, Colonial Secre-

Z/837 12 November 1899 [Rcd. December 23] Dear Campbell,

I am glad your dentist’s opinion relieved you on your return from France and I hope you'll now eat easily through all that remains to you of the next century. We are doing

| nothing very particular here, but Reuter keeps us alive: I rejoice to see that as yet popular feeling is quiet at home and that our reverses have neither disheartened nor upset Londoners, for I have been awfully afraid of the trial the public mind must pass through when it contemplates the necessity for meeting and beating 70,000 citizen soldiers, each man a telling fighter and all crack marksmen, so far away from home. All round us here we feel that we are watched very keenly and that sympathy is for the most part with the Boers: unless we soon begin to win it is thought there will be trouble in India with our native troops, and it is on the cards, notwithstanding the Premier’s Guildhall speech, that foreign complications will find a moment for making things uncomfortable for us: the Emperor William’s order forbidding German officers to join the Transvaal army may be either a word beforehand to prepare for public opinion in Germany forcing him to assist the foe, or it may be sarcasm— ‘They are in for it, those English, and unable to cope with even Kruger—let them stew in their own juice!’ The weather is lovely here, but while plague is at work in Newchwang and feared on this side of the Gulf, there is some diptheria talked of in Peking—a usual result of a too dry season, such as we have had. To-day is the birthday of the Empress-Dowager—but the rejoicings don’t change our lives in this quarter. I have a house-party for the races: the von Hannekens with Misses Massey, Stewart, and Ragsdale, and Messrs. Keble and Stewart—seven in all, very nice young people: they stay from 9th to 16th. Of course I only see them at dinner and in the evening for I hold on to my office, but they have had two days’ racing and a race ball, and here I give them three big

[1207] NOVEMBER 1899

dinners with one dance and two soirées musicales. Mrs. Von Hanneken has a magnificent dramatic soprano voice, and Miss Massey is a fine pianist: Lt. Keble, Mrs. Jem’s military brother, is a good violinist: then we have for singing Simpson, Oliphant, and Rose, with Lauru also for violin, and the String band—so the evenings are thoroughly provided for.’ But seven

bedrooms to run and at least eight at evening meals keep the household busy. The Yamen just writes that it and the metropolitan Railway & Mining Board will now discard the old Govt. courier (I-chan) way of forwarding despatches and send all through our post office, etc.: this means postal progress—but it is very late in the day: I wish I were thirty years younger and had another three dozen years of working life before me—developments of every kind are coming along and the first half of the XXth century will be very interesting in China! Merry Xmas to you all and Happy New Year! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mde. Henraux Memo. for Hill 1. Major von Hanneken had married Elsa Detring joined the Customs in February 1899.

in 1895 (see letter 965). Simpson was Bertram Lenox Simpson, at this

Miss Stewart was Winnie Stewart, a relative of time 3rd assistant B at the Inspectorate General. Jim Stewart of the “Peking Syndicate Shansi and David Oliphant and Charles A. Walker Rose were

Honan” mentioned in letter 1244. both student interpreters at the British Legation,

Effie Ragsdale was the daughter of the U.S. con- the former since February 1, 1897, the latter since sul at Tientsin. August 6, 1898. A.M.J. Keble, Mrs. James Hart’s brother, had

Z/838 19 November 1899

[Red. January 2, 1900]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1187 of 6 Oct. arrived Nov. 15th. I am somewhat amused to read that the Vapereau Exhibition appointment was a compensation for the disappointment in his candidature for the presidency of the TungWenKwan, for he never was a candidate and there never was the least idea of giving him that post; of course, Gérard may have said “Since you make Oliver President, you might make Vapereau the other thing’. However it is all over

and done with and there is but one chance of any change: should it come off, it will not put | the cancelled names back again. Transvaal telegrams have so far been sad reading out here: we hope to soon be getting bet-

ter tidings now that re-inforcements begin to arrive. It is evident the Boers will hold out well , and make a good fight. Reuter says Russia is likely to advance to Herat and now China by beheading two French sous-officiers near Kwang-Chow-Wan has given France an opportunity to do something more in the South: I fear we’ll lose Hainan, if not the whole of the sea-coast from Langson to Yangkiang!* Peking is to-day talking reforms and it looks as if I

[1208] THEI. G. IN PEKING

might be drawn into a scheme which would keep me out here longer: but I fear I am too old and have not enough spring in me for it. The revenue for January-September 1899 is ahead of that for the same nine months in 1898 by Ts. 3,750,000. If this last quarter turns out well, Oct.-Dec., I shall go off with flying colours at the close of a record year. I see you were alongside Moreing at the Macdonald dinner: I suppose you Know all his plans and his connection with Detring and Chang I. If Chinwang Tao succeeds they will make money, but if not they will drop some. This is the day of Syndicates, and the launchers are more likely to carry off fortunes than the first investors to handle immediate returns. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

, Yours truly,

Robert Hart |

P.S. Your last night telegram just in re 27,000 troops already arrived, etc. I hope our Generals will not get cut off in detail or be led into ambuscades, etc. The enemy has both organization and cunning and I shall be surprised if it’s all fair sailing for our fellows! R.H.

Lady Hart Mrs. J.H. Hart Mat Bredon Stat. Soc. Sec.- 2. 1. Herat is in northwestern Afghanistan, a region ratification of a convention for the lease to France where, throughout the reign of Muzaffar Ud-din for ninety-nine years of the Bay of Kwang-chow, of Persia (1896-1907), rivalry between Russia and with its dependencies, as a naval station.

Britain was acute. Yangchiang is on the coast, about halfway be-

The two French naval officers were murdered tween Macao and Kwang-chow-wan (or Bay): Langon November 12, 1899. One result was China’s son is in Tongking (see letter 556).

Z,/839 28 November 1899

[Red. January 8, 1900]

Dear Campbell,

Tariff Revision has again been started and will probably keep me here another year: Shéng, the Minister of Railways, etc., and Nieh, the Kiangsoo Fantai, have been appointed by Edict to act with myself in the matter. The question is whether simply to equal up and down to 5% or to go in for 10 or 15%: the Govt. is hard up for money and something must

| be done says the Hu Pu. The French demands are very moderate I hear, and so I hope the danger will disappear: a money indemnity for the two men beheaded—the head of the Mandarin responsible—and some commercial concession, are what is asked for and the only fear is that the Yamen, instead of closing, may think such conditions should be taken advantage of to bargain further!

[1209] DECEMBER 1899

Vapereau has just sent his building plans: if he can produce what he proposes, the effect will be very good and certainly better than anything I could have suggested. Li Hung Chang has just been made Shang-wu ta-ch’en—a first step towards establishing a Yamen or Minister of Commerce or Board of Trade.” By the way is there any book that explains the functions of the Board of Trade: if there is I should like to have it to assist me in hints I may want to give the Govt. here re the work that it might do and the use it might be of, etc. I suppose it touches everything that is connected with either the making or transfer of money directly or indirectly. Our latest Transvaal news is the Reuter of 23 Nov. telling us Methuen had driven the Boers from their position at Belmont and that Joubert was rushing towards P. maritzburg.* The first is a doubtful victory: when the bayonet comes into play, the Boers will of course scatter and—“‘live to fight another day”’, for their policy must be to do only shooting and then always to hit. Joubert’s tactics I suppose mean that he wants to catch Clery’s newly landed men before they are too numerous or in fighting trim. I fear we are not near the end of the struggle! I should like to know what Chamberlain and the German Emperor said to each other at Windsor! Do you know Wilson of the “Inv. Review’’? Is he a strong, broad-minded man—or simply a clever pessimist?* I like to read what he writes, for there is so much commonsense in it: but it strikes me he leaves out the play of circumstances and their constant rehabilitating effect—just like the play of health in healing wounds—when he prophesies ruin as a certainty sooner or later. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart | Bruce

1. Tariff revision, interrupted by the Boxer up- affairs. Chinese characters are in the glossary. rising, was not completed until 1902; it went into

effect on October 31 of that year. On Sheng 3. P.maritzburg: Pietermaritzburg, near Durban. Hsuan-huai see letter 1042n2.

Fantai: financial commissioner of a province 4\Campbell’s reply: ““Mr. Wilson of the ‘Inv.

(also called lieutenant governor). Review’ is said to be an honest one-sided man; but he is not looked upon as a financial authority.” 2. Shang-wu ta-ch’en: minister of commercial

Z,/840 10 December 1899

[Red. January 20, 1900]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1188, 1189 & 1190 have come. As regards young von Wurmb—I am very sorry, as I said before: but I cannot reopen the case. 1am more sorry still that young Biddulph should have come to grief for it will be a blow to his father: but really it could not be helped, and parents must blame the sons that err and not the chiefs who punish. Both Rocher and Merrill reported very strongly and had not a word to say in favour of either: and I believe they were quite right. We must take it

[1210] THEI. G. IN PEKING

for granted that men old enough to leave home are old enough to know how to behave. What may escape punishment in ordinary employments becomes a different matter in a public service. My principle is to shut my eyes to the private life of subordinates: with such liberty they must be content to accept the corollary that when a public scandal results the consequence is dismissal. Vapereau has sent me the plans of the buildings for the Chinese exhibits at the Trocadero. They are good and do him credit! Kopsch is at S’hai and is writing re Retg. Allowance, etc.: I don’t know what he wants most, to stay or to go. He has done very good work in his day, but his services have never had quite the value he puts on them. I understand his private speculations have enriched him. Sir Claude is also back. In this cosmopolitan place, I cannot be always running to the British Legation: Chinese work on a cosmopolitan footing is what I have to keep to the front—I don’t want any Legation support: all that I want is that the Legations should either leave me alone, or at least not oppose and make difficulties for the Customs! The war interests us here quite as much as it does you at home and telegrams are anxiously looked for. Several Chinese get private telegrams and watch the fighting with interested curiosity, their reasoning being—“‘If these English can’t fight the Boers, why need we fear them?” Just now we are on tenterhooks re the expected fight at Spyfontein and are praying that Ld. Methuen may have received some reinforcements after the three bayonet fights at Belmont, Grasspan and Modder River: if not heaven help the ‘“‘Guards’’—those crowds of Boers will, I fear, be too many for them!’ Feeling here is certainly pro-Boer as far as other Legations and nationalities are concerned. Just now a Club question is likely to accentuate and give expression to this hostility: Major Parsons, a British officer studying Chinese, tore up a copy of “Le Rire” and complained to the Club that the Queen is indecently caricatured, and it looks like going to a General Meeting: if it does we’ll have a shindy and society will be spoiled for ages here. How odd it is that men can’t learn that eyes and ears and tongue are given to us quite as much not to see, not to hear, and not to speak as to see, hear, and talk! I am glad Archie is so much to the front, and I trust he’ll get through safe and sound! Merry Xmas and Happy New Year! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Revision is opening up quite a new vista, and I fear I am here for another year: but it may possibly be the best and most useful of my life. “Finis coronat opus’’ I read in the dictionary a moment ago, looking to see if I had spelt something properly!” R.H.

Lady Hart ,

| Awfully cold—I have wired for some more of that chilblain ointment—I found it useful.

_ Mrs. Swanton Mrs. Kierulff Gracie Campbell Mde. Chavannes Mrs. Aubert

[1211] DECEMBER 1899

Mrs. Daae

"Kirk Von Brandt 1. By the end of October all the British forces in wounded in November at the Modder River. The the Natal had fallen back on Ladysmith. At that week of December 10 to 15, known as Black Week, point the new chief commander, Sir Redvers included Methuen’s defeat between Spyfontein Buller, arrived in Cape Town with an army corps and Magersfontein on December 11, with a loss of three divisions, one commanded by General of 950 men. Paul Methuen. Methuen’s orders were to relieve

Kimberley; he won the battle at Belmont but was 2. “The end crowns the work” (source unknown).

Z/841 17 December 1899

[Rced. February 8, 1900]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1191 arrived 13th and your wire of the 15th 11.05 p.m. was here yesterday afternoon. Those Boers are fighting splendidly and they will be victorious before our last and rawest supports reach the front: if it must be fought out to the bitter end, it looks as if they'd die to aman rather than give in, and—in that case it’s few of the 70,000 men England is sending out that will return! Gateacre’s Stormberg affair will scarcely put a laurel wreath on his head as a general; he seems to have marched right into a “trap”, and without any “‘frigates” to observe doings along the flank! The loss of the Colenso bridge will be bad for Buller: we wonder which side he is on—if on the Ladysmith side, he too is in a trap and the enemy in his rear and his communications with Durban cut; if he is on the Durban side, Ladysmith will fall!’ The Spyfontein affair was gallantly fought, but to what purpose? There’s no use in fights that require the assailant to go back again. So far we have had terrible losses and are not a bit “‘forrader”’: will our men continue to trust and obey their leaders, and will the people at home listen to all these disasters quietly? I shan’t be a bit surprised to hear of rioting and all sorts of disorder in London before Easter! All that is done is closely watched by the Chinese and the Chinese newspapers—now numerous—publish all details: I was amused yesterday talking to a Chinese writer to find how well he knew the names of places—Ma-fu-king, Kim-ba li, Lei-teh-ze-ma-teh, Sze-teh-eng-pei-erh-chi (Stormberg) etc:* with numbers engaged, numbers of killed and wounded, etc. Unless we win and dictate terms, our prestige everywhere will be done for! You must be awfully anxious about Archie: but you have not a monopoly of anxiety—how many others are anxious too about sons, brothers, fathers, husbands, sweethearts! He’ll be in the thick of it one of these days and I do trust he will be one of the fortunate ones that do their duty as bravely as the bravest and yet come out as unscathed as if they had never fought—though probably he would rather be wounded than not! Revision is hanging fire: the provincial authorities have not sent in replies to the Hu Pu’s questions yet. You see we want to know real Likin statistics in order to be able to fix tariff rates and make such internal arrangements as shall help and not obstruct provincial administration. As the Chinese will have to give up Likin to get an increased tariff rate, my proposed Likin arrangements connected with “44% Loan” will have to be modified, or rather withdrawn: and as I have to go slow for a while longer till it is known what the international

[1212] THEI. G. INPEKING

settlement will be—unless all powers consent to what we get England’s assent for, we shall not be able to put it in operation. The Germans are very busy: in every direction they are formidable competitors—well taught, living cheaply, and pleasant mannered, they go ahead where English traders see nothing or refuse to do anything. Our pushing Englishmen—e.g. Dudgeon, Little, etc.?—push into—notoriety (!) by their criticisms and suggestions, but they none of them extend trade: not so the Germans—each one of them is pushing into business! Brazier just notifies me of the arrival of “lassie” at 3 a.m. this morning, mother and child doing well.

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. The Tugela fight’s a terrible affair and the loss of those guns is too bad! But even Roberts may make similar mistakes—I don’t think Kitchener would, but he would not move till he felt ready and that might be too late!*

21.XII.’99. ) Lady Hart 1. Major-General William Forbes Gatacre com- 3. Charles Dudgeon was a Shanghai businessman; manded the 3rd Division, South Africa Field on Archibald Little see letter 719n2. Force, 1899-1900. On December 1 he attempted

a night attack on Stormberg but, misled by his 4. After his defeat at the Tugela River, Buller lost guides, was surprised and forced to return, with a heart and suggested the surrender of Ladysmith. loss of 719 men. Five days later Buller, at the White, the besieged commander, refused, and Enbattle of Colenso, failed to effect the crossing of gland made arrangements to send out Fieldthe Tugela River in his advance on Ladysmith. Marshal Lord Roberts to the supreme command, with Major-General Lord Kitchener as chief of

2. Mafeking, Kimberley, Ladysmith, Stormberg. staff. They arrived in South Africa on January 10, 1900.

Z/842 , 24 December 1899

[Rcd. February 8, 1900]

Dear Campbell,

We are all heartbroken here over the sufferings of rank and file in these terrible encounters

and the loss of so many men and officers: officers and men have been just as gallant and | plucky—as plucky could be—but “Ce ne’est pas la guerre!” This is not the day for “setting your teeth and rushing fences” so to speak: a general should know the ground and know the enemy with his numbers, whereabouts and most likely strategy, and husbanding his strength he should feel about till he can meet strategy by strategy and win victory without losing men—whereas our “great guns” simply hurl their men against stockades and trenches and fall into all sorts of traps and ambuscades, lose heavily and then return to their starting point

. “in good order’. It’s an awful pity, but all these deaths and wounds and captures and losses were unnecessary and ought to have been avoided: if they were in China they’d all be re-

. [1213] DECEMBER 1899 duced to the ranks, and China does not shine as a military country! Then the filling up of the gaps on the officers’ list by boys not out of Sandhurst and by men from the militia—that will give “pawns” to fill the squares and pluck too, but unless the Genl. plans and orders as a Genl. should, they are merely going to be shambles! Of course the Boers operating from the centre—with lots of men, best weapons, and stores and munition—are in a splendid strategical position: they can select the radii to advance along, cross to, and return by: but that strength ought to be met by the right kind of strategy, e.g. hold the seaports securely and the railway bridges—that would take, say 40,000 men: then start off two divisions of 20,000 men to work round the flanks, get into the rear, and, with a simultaneous advance of half the seaport forces, attack from the centre within the centre. This is but a general idea: but following of marches and movements is nowadays of more value than fighting—of course in the end, “the man behind the gun” will have his work cut out for him: but what _ could Bazaine do at Metz?’ The Boers have outmarched us—have outgeneralled us—and, so far, have beaten us; and really, unless our chiefs change their style, will continue to do so! We can’t afford to wait for Kitchener to organize perhaps: but if Roberts merely goes in for plucky attacks, we’ll be destroyed in detail! I wonder the men have not already lost confidence in their leaders! Naturally Methuen, Gateacre, Buller, etc., have all done excellent work in other places and in other lands, and are as brave as brave could be—but they do not understand the Boers and are all at sea: their task is just as difficult as possible, but they are not “doing their sum” correctly. The Chinese are chuckling over it immensely—“‘just like the Japs thrashed us in Corea’’! they say. As for Kaiser Wilhelm’s being our “‘Friend’’, I still think German sympathies are all with the Boers and that the Emperor foreseeing the mess our officers would make of it simply said ““Let them stew in their own juice: we need not interfere—the Boers will thrash them—and our magnanimity will make their humiliation all the greater!” I do hope Roberts will right matters, but I fear the Boers will have a still larger party to entertain at Pretoria before any change in our fortunes begins: if Mafeking, Kimberly, and Ladysmith fall—and I fear their reserves will soon be exhausted and will not last till we can give effective help—what an outcry there will be all over the world! Has Man gone to the front or does he “fight” in the Club window! I hope Archie keeps well through it all. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Dr. Macrae Adkins 1. Marshal A.F. Bazaine, in command of the the Germans, he was tried and sentenced by a French army besieged at Metz during the Franco- French military court for having surrendered too Prussian War, surrendered after fifty-four days of soon. siege. On being released from imprisonment by

(

}

[1214] THEI. G. IN PEKING

Z/843 3 January 1900

[Red. February 13]

Dear Campbell, Yesterday’s Reuter tells us about the seizure of the ““Bundesrath’”—German steamer—in Delagoa Bay: I fear this is the beginning of a big trouble!’ We are hearing of continual sorties and fights and losses in killed and wounded—What’s the good of it all? I hope to heaven Roberts will be a success—if not, there’s a bad future ahead! I have been seedy; cold, cough, and lumbago; but have not stopped work. Sickness has its good side: it enables one to stay quietly at home—and that’s something this frosty weather! I have not time to write any home letters. Send on enclosed for Bank (with cheque) and for Genl. von Wurmb.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Mrs. Morehouse Genl. von Wurmb B/E £5743 Mde. Vissiére 1. The Bundesrath had been stopped by the British British governments. The bankrupt Portuguese on the inadequately-backed suspicion of carrying sought a loan from Britain, in which the Germans

contraband. The lease of Delagoa Bay in East insisted on sharing; though the British agreed, they Africa, long considered the key to the Transvaal, considered it blackmail. The ship’s seizure aggrawas part of a deal in August 1898 between the vated the already bad feeling over Delagoa. Portuguese government and the German and

Z/844 6 January 1900

|Red. February 17]

Dear Campbell,

My last two letters from you are Z/1192 & 1193. The second says ‘‘N.B. Z/831 not yet received” but I fancy I must have made a mistake in numbering for my note-book shows that the letters you acknowledge enclosed in 830 are the ones I have in the book as enclosed in 831. Before I went to Peitaiho I wrote 829—after I came back I wrote 831 answering to note-book, 830 according to your acknowledgement: so it’s all right!—I wonder what Archie is doing and where? I hope he will distinguish himself, but so far the Intelligence Department is as bad as bad can be, and Lord Wolseley’s admission of ignorance in his speech ought to cost him his Field Marshal’s baton: it would if he were in China!— Thanks for Jeanie’s photo: what a sweet girl she is! and Gordon, what a bright-looking lad he is!’ By the way, has Bobbie settled down to anything yet?—I am sorry for the Biddulphs, but it can’t be helped: the youth was badly reported on from the day he arrived and was not

[1215] JANUARY 1900

in any respect what we want in China. The others are now likely to get into trouble, Napier and Ponthiére!? People write to me to bring their “boys” to Peking to be under my own eye, or to send them to quiet ports far from temptation: but I have to take my stand thus— if men are old enough for parents to let them come to work in China, they are old enough to be treated like men able to take care of themselves, and the exigencies of the service don’t permit me to have the whole crowd of youngsters here. I have been three weeks in the house with a bad cold and incipient lumbago: the first is quitting me—the second did not become acute and was fought off with Jamieson’s bottle, i.e. Dr. J. not the Cork whisky man! Li Chung T’ang starts for Canton, where he is made Viceroy, tomorrow: plucky old boy! Yuan shih Kai is made Gov. of Shantung—it’s he that was in Corea before the Japanese war: he is the strongest man, to my mind, that China has got!—That “‘Bundesrath”’ case alarms me: I fear we'll have to eat “humble pie”’.* Roberts will not be in harness for another fortnight: I hope he will not rush the men up to the shambles—what is wanted is strategy more than pluck! Has the gallant Man, i.e. Col. Stuart, gone out? Will the Army medicos welcome Cormac? An English missionary beheaded in Shantung!* It is said the Shantung “Big Knives” and | **Boxers”’ are really coming into Peking and that we’ll yet have a row, started by them, here: but there are always rumours of rows circulating! Harold Child was here the other day: what a fine-looking young man he is!° Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Don’t let Bowring, Palm, or Cloney come back without special certificate of healthfitness! I see Jowell and Sidford are coming: I wonder what your report will say re their qualifications!®

Did not the Queen’s Tea arrive? It was sent off in June! N.B. Tell Goldsmiths’ to put each article in a new and pretty case, and send quickly—to arrive about Easter!

Lady Hart ,

Goldsmiths’ Coy. Mrs. Campbell

1. Lewis Gordon Campbell, youngest son of the eign Parts, traveling between stations in a lonely

family, was fifteen at this time. part of Shantung, was set upon by members of the Ta-tao (Big Sword secret society) and hacked to

2. C.S. Napier, British, joined the Customs in death. September 1898; H. de Ponthiére, Belgian, in

December 1898. 5. Child, the son of Thomas Child the gas-works engineer, came to China for his first appointment.

3. On January 18 the British backed down and as a mechanic in the Customs in January 1898,

released the ship. | after an apprenticeship in England (see letter 981). 4. The decisive phase of the Boxer movement 6. Two of the men procured the requisite health dated from the appointment of Yii-hsien as gov- certificates. Bowring, who had already had his ernor of Shantung in March 1899. Attacks on leave extended to March 31, 1900, returned to London Missionary Society outposts occurred in China and to a further career of more than twenty May, August, and October. On December 31, years in the Customs. W. Cloney came back as a 1899, the Rev. S.M. Brooks, a missionary of the tidewaiter to Tientsin. Palm, however, who had Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in For- been granted a nine-month leave on December I,

{1216] THEI. G. INPEKING

1899, and had it extended to February 1901, pointment but did not take it up, and Towell

resigned without returning to China. failed the examination (see letter 1162). Of the two new men, Sidford received an ap-

Z/845 14 January 1900 [Red. March 5]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1194 arrived 8th. I am glad the Queen’s Tea reached its destination: I had begun to fear it was lost! Reuter tells us Roberts and Kitchener have reached the Cape: I wonder will they commence work at once, or await the 8th division—to leave England about this date? If they don’t take care, they'll simply lose men without gaining anything, and to go on losing successively in detail is a kind of whittling which in the end leaves you with no stick in your hand! I hope they have elaborated a fitting plan of campaign: those Boers fight splendidly, and our way of doing things is not on a par with theirs—given place and surroundings. But what a shame it is that with all our expenditure we should not have the best guns: it is simply criminal! And equally disgraceful is our ignorance—the Intelligence Dept. is not worth its salt! Further, our own country is not known to us: our Generals don’t know where they are or what the place is like beyond their noses! The whole affair is so far a fiasco and we are laughed at by all and everywhere! By the day Majuba Hill anniversary comes round the future will most likely have emerged from its present haziness:' one can’t help feeling anxious, for any mistake or failure now will be ruinous! Li Chung T’ang is off to Canton as Viceroy and our Yamen minister Wang Wén shao has become also a Chung T’ang I am glad to say. Hsti Yung I is promoted from Shih Lang/V.P. to Shang shu/President.” Mayers and Parr are going on leave—also Lyall: I had just picked out Lyall for charge when his health fails—years ago I had just picked him out for Private Secy. when he got into a row at the Nan Yuan, and, so, twice he has been unfortunate! Hillier, too, of the Bank, is going just at once: you ought to see him when in London if you want to know anything about Loans, Railways, etc., etc., etc.° I return the Bell letters, etc: no vacancies! My own movements are quite uncertain: I shall not go home this spring, but I may be off before next winter: also it is quite as likely that I may hang on here till the spring of 1901. Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. As regards those next three Russians, act as before: if they are deficient in English keep them a while in London to learn. We are in no hurry for them here, but I must go on taking three annually till the number twelve is completed. Kopsch resigned and Van Aalst also going on leave: so matters postal will be requiring my attention this year. R.H.

[1217] JANUARY 1900

Lady Hart Aglen Mrs. Jamieson

"Robb " Bruce Hart Miss Taylor

1. On February 27, 1881, in an earlier period of 27, 1899. revolt, the Boers defeated the British at Majuba

Hill and killed their commander, Sir George 3. Myers and Parr were both deputy commissioners

Colley. in charge of likin; theleave former went on two-year from February 1900, the latter from April.

2. Chung t’ang: grand secretary. Lyall, who had been a 2nd assistant B at Shanghai, Hsti Yung-i, who had been senior vice-president went on two-year leave from March 31, 1900. of the Board of Civil Office since May 1899, was Hillier is E. Guy Hillier. made president of the Board of War on December

7/846 26 January 1900 | [Red. March 19] Dear Campbell,

Hawkes sent me a lot of music last mail but no letter of advice or list. The Goldsmiths’ letter came too: but parcel not yet to hand—as it was insured I suppose it will come from S’hai next steamer. Your Z/1195 and 1196 came a few days ago. There are no vacancies and I cannot do anything for either Mr. Richardson or Mr. Bell (I forgot to put the last’s letters, etc. in my last Z/letter). As to D’Arnoux—I’ll see what can be done: but it is, I fear, too late in the day! I don’t quite see what grounds I could put forward for recommending Barbier: his own people, the French F.O., made the difficulty!’ Thanks for the Bartholomew war map: but even it is deficient: I have not yet found Spyonkop on it! The wires re Buller’s successful attack on the “key of the position” and taking of ““Spyonkop” (Hongkong Bank) have cheered us here: we were all feeling very gloomy, I assure you!” Lo’s speeches are delicious. The “Minister of Commerce” is now Viceroy at Canton, and the commercial appointment has lapsed—will it ever again be heard of?* The Empress Dowager has just adopted one of Prince Tuan’s sons and he is now Heir-apparent: I believe he’s 15 or 16 years old: to-day it is said he will be declared Emperor before this day week and the Emperor (Kwang Hsti) be sent off to the ancestral home at Moukden.* What will his

fate be there, I wonder? Imprisonment and death, or the chieftainship of the Manchurian men? Prince Tuan is the son of the “Fifth Prince’ —son of Taokuang and brother of Hsien Feng, Prince Kung and the Seventh Prince. Kindly send me the books named on enclosed scraps. I also enclose a letter for Kate Carl— I am not sure where she now lives: is it 50 rue Perronet, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris? We have had a gay fortnight here with dances, dinners and theatricals: I did a good deal of entertaining in my own house, but could not go out: I have not been outside my door since before Xmas! First a cold and then lumbago (suppressed): the chilblains passed off without

[1218] THEI. G. INPEKING

blisters—so the non-arrival of the ointment has done no damage. But alas! how old I feel I am growing: youth gone completely! Revision hanging fire: Shéng can’t produce reliable Likin statistics, or rather can’t extract such from either Hu-Pu or Provinces. It will be an affair of two or three years: so I shall only start it! But I doubt if the Yamen will give me the leave I shall soon apply for. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Miss Carl

Dr. Forke 1. Richardson was a nominee of Mrs. Beauclerk Spion Kop on January 25 but was again forced (Evey), a letter from whom Campbell had sent on back.

a moux had resigned from the Customs in 3. Lo Feng-lu, c hinese minister to Britain. Li HungMay 1892. He was anxious now to obtain a Chi- chang was the “Minister of Commerce (Shang-wu nese decoration, on the basis of his efforts in Ta-ch’en; letter 1152), now appointed as Viceroy getting information for Hart about the Turkish at Canton (letter 1157). post office. “If you apply to the Yamen on his 4. After the Hundred Days, a plot to murder the behalf,” Campbell wrote, “‘can you not also do emperor and seat P’u-chiin, the eldest son of

something for M. Barbier?” Prince Tuan (Tsai-i), on the throne was frustrated

by the disapproval of the provincial authorities 2. General Buller on January 18 finally crossed and foreign diplomats. The boy was, however, the Tugela River (see letter 1154n1) and captured named heir-apparent.

Z[847 4 February 1900 [Red. March 24]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1198 came to-day. Thanks for Hawkes’ a/c. The Goldsmiths missing ring also came. The war news is too terrible! Such losses and nothing gained! I hope Archie will come out of it safely but I hope the Generals do more to ascertain the numbers and positions and movements of the enemy than depend on his examination of scouts and spies, etc.! Our men

are plucky enough, but they ought not to be pushed against the points the Boers choose for fighting and their leaders ought to do something original by way of planning and combining. I quite agree with ““The Westminster Gazette’”’—we ought not to send out our volunteers there or employ a naval brigade on shore! It’s a pity a push was not made for the enemy’s own territory long ago: if we go on as we are doing our losses will whittle down our numbers in a way that will not leave us a man to take the field! Fighting for hearth and home and freedom, on their own ground, well armed and good shots, and advised (I hear) by the very best military men of the Continent, those Boers are, of course, the strongest combination for defence the world ever saw. It’s a pity we are fighting them! Even if we win now they’ll break out again before the century is half through and they'll always be our foes: other management might have made them friends now and for ever. Wilson’s views are more to my mind than any I read elsewhere.

[1219] FEBRUARY 1900

Nothing special going on here just now and the capital is enjoying all the delights of a Chinese new year. I am rather puzzled for good seniors and men who talk Chinese and the Postal work is very up-hill business.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Oxborne Miss Jeanie Campbell

"Miller "Taylor

"Price

Goldsmiths’ Co.

Z/848 14 February[Red. 1900 March 31] | Dear Campbell,

I fear the Intelligence Dept. at Estcourt will be of little use to the Generals at the front: and I also fear that no scouting those Generals can do in their own vicinity will help much! The wonderful mobility of the Boers, by which they can scatter, come together, and cover long distances with rapidity, and their excellent Commando organization, will be too much for our people. All round Ladysmith seems to be like the top of a pepper-castor: every height crowned by Boers—each having to be taken separately—and each re-occupied as fast as we vacate it—what on earth are our fellows to do? To-day’s Reuter says the Boers are quite ready for Ld. Roberts at Modder River: will he fare better than the others? It also says

alot of the Australians, out scouting, have been captured: how can they, ignorant of the } country, avoid such calamities? And now that everywhere the want of gold is affecting markets, how long will other powers allow us to go on trying to win? The look-out is very black indeed, and Wilson’s prognostications are only too likely to be right! Years ago we all recognised the fact that sooner or later our Colonies would one and all reach the age of manhood and want liberty, self-government, and independence: knowing this we ought to have worked up to such an outcome, fostering their affairs, making them our friends, and be rewarded by filial affection and devotion in time of need. Most colonies are showing this spirit now, but our various successive party-governments have failed to deal with Africa on these lines of prescience and preparation, and so we are embarked on a war that even with success will leave behind it hatred and hostility and be followed some tens of years hence by the same thing over again. Now that we are fighting it is, of course, natural to say “we must see it through”, but it might be wise, if we are wrong, to turn round before too late: though I fear this ‘‘too late” stage is already passed. As far as I can see, Transvaal said to the newcomers: : “You may become citizens, if you will join our Commandos and be ready to do citizens’ duty and do your share in State defence” —and surely this was the first condition of citizen-

, [1220] THEI. G. INPEKING ship and full share of citizens’ rights and privileges, and the Transvaal Govt. was quite right to refuse citizenship to all who declined to accept that condition. A South African republic need not have hurt us, and we might have dealt with its makers so as to keep them as friends and allies. Dear me, how true is the saying—“‘With how /ittle wisdom the world is governed!”’ I am very sorry to see that Lady Wade has lost one of her sons—Alick, I believe:' but what a number of households this war has put in mourning, and what a still greater number are still to be mourners! But here there is unrest, and everybody expects Russia to make a move soon: the Empress Dowager has irritated half China by her treatment of the reforming Emperor, and it is only too likely the Russians will make their game by supporting her. I would rather be writing differently this Valentine's Day—but there it is: we are all very British, we English people out here, but we are awfully sad over our losses and awfully afraid the Govt. is getting deeper into the mire!

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. J.H. Hart

” Morehouse 1. Sir Thomas Wade, who died on July 31, 1895, in the Customs. had had four sons, one of whom (Rowland) was

Z/849 25 February 1900 [Red. April 11]

Dear Campbell,

Z/1199 arrived 18th. As for the century, it is a convenience to speak of all that begins with /8 from 1800 to 1899, for instance, as included in the same period, but of course as ten tens are a hundred so the second hundred begins with 101 and the second century likewise: 1901 will be the first year of the 20th century, “‘pace ‘willie’ ” Thanks for the Hymns and song of Miss Jeanie’s sending: they are all very nice, but a bit lugubrious! My note to the young lady will be somewhat late, but she can get the enclosure cashed—can’t she?—notwithstanding change of name. Moreing and the others are at Tientsin! but whether Chin Wang Tao will be the port of the future or not is for time to decide: I fancy the Russian doings on the other side of the Gulf will take Manchurian trade to Port Arthur and Talienwan, but the trade of this side might go to Chin Wang Tao if the Tientsin river goes on shoaling—a fate, however, which the new works, shutting the canals (intended to drain the inundated plain, but robbing the river of its water too), seem likely to retard. The Empress Dowager is said to be keenly interested in Chin Wang Tao and has been led to believe a fine naval station is possible there, and the hands of her surroundings (favorite eunuchs, etc.) are said to be so well greased by Chang I, who wants that port as an outlet for his coal and other mines, that Moreing and friends have a personal backing that makes up for any want of promise in place itself—so it will probably be pushed on with.’

[1221] MARCH 1900

Reuter to-day tells us how Cronje is getting hammered in the “‘death trap’—Interrupted— 2nd. March: Since I put this down your welcome telegram re unconditional capitulation arrived: it was the first news to arrive in China, and to us Britishers it meant immense relief. But we are wondering now what Ld. R. will do with such a crowd—they’ll be horribly “in the way” at first!—also what the next move will be, whether he will push on to Pretoria through the Free State or go down by rail etc. to turn Buller’s head the right way.* However—we must just wait till the news comes. Your Z/1200 has also arrived: we are rather puzzled about Towell and Sidford: you say you “cannot pass them” and yet your telegram of 3 January says “‘Sidford and Towell embarked’’: are they coming out by themselves although not passed, or are you sending them for me to see? or should “embarked” have been deciphered “‘failed”’?° Qualifying and competitive examinations differ in this: the first is to certify that a man is “fit’”’—the second picks out not only men who are fit but those among them who are “‘fittest”. When a qualifying appointment is to be made, it has one condition: the man must be

fit! Rocher has just wired that his health requires “long leave”.* He has done remarkably well at S’hai—I shan’t be surprised if France gives him a big appointment, e.g. Governor of Kwang Chow-wan and sends him here as Minister eventually! His wife is a drawback however! But that is a Customs and not a “human” document! Revision preliminary considerations—revise or otherwise?—going slowly. No suggestion of European control!* Yours truly, Robert Hart Z/1201 came to-day and “Ladysmith relieved!” yesterday. 3 March 1900 Lady Hart

Lady Walsham .

Mrs. Maze

"Price

Mde. de Burlet (2)

" Mondrelle Director Poste, Uruguay M. de Labra Ferguson Mme. Sepiagne 1. Expansion of the Kaiping coal mines during the since 1892 (see letter 1122n1). Under his direction 1890s and the use of their coal in foreign steamers the mines continued a steady and predictable touching at Shanghai made its easier sea transport development, but their financing underwent a an immediate necessity. Between 1896 and 1899 significant change in the direction of heavy bormore than a quarter of the mine output was sold rowing from foreigners in preference to an expanin the coastal market. In March 1898 an imperial sion in share capital. edict authorized opening Chinwangtao to foreign

trade; in the year following a foreign hydraulic 2. General Piet Cronje of the Boer army was deengineer was employed; during the last weeks of feated at Paardeberg on February 18 and forced 1899 a 700-foot jetty was built, and shortly there- to surrender on February 27, 1900. A day later

after a British firm began work on a pier. Buller finally crossed the Tugela River and on On Moreing, see letter 1109n1. Chang Yen-mao February 28 relieved the siege of Ladysmith. (Chang I) had been manager of the Kaiping mines Lord Roberts, who started from Capetown,

[1222] THE I.G. IN PEKING would soon push north, taking Bloemfontein (near remained in the Service until 1907, when he

Kimberley) on March 13, and advancing up the resigned.

railroad toward Pretoria.

5. On revision of tariffs, see letter 1152. In the 3. Neither Sidford nor Towell came to China or letter Hart had just received Campbell wrote that

entered the Customs. there was a report “‘the Foreign Ministers at Peking have agreed to a revision of the Customs tariff

4, Rocher, commissioner at Shanghai from 1896 on condition that a joint foreign and Chinese to 1900, had a “‘short leave” of six weeks from board shall be appointed to control the expendiNovember 1, 1899. He now went on a two-year ture of extra revenue.” leave from April 30, 1900. After his return he

Z/850 10 March 1900 , [Red. April 24] Dear Campbell,

I have at last got the births of my young people registered’ and I now enclose the copies of the Register, also a copy of my Statutory Declaration (curious that the Act allowing people to register thus should be dated 1835—as if it were that year passed to provide relief for a lad that year born and sure to want it!) Kindly send on to Lady Hart and tell her I have

not time to-day to write any covering letter but this. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart 1. Births of British children abroad were registered before a British consul at the legation.

Z/851 18 March 1900 Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1201-2-3 came 3rd, 7th and 12th March. The extract from Archie’s letter is most interesting: I hope he’ll come out covered with glory, but unmarked by wounds. Thanks for the Board of Trade documents: they will be very useful here when the Minister of Commerce—at present in embryo and hid away under the greater billet of Canton Viceroy— begins to really develop. At present that worthy is distinguishing himself by procuring the re-instatement of a lot of degraded officials: he always surrounds himself with leeches. My only reason for keeping Bruce in the London office is to give him something to do: however much that marriage may have done for his private happiness it is—as the lawyers said—finished with his life career! But without work, what is life worth! I mean to men who like your sons and mine have an inherited tendency.’

[1223] APRIL 1900

By the way, do you hear anything of the fortunes of the children of H.N. Lay? Ld. Roberts is going ahead all right: I wish he had made his entry into Blomfontein synchronize with the 17th—Patrick’s Day! The “sprig of shamrock”’ for Irish regiments is amusing: the song has it “with his sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green!’’ I hope the troops will now push on: the faster they work the better: and I do hope the finish will have come before the French are through with their great exhibition! The German “‘friends” and others out here who used to toss off quarts of beer and bumpers of champagne with a leer and a wink when bad news for us came in, begin to look a bit blank—and well they may: really our men are splendid fighters! But our officers do not realise the value of brain! The one sore thing to think of now is Mafeking: after its gallant stand, what a pity it should still be suffering, and what a worse pity it will be if it falls! But of course in the eyes of those who now must play the big game it is a mere detail and I think the advance on Pretoria will cause the besiegers to withdraw—and perhaps Ld. Roberts only wishes them to stay there! Either the Boer offer of peace, rejected by Ld. Salisbury, is bravado—or they are going to fight it out in the Transvaal more fiercely than ever. I see Warren’s Division after embarkation landed again at Durban—wonder what that means! As revision keeps me here, I wired for the “Sphere’’—its programme is promising, and, being new, its first year will be superfine—and for the “National Review”, of which Bowring sent me the Decr. issue—a capital number.” It is still cold: we had 6 inches of snow the night of the 16th! Peking is quiet, but the old school officials and the “Boxers” are said to be joining and may make a patriotic attempt to sweep us out: I think late successes in §. Africa have had a deterrent effect! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. J.H. Hart Mrs. Kirk Mrs. Pritchard Ferguson 1. Campbell reported that after a bout of flu, London, had been started in March 1883 and was Bruce and his wife had left to join Lady Hart in edited by L.H. Maxse. The two first articles in the

San Remo. December 1899 issue were ““The Coming Storm

in the Far East” by “‘Ignotus,” and ““Democracy

2. The National Review, a monthly published in and the War” by H.W. Wilson.

Z[852 1 April 1900

[Red. May 21]

Dear Campbell, Your Z/1204 and 1205 came together on 25 March. Thanks for second extract from Archie’s letters (7th Jany): it is very interesting. I fear we are far from being “out of the wood” yet although we have got the Boers out of Natal and govern the S.W. corner of the Orange Free State, the Transvaal frontier along the railway line to and past Mafeking is open,

[1224] THEI. G. IN PEKING,

and I fancy the Transvaal Boers will continually be crossing and raiding—perhaps even work

| south and endanger Roberts’ communications and rear! Reuter’s last telegram re doings at Griquatown and Warrenton are far from reassuring. It is probably Kitchener’s policy to keep quiet a month at Bloemfontein and organize variously—but really the day for that seems gone, and expedition is what is now wanted: if we have not finished by October, the French will be cutting in and—Heaven knows what follow! There is some suspicion here that the Boxers /-Ho-chuen' will give us trouble soon, and, as the year has an intercalary eighth moon, Chinese wise men say misfortune is impending: one set of powers are telling China “If you don’t declare those Boxers brigands and put an end to them, we'll do it ourselves and hammer you!”’ while another set reassures China saying, in genial terms and not apropos of this Boxer possibility, ““We’re your friends, and if any other powers touch you we’ll interfere’: although this interference would probably only amount to securing a share of the spoil, China fancies it means alliance and protection, so the demand of the first set is not likely to prove effective and a row may be before us. This is all extremely irritating, but it is on the cards and as all parties are really “playing the game” | don’t see what can be done to change the situation: we can only let evolution do the work and hope for the best. I suppose I must hold on till this time next year: even were I freed to-day I could not put my office things in order and get away before July and as it would not do for me to face England at the beginning of winter I have to be guided by health considerations of two kinds —one telling me to quit China and the other directing me to be careful when I reach England. I confess I begin to be a bit down-hearted: but age is at the bottom of that more than anything else. Shéng’s revision negotiations were in the most promising of conditions a week ago, and now the opposite is the case: his proposal has been referred to Hu Pu and Yamen to report on and I fancy they will both try to smash it!” Those payments to Lo, £4979 and £5140, were a bit of bungling in which we all had a hand; both sums have to be returned to my a/c D. and the first is to be paid to Lo’s Legation a/c from the Loan deposit a/c controlled by him (£12,088)—a Franco-Russian balance I believe.°

Moreing and Barry, and I believe Cartwright, are all in Peking now on Chin-Wang-tao business. The King or rather Emperor of Corea has just asked me to send back v.Modllendorff to take the place of the deceased Legendre: I am a bit puzzled how to say no! Schoenicke relieves Rocher at S’hai.*

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Bruce Hippisley 1. I Ho Ch’iian (lit., Righteous Harmony Fists) was the Chinese minister, £4,979.17.1 on instructions the name translated by foreigners as ““Boxers.”’ from Hart through Campbell, and £5,147.3.10 on

: the basis of a telegram from its Peking agent—both letters 1152 and 1159. same payment. Campbell called on Lo, who was 2. On Sheng Hsuan-huai and tariff revision see amounts apparently intended to represent the

mystified by the deposits but agreed to return the 3. The London office of the Hongkong and Shang- latter sum to Hart’s account D. hai Bank had paid to the account of Lo Feng-lu,

[1225] APRIL 1900

April 1901. [

4. On von Mollendorff and Korea see letter 537n2. Schoenicke, who had been since June 1899 He did not now return to that country but re- commissioner at Canton, took over at Shanghai mained at Ningpo, where he had been commis- on April 19 but remained for less than a month sioner since October 1897 and where he died in before he too left for a two-year leave in Europe.

Z,/853 15 April 1900 Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1206-7 arrived 10th inst. Thanks for extracts from Archie’s letters—very interesting! The war does not look very promising for us to-day: I suppose Kitchener is organizing, but precious time is being lost by such delay. “Bobs’’! has a harder nut to crack than he ever dreamt of before! Yesterday’s Reuter says Gateacre is ordered home: it is difficult to put side by side all the hopeful things said of him when appointed and all the criticisms of his strategy since he took the field! Of course when it comes to fighting, as a Britisher I must wish to win—even though I may not approve of the cause of the war: but I confess | agree with every word Wilson writes—although I see he calls me “Sir William” and I find it hard to recognise myself there! I have been very seedy the last two days: I was afraid of carbuncle, but it was only a boil— a big one and below the navel: it has quite crippled me, but having got rid of the core I hope Pll be all right in a week—the quantity of matter it discharges is extraordinary! ‘*Fox Leslie: very sorry” telegram must have puzzled you: a wire came from Rocher saying “Leslie resigned on account of health” and I supposed he was at home—instead, he is at Shai.” Goldsmiths’ things have not arrived yet. They never report the mail or route and so I never know where to make enquiries: next time, I shall tell them to report, date, mail, route and registered number! Thanks for “The King’’: I hope you’ll continue it!? I ordered “The Sphere” —its prospectus was good. “The National Review” seems very well-conducted and good.

Yours truly, | Robert Hart

Lady Hart Gracie Campbell

1. Lord Roberts. was in England. 2. After opening Hangchow in July 1896, Leslie 3. King of illustrated papers: A pictorial record of remained there as commissioner until April 1898, the world’s news began publication in London on

when he went on two-year leave. When he re- January 6, 1900; in March 1903 it merged into signed at the expiration of leave, Hart supposed he Navy and army illustrated.

[1226] THE I. G. INPEKING

2/84 29 April , [Red. June1900 11] Dear Campbell,

I see I have two Z. letters to ack. Nos. 1208 and 1209. ~ Tam still in the doctor’s hands and, though improving steadily, am doing so slowly. Death has carried off Boyd Bredon and Sir Nicholas Hannen this last week, and as I am twenty years older than the first and ten years older than the second, it may be taken for granted that my turn is also coming along.’ I am disappointed in the ““Sphere”’: it is poor! But “The King” of which you sent one number seemed extra good: subscribe for it for me, please! Thanks for Palgrave’s Dictionary:

it will be a useful reference book. |

Revision is not progressing: Chinese opposition is working the oracle, and those who want Likin kept in existence are growing stronger. But the matter will arrange itself pro or con before Xmas. The Peking gazettes show that the example our Returns etc. set has done wonders: every Governor now reports Customs’ collection quarterly in Gazette, and every Province reports payment of its Loan quotas, etc.—this is far from a formal budget, but the leaven is working safely in that direction. If China will only do the right thing, she will be in a century the most powerful empire on earth—the least aggressive—the most tolerant—and the greatest patron of learning! What I have been doing the last forty years has been gradually turning her eves in the right direction: it remains for somebody else to turn her head that way! My house is full just now. Elsa Drew is here and two of Carrall’s daughters (Maude and Kathleen) extremely nice girls,” and little Effie Ragsdale (daughter of U.S. Consul, Tientsin): Mrs. Howard spent a week and left yesterday. Unfortunately my crippled condition makes it impossible for me to go about with them, but there are plenty of nice fellows here for escort duty and they are having a good time. The Goldsmiths’ things have all disappointed me: they do not come up to the expectations the Catalogue descriptions raise, and, judging by the look of them, they are dear. Were I in the shop, I would not buy one of them—but in the Catalogue they all looked inviting. The war does not appear to be progressing fast, but I hope Ld. Roberts is organizing victory: I can easily realise his being puzzled a bit, and any wrong move might do immense damage. I trust he will be well through by September—so that the Anglophobia in France may not have the opportunity of cutting in and obstructing. I see I have written Anglophobia: does not this word—and kindred words—mean first those who fear, then those who distrust, then those who detest, and finally those who are waiting to attack? Sir Claude has been quite unwell, but is now convalescent. Sir H. Blake, the Govr. of H’kong is due next week. Whitehead of the Chartered Bank is here—also Cartwright and

Barry.°

S’hai reports that Child is too lazy: his French training spoiled him for a mechanic and yet did not fit him for an engineer. Hope you are keeping all right this spring. Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1227] MAY 1900

Lady Hart Roza Hirth R1 Stat. Socy. Sec. 2 1. Bredon was commissioner at Swatow when he Carrall had been born in Hart’s house in 1883 and died. Sir Nicholas John Hannen had come to China _ named by him (see letter 416).

in 1858 and since 1891 had been Chief Justice of /

the Supreme Court for China and Japan. He was 3. Sir Henry Arthur Blake was Governor of Hong

knighted in 1895. Kong from 1898 to 1903.

The Chartered Bank of India, Australia, and

2. Elsa’s father, E.B. drew, was at this time com- China, had its headquarters in Hong Kong.

‘missioner at Tientsin, where in two months’ time Thomas Henderson Whitehead was its manager he would be receiving SOS messages from Hart and __ there for nearly twenty years before he was called

the besieged legations in Peking. J.W. Carrall, the to England in 1902 to become joint manager of

father of Maude and Kathleen, had been since the home office. November 1896 commissioner at Chefoo. Kathleen

Z/[855 6 May 1900

[Red. June 19]

Dear Campbell, |

Your Z/1210 came to-day. Of course Cameron was quite right to refuse information re Lo’s accounts: but when it came to clearing up some confusion between his moneys and mine, caused by some carelessness of the Hu Pu, the bank could hardly hold out for absolute silence. It’s all right now—only that double payment £4979 and £5147 of one and the same Taels expenditure for cruiser a/c ought to be refunded to my a/c D. The only sum to be paid from my Loan balances (now in D.) is the Four thousand odd for mint. Bredon’s “£12,000 credit”’ advices was a temporary expedient to save face and cover a necessary payment from uncertain funds, and is now cancelled. Thanks for “Sleepy Time stories” etc! and the “Article Club” cuttings—it is amusing to see how Lo has been led by the nose by that crafty gentleman and “Pilgrim’s Progress” is amusing reading—for us, but how does Sir Chih chén take it? Our latest Reuter is dated 3rd May. Roberts is evidently in a hornet’s nest and does not know which way to turn!’ If he goes south, they close in on the north, and vice versa. If he goes toward Pretoria, possibly they'll not oppose him, but slip round and raid Cape Colony and Natal! What good would an empty Pretoria be to us? The campaign is just as big a puzzle as could well be invented, and we are far, very far, from being “‘out of the wood” yet!

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Send on Tcheng’s letter: I think you have his travelling address. Mrs. Bruce Hart Mde. de Berniéres

[1228] THE I.G.IN PEKING

- Tcheng Tchang 1. Roberts, advancing up the railroad from Bloem- _Kroonstad on May 12. fontein through the Orange Free State, arrived at

Z/856 13 May 1900

_ [Red. June 26]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1211 and 1212 came 7th and 11th May. Reuter says Roberts has crossed the Zand river and the Boers are in full flight: I am nervous about these “flights’’—I always suspect a trap, and this time I shall not be surprised if our people blunder into something too dreadful, mine or ambush! But I am glad Roberts is pushing on and I hope and pray we'll be well through before the end of July, by which time Paris will be tiring of the Exhibition and France ready for a coup! There’s a Postal Union féte to come off at Berne on July 2nd and I am taking advantage of Van Aalst’s short leave to let him attend it: Bruce is also to go—so free him from 15 June, and, once away, if you can spare him to end of July, best do so!! Van Aalst will visit London and talk with you about supplies of various kinds.* He is a very thorough worker—but not at all liked: being self-made, he is morbid and suspicious: all the same, I value him highly. I want him to make the acquaintance of Postal people likely to be useful—amongst others Henniker-Heaton and the makers of our Postage Stamps, etc.

I hope you get better news of Archie’s health. | Yours truly, Robert Hart

Lady Hart Bruce

Goldsmiths £24.16.6 1. Bruce did not go, however, as his father-in-law, 2. Van Aalst, who had become acting postal secMr. Gillson, was extremely ill and not expected to retary in June 1897 and postal secretary in Jan-

live more than a few weeks. uary 1899, was “‘detached for special duty”’ from May 1900 to June 1901.

Z/857 20 May 1900 [Red. July 5]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1213 came 16th. Last night we heard of the relief of Mafeking: I can’t express our delight! We all felt it

[1229] MAY 1900

could hardly hold out beyond the Queen’s Birthday, and after its gallant stand—night and day on guard for so many months!—it would have been such a terrible pity to have let it fall, and a lasting shame: now it will be a never-ending glory! All three places’ relieved, and the troops in good fettle Pretoria-bound, the Queen’s birthday can be celebrated properly this time! The Boxers are busy and mischief is intended.” If my wife and children were here, I’d - move them off sharp to Japan: I expect we shall have foreign guards in the Legation this week—otherwise we may have a big row any day. I am afraid of the Ist June, the Wu-yuehchieh, but the Chinese say our destruction is fixed for the Pa-yueh-chieh 8th Sept. (or perhaps 8th Oct., as there is an intercalary eighth moon this year): if put off so far, it will not come off at all as we shall all be ready for them then.? The Legations think the crisis serious: the Yamen says it is all child’s play and ought to be laughed at: certain “‘writers” say it has a meaning—an object—and a leader, and, if not suppressed, this Boxer movement will mean much bloodshed and much trouble. It is possible that Chinese officials take a morbid interest in it: they know it ought to be suppressed and yet they’d like to see what it can effect! Rumour says the Empress Dowager is herself “bitten” and in sympathy with it. But really we know very little of official feeling, and see nothing below the surface. I am never in a funk, but I also always take proper precautions: the Chinese are always in favour of safety, and yet, in this place, anything may happen any day! Revision is waiting for provincial reports to come in and Shéng and Nieh have gone back to S’hai for the summer: this will keep me certainly till the spring of 1901.1 am all right now and I think I can hold on till then. How is Heron?‘ Is he fit for return to China yet. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Bruce Leslie

de Berniéres Eva Price Amy Pirkis

1. Mafeking, Kimberley, Ladysmith. regation Taku.” guards; Conger ordered gunboat come 2. Hart’s fears were echoed by a young American

surgeon, Robert Coltman (see also letter 1239), 3. Wu-yueh-chieh: “5th month festival,” the spring who had been in the Customs since 1898 as pro- festival when graves of ancestors are swept and fessor of anatomy and physiology at the T’ung- offerings made to them. wen kuan and who sent dispatches to the Chicago Pa-yueh-chieh: “8th month festival,” the harvest Record as long as communication was possible. festival. On May 18 he had telegraphed: “Native friends

warned several old residents Peking situation 4. Heron had been ill in 1897, and in the London owing boxers dangerous; advised removing families | Office as 4th assistant A since 1898. place safety; foreign ministers consulting necessity

[1230] THEI. G. IN PEKING

| Z/858 27 May 1900 [Red. July 9]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1214 came 25th. The Legations are discussing the Boxers and we seem likely to have a foreign occupation of Peking." The Court appears to be in a dilemma: if the Boxers are not suppressed, the Legations threaten to take action—if the attempt to suppress them is made, this intensely patriotic organization will be converted into an anti-dynastic movement! Que faire? The fact that this year has an eighth intercalary moon prepares the Chinese mind not only to expect, but to help along untoward occurrences. We have been crying “Wolf” all the last fifty years and still life goes on as before, but some day or other there is bound to be a cataclysm—but as none can say when, it will probably be unprovided for and so will work very thoroughly and disastrously. The frontier line between Before and After is what history can record very exactly: but our Prophets can give no exact indications, and we have to go on living as if it were always to be in the Before period: and then get tumbled into “‘the back of beyond” before we can even wink! I am immensely interested in it all, but I am tired and have too much to think about and too much to do. The Yamen is now standing on its own feet and it does not want any advice: as for the Customs, all the revenue goes to pay loans—its chief has to be a Britisher—the present I.G. can carry on alone—why interfere and bother about it or its doings? And so I am not interfered with, unless I get into a difficulty with either Chinese provincial officials or foreign Legations. This is at once very satisfactory and also very much the reverse: however it is natural and cannot be helped. Detring is still hammering away at his Chin-Wang-Tao experiment, but Cartwright is not yet a Railway Director. The Birthday Honour for Kinder shows the Govt. will support him against the intriguers that try to oust him.” He has defects of temper and angularities, but he has done most excellent work. I trust Ld. Roberts will finish his work as well as he has begun it and that all will be over before American elections or French exhibition let loose intervention! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Please tell my bootmaker to send me— Walking boots 2 pairs

Evening " 1 ”

and tell him that over the top of the foot, just at the 7th inch from the toe thing—the last sent are too tight: loosen them 1/8th. (a-b) of an inch.

Lady Hart

Mrs. Bruce Hart

1. On May 26, the day before Hart’s letter, the the family of his friend, the American chargé railway stations between Paotingfu and Peking Squiers, still out in the Western Hills where they were burned by the Boxers. On May 27 Morrison, had gone intending, as usual, to spend the summer the Times correspondent, who had gone to the there. On May 28 part of the Tientsin-Peking countryside to check on conditions, postponed railway was torn up. his cable to London while he went to the rescue of

[1231] JUNE 1900 2. Kinder, who still lived in Tientsin and had been Chinese Railways, was in 1900 made Commander given the Order of the Double Dragon by China of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. for his work as manager-in-chief of the Imperial

Z/859 3 June 1900 , [Red. July 17]

Dear Campbell,

Borthwick, Morning Post, wired me to appoint a Peking correspondent: hence my yesterday’s telegrams: read and pass on enclosed—you will then be as wise as myself! Reid will do very well, but he has not Morrison’s dash or vivacity: he is strong in Chinese, however, and has a very large circle of acquaintances: I hope the paper will treat him liberally.’ We have had a curious week, and twice or thrice the outlook bade us prepare for anything. Customs and College were to rally at my house and with 20 rifles we hoped to keep off any mob and protect our women and children, but at one moment it was feared the troops would not oppose the Boxers and another, that they would side with them—and a third day that the coming of the Legation guards would be opposed by force, so we felt very much like “rats in a trap” and did not know how any day or night would end.” The crisis I think is past as far as Peking is concerned but the movement is spreading and it will be felt in every province all over the country. Friday the Wu yueh chieh passed quietly enough, but the Chinese say that the Pa yueh chieh (8th m. 13th d: 8th Sept.) will be the really dangerous day for us. Since ’54 there have always been alarms and I am pachydermatous, but the powers can’t go on sending up guards always and some proper understanding must this time be hammered out—poor China! On the sentimental side how much is to be said for her: but when it comes to practical politics—where is she? Rumour says the Boxers are at work all along the Ry. line from T’tsin to Shan Haikwan: if so Peitaiho will probably be visited by them. Legation people were all going there this month, but they can hardly go away from Legation compounds that they think a guard required to protect—the situation has, you see, its comical side too! Down Paotingfoo direction they have it all their own way: Belgians and French have all fled—trains ceased running—and damage done to plant.* Every Chinese would rejoice to get foreigners out of the country and as they all believe in old “saws”, the Kua puh ti chung (Few cannot resist many) saying is in the ascendant, and the Govt. is probably “‘on the fence” watching events! The wonder is that we are so quiet and so safe! J am very sorry Roger did not prove a success, but his papers show nothing but unfitness. I am wondering will either Hillier or Moorhead take Yatung for a spell-Montgomery is sick of the place, and of course two years of such solitude is enough! I have not yet heard how Henderson’s Tibetan gets on, but his company must be a boon for the Commissioner.* Reuter wires Ld. Roberts is “dictating terms” from Johannesburg—that ought to have waited till Pretoria was reached! I fear the withdrawal of the Boers from the forts means mines and a catastrophe for the first to enter them! What is the commando doing at Koo- . matipoort? It’s a pity Kruger and Steyn have not been captured!° Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1232] THEI. G. IN PEKING

Borthwick Lady Hart 1. Oliver Andrew Borthwick represented the third the United States, England, Russia, France, and generation of proprietors of the London Morning Japan) pulled into the Peking railway station, Post. His father, Baron Glensek, had made it over watched by an angry Chinese crowd. One of the to him in 1897, having managed it since his own visitors to Peking who kept a diary noted that

father’s death in 1854. “Boxer outrages are not being punished by the

Gilbert Reid was an American Presbyterian mis- Government, which proves that they either fear sionary, active with Timothy Richard in the pro- the perpetrators or sympathize with them.” ject they called Mission Among the Higher Classes

in China (letter 993n2). 3. On May 28 the railway southwest of Peking was

attacked, two bridges and two stations burned, 2. The contradictions involved in these days are and from that time the line to Paoting remained illustrated by the fact that on May 30, when Colt- inoperable. A group of about forty Belgian and man was wiring Chicago that ““Tsungliyamen Italian railway engineers and their families who request ministers unbring troops disregarded” and fled Paotingfu by boat on May 29 arrived in Hart in the afternoon paid a call to consult on Tientsin after a harrowing trip on June 4. defenses at the American Legation (where ladies

were forbidden to leave the compound) and to 4. It was V.C. Henderson who in September 1900 look at Squiers’s collection of antique Chinese took over as assistant-in-charge at Yatung, where porcelains, on the same evening he was host at a he remained until June 1902. His Tibetan dedinner with dancing to the music of his two Chi- veloped so well that he wrote a book on the nese bands until midnight. Everyone spent the language (see letter 1352). next day wondering whether the contingent of marines would get through to Peking from Tient- >». Johannesburg was taken on May 31, Pretoria

sin. Finally at 8:30 P.M. 365 men (marines from on June 5. Kruger fled to Europe in the autumn.

Z/860 10 June 1900

[Red. July 24]

Dear Campbell,

There is a train now on its way from T’tsin with 400 men from the ships for the Legations and it ought to have been here tomorrow or next day coming slowly and repairing the line at some points before passing over it: I hope we shall still be all here to greet their arrival!' The great fear has been, and is, that in the city it is not the Boxers only, but the soldiers— and especially Tung Fuh Hsiang’s—who will attack us: Tung has S000 men and they have been together some ten or more years, so that they are not to be despised, as they cohere, work together, and are well armed, etc. The train comes by the Viceroy’s consent, involuntarily given, and we hope it will not be opposed—but it may, and then “the fat will be in the fire’! We got all the ladies to Legation last night and we shall send them all away from this by the return train, probably to Japan.” We have had an exciting time and my place is transformed into fighting guise: some of the arms are what Charlie Forbes sent out as specimens, and the cartridges tried yesterday are in good condition! I enclose the card of the man I have got for Borthwick. He is now at work and his second telegram is just going. The terms he proposed were: A Pound for each telegram—and more for long ones: but I thought salary better. I am advancing him $2000 from which he will pay himself and also pay local charges as telegrams: he will write a weekly letter. The appointment is confidential—also temporary: either can terminate it at pleasure. He is now one of a crowd of refugees at the Methodist Mission east of the Ha-Ta-mén: there are 70 there and 400 Christians:* on the city wall overlooking them are the troops armed with Gingalls, and

[1233] JUNE 1900

those below are in terror I hear.* They had to discard two refugees—one suffering from small-pox, the other from scarlet fever, and it’s fortunate they discovered them, for an outbreak of two contagious diseases in such a crowd would be shocking! Z/1215 and 1216 received. I am truly sorry Roza failed: but the nominations must now be considered terminated—three years soldiering may steady him a bit, but will not remove those educational defects.°> Tell his father I much regret this failure, etc. Thanks for Archie’s news re Dutch colonists, etc: they agree with what one sees in Reviews regarding Dutch clergy, etc. It is nice to have had him selected for special services, but would he not have preferred the front, its activity and danger? Pretoria is not going to finish the war I fear! The last Lindley episode, inside our new colony, looks like promising years of guerilla warfare and the objection of Cape and Natal colonists to disappearance of both Republics is also an unsatisfactory feature and does not promise peace and quiet! Yesterday was the God of War’s birthday, the Chinese call it ““Kwan-Lao-yeh mo tao”’: “The God of War whets his sword!” and the attack of the Boxers was circulated here for that day: they were in force, about 10,000 at CheChow a few days ago, half way to Paotingfoo, or 60 miles from this. We can manage them—a rabble armed with spears and swords, but not the Peking Field Force with its Krupps, Maxims, Repeating Rifles and organization, and numbering 30,000! It is a bit trying to go through such a stream—excitement, anxiety, and possibility of great and very nasty danger: but it is a Chinoiserie and just as likely to collapse in fiasco as astonish the world as tragedy—history has not yet recorded the destruction of a whole diplomatic corps! Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Telegraph line to T’tsin has just ceased working as I write: so I fear Posting No. 2 will be delayed. This is another bad sign: it isolates us, and may be the work of others than the mere Boxers. R.H. 5 p.m. 10 VI. 1900

Lady Hart Bruce Moorhead | 1. A telegram from Tientsin on the morning of frightened them all fearfully.” Sunday, June 10, reported that a second contin-

gent of troops had left at 10:10 A.M.; their num- 3. The four principal refuges of the foreigners in bers were variously reported as from 400 to 2000. Peking were the legations, the Methodist mission, They never got through to Peking, but returned to the Pei-t’ang (Catholic cathedral), and the Nan-t’ang Tientsin, which for a time was itself besieged. Catholic Hospital. Of these only the Pei-t’ang and During the rest of the summer reports of the the legations survived the siege. The Nan-t’ang was imminent arrival of this force would intermit- burned on June 18 and the Methodist mission in

tently reach the besieged legations. July.

In saying that “there are 70 there and 400 2. Nigel Oliphant, who had been given a postal ap- Christians” Hart means 70 foreign refugees and

pointment in the Customs in 1899 but who had 400 Chinese converts. just arrived in Peking on the train with the marines and was staying with his brother at the British le- 4. A gingall or jingal, used in recent times mainly gation, recorded on June 9 that Hart had sent “‘all in Central Asia, is a long heavy musket or rude

the Customs’ ladies in here to-night after bidding cannon fired from a rest. them a most affecting and gloomy farewell, which

[1234] THE I.G. IN PEKING

5. Roza was the son of the former Portuguese mess: at breakfast, rice, tea, and jam; at tiffin, rice

minister to Peking. and horse; at dinner, rice, horse, and jam.

Hart’s role during the siege deserves separate

Note: Hart had filled all the pages of this letter study, since he was one of the most widely known before he learned about the wire to Tientsin being figures in it, still head of a branch of the imcut; he wrote his postscript on the last page up perial government and recipient of various mesthe side and across the top, ending with ““S P.M.” sages. In July the Tsungli Yamen, under pressure and the date. No other letter from him reached from its representatives to foreign governments, Campbell until September. A few messages were permitted a few messages to the outside world. On sent by Khiakta, but by June 13 that connection July 17 Washington asked about the health of was also broken. The last telegram that Hart man- Edwin Conger, its minister to Peking, and he was aged to send was to Li Hung-chang, then at Can- allowed one cablegram in cipher in reply. On July ton: “You have killed missionaries; that is bad 21 Hart was asked by the Yamen if he were enough. But if you harm the Legations you will alive; on the same day the French minister, M. violate the most sacred international obligations Pichon, had a cable from Paris saying that he had

and create an impossible situation.” been unanimously voted the Legion of Honor and

On June 13 fires burned all night long, destroy- that his mother sent her love. On July 25 the ing all the Customs buildings including Hart’s ministers were asked by the Yamen to send open house. Nothing was saved but his journals, which telegrams to their respective governments asserting totaled then some seventy volumes (now at Bel- that all were quite well. (None did.) The next day fast) and which were carried out of the burning Hart received an undated telegram from Aglen, house by a young assistant, Leslie Sandercock. The commissioner at Shanghai, asking for some word

siege of the legations began only after the minis- to relieve their great anxiety; Hart’s obituary had ters on June 19 received a communication from appeared in the Times of July 17, and a memorial the Tsungli Yamen stating that, since the Euro- service at St. Paul’s was postponed only at Camppean powers had fired upon the Taku forts, a bell’s insistence through an appeal to Lord Salisstate of war was in effect; thus the legations were bury. to be allowed twenty-four hours in which to give On July 19 the Yamen had renewed its earlier up their passports, and permit the Chinese im- proposal that the ministers should proceed, in perial troops to escort them safely to the coast, groups of ten, under escort to Tientsin. The whence they could leave the country. Several of envoys looked upon such a move as certain death. the ministers, including the German von Ketteler, For a short time there was a message of some sort resolved to go to the Yamen the next morning to daily signed “‘Prince Ch’ing,” and one or two of discuss details of such a journey, but on June 20 the undersecretaries from the Yamen, frightened they were warned by a friendly Chinese not to go. and nervous, called each day to pick up possible Von Ketteler, however, persisted, and on the way replies. On July 21 one of the Yamen letters came was shot by soldiers. The news of his death came to Hart—“‘most polite and gushing,’ according to first to Hart, brought by two office messengers one of the American ladies, who thought the

(t’ing ch’ai). Yamen might be wanting to consult him on

That afternoon the decision was taken for Customs business. In fact, a message or two women, children, and non-fighting men to take thrown over the wall at night contained just such refuge in the British Legation compound. Fighting appeals. Hart answered “‘as if he had been in the men and marines remained in each legation to office” and threw his reply over the wall. News defend it as long as possible; there were seventy- came too through one of Hart’s old buglers, antwo “‘able-bodied men”’ in addition to the profes- noyed because his officer had cut off his ear (a sionals. In all there were 1,293 Europeans great loss to a musician), who came to have his (including the garrison of 400).in the compound, wound dressed. On July 27, during this interim with 400 Chinese servants and 2700 Chinese period the Yamen sent in fifteen carts of melons, converts in the adjoining compound, Su-wang fu. ““brinjals,”’ ice, and flour, with a special and sepaMacDonald assigned the available living quarters: _rate gift of the same articles for Hart, requesting

for example, the doctor’s bungalow to the U.S. him to act as go-between for the Chinese and Legation, the chapel to the missionaries, the foreign representatives—presumably to persuade second secretary’s house (in bad repair) to the the envoys to leave the compound. Russian minister, and to Hart and the fairly nu- On July 30 a telegram in cipher from Campbell merous Customs personnel a small and inferior in London arrived for Hart. He deciphered it from house, about which Hart was never heard to com- memory, the Customs code having been burned. plain but which others noted as another example “Keep heart. Chinese finally routed at Tientsin on of Legation jealousy of Customs power. Through- July 15. Troops having great difficulty in getting out the siege, in fact, Hart, who in his letters to enough transports, but expect to leave for Peking Campbell so often lamented the state of his after July 28. Is Chinese Government protecting health, was uncomplaining and a boon to the you, and do you get food from them?” general morale. He made jokes about the non- During the first two weeks of August various arrival of the soldiers; the commander Seymour, messages got through the Chinese lines, some of he suggested, should be called Admiral See-no- them bringing cheering but indefinite news of more. He explained the menu at the Customs troop movement. Severe fighting continued each

[1235] SEPTEMBER 1900 night, and food—strictly rationed—was horse meat under F.E. Taylor, the statistical secretary, who and the last of the rice. On August 10 a messenger as the most senior representative of the Inspec-

arrived with two short notes, one from General torate staff had been directed on July 10 by Liu Gaselee, commander of the British forces, the K’un-i, the Nanking Viceroy, to assume temporary other from General Fukushima, Japanese com- direction of the Service (see letter 1178n1). Hart’s mander, both saying that they were halfway from office for the next weeks was now a tiny temple Tientsin to Peking, had routed imperial forces on under the Peking city wall. For his own quarters the way, and that if they met no further opposi- he had two rooms behind Kierulff’s shop, which tion, they should reach Peking about August 15. indeed continued to be his residence until a new In fact they arrived on the fourteenth and entered house was completed for him, early in 1902. the legations in the afternoon. On August 16 Japa- Various people record his dropping in for tiffin nese troops went to the rescue of the Pei-t’ang, the or dinner. The Chinese Court had fled from Peking huge fortified cathedral which had also been at the approach of allied troops. Prince Ch’ing

besieged. returned on September 3, and Hart saw him the By August 18 Hart was busy with the accumula- next day. Four days after that, Hart wrote his tion of Customs work. The business of the Inspec- first letter to Campbell—on plain, cheap paper. torate General had been carried on in Shanghai

[Z/862]’ 8 September 1900 Dear Campbell,

Your letters Z/1218 to 1227 have just reached me. My telegrams have given you my news, and my long letter to Bruce and that ‘‘Episode”’ article will tell you some of my own expe-

riences and views.” I am horribly hurt by all that has occurred, but there it is and we can , only try and make the best of it! I hold on to be of use to the Service, to China, and to general interests: I think J can be of use, and only I, in all three directions at this juncture— otherwise I’d up anchor and be off! I have got the Prince back and we await Li, but nego-

tiations will be hard:* how to pay indemnities is a puzzle, and I fear we’ll have to give up OO some territory, and an additional difficulty has been caused by some Ministers telling the Prince at his first visit (which was not to discuss business) that they would not negotiate till they had the heads of the Princes Twan and Chwang, the Duke Lan, and the officials Kang J, Hsti Tung, etc.: I wanted this to be last negotiation item, but it has been put forward first and I consider this a mistake.* I don’t think the Prince realizes the whole gravity of the affair or what a penalty China must consent to. H.H. remembers the ’84~-’85 negotiations and spoke very appreciatively of your services in that matter yesterday. Russia puzzles us: Legation and troops are leaving Peking—is it to conquer Manchuria, or to set up Li as Emperor?° So far Ministers have no home instructions and that blocks the way. Such a mixture of soldiers makes city life difficult: their policy ought to be to restore order and confidence and induce people to bring in supplies for sale, but instead of this terrorism (except in the Japanese quarter) seems the order of the day and looting and commandeering are the only methods the soldiers think of resorting to.® It is very sad—but of course the lawlessness of the Chinese Govt. has opened the door to it. I fear the cold and I have so far only two summer suits: fortunately I am feeling fairly “‘fit’’, body and mind. Yours truly, Robert Hart N.B. Whatever you want to wire to me, wire it direct to Aglen, S’hai, and he will pass it on.’

[1236] THEI. G. IN PEKING

The telegraph line from S’hai does not function well for civilians. Your 30 Agst. tel. is unintelligible! R.H. Send on enclosed to Wagner’s father, please.® R.H. 1. Hart’s letters from now until December 10 are 4. Prince Tuan (Tsai-i), a younger brother Duke unnumbered. His papers having been destroyed, he —_ Lan (Tsai-lan), and an older brother Tsai-lien were

had no way of knowing the sequence until he was all sons of I-tsung and sponsors of the Boxers. informed by Campbell. The present letter would Prince Tuan, a favorite of the Empress Dowager, have been Z/862. Another letter of August 22, was father of P’u-chitin, who early in 1900 had beacknowledged by Campbell as Z/861—Hart’s first come the heir-apparent to the throne. The prince’s penciled communication after the siege—is missing appointment as chief member of the Tsungli Yafrom the files in the School of Oriental and African men on June 10, 1900, had signaled the trend

Studies, London. It had been taken with other toward anti-foreignism, and until the foreign mail to Shanghai by A.T. Piry, temporarily re- troops entered Peking, he exercised almost full lieved of his duties as Chinese Secretary to per- control.

form this vital errand. See letter 1187. Prince Chuang (Tsai-hsiin), another sponsor of Campbell’s letters Z/1218 to Z/1227 here the Boxers who had thrown open his house for acknowledged had been written May 10 to July 13. ‘their headquarters, committed suicide on February

The last one, written ten days before the Yamen 21, 1901. and Li Hung-chang on July 24 sent to London Hsii T’ung was a grand secretary, and Kang I an

word that Hart was still alive, was short: “I dreamt associate grand secretary; both had long been assoof you last night and saw you looking well with the ciated with the anti-foreign movement. ribbons of various decorations on your left breast.—

My wife is the staunchest believer in your being 5. There had been much disturbance in Manalive and safe.—In reply to my telegram, enquiring churia; Bishop Gullion, among others, was murwhether the Viceroy cannot manage to get direct dered in Mukden. An outbreak in Newchwang news from yourself, Aglen telegraphs that the effort (the only treaty port at that time in Manchuria) has been made but ‘unavailing’! There is no use was suppressed in early August by the Russians.

writing more. I hope against hope!” An attack on Blagovestchensk (on the Amur

River between Manchuria and Russia) met with in-

2. Hart was to write, in all, six articles on the tense Russian retaliation. Between September 4 events of the summer and their implications, his and October 10, in fact, Russia seized control of aim being to counteract thereby the anti-Chinese southern Manchuria. hysteria aroused by accounts published in the West and to encourage a more balanced discussion 6. Upon its occupation Peking was divided into

of the future place of China in world affairs. His districts, each administered and policed by military first article, ““The Peking Legations: A National forces of one of the allied powers. In the confusion Uprising and International Episode,” which he had of the first days looting was widespread and frenwritten with a pencil during August, was published zied, and violence common as despoilers were in the Fortnightly Review for November 1900 themselves despoiled. The emperor’s palace within

(vol. 68 n.s., pp. 713-739). the Forbidden City became the headquarters for

the occupying forces. The nightmare quality of the

3. The court had fled Peking on August 14 for city streets is best described by Putnam Weale in Sianfu, where it remained until January 1902. his diary of the siege, Indiscreet Letters from Prince Ch’ing, delegated with Li Hung-chang to Peking (London, 1906). negotiate a settlement, returned on September 3 and saw Hart the following day. Li had been Can- 7. Aglen, who had been commissioner at Nanking,

ton governor-general, but on July 13 was ap- was in Shanghai from May 5, 1900, to April 10, pointed viceroy of Chihli. Three days later he left 1901, as commissioner officiating. Canton for Shanghai, where he spent the next two months in vain attempts at negotiation. Failing to 8. Wagner, who had been in the Service since 1892 be accepted as a plenipotentiary, he embarked on and had recently been made 2nd assistant B and September 14 to take up his post as viceroy, ar- acting postal secretary, died in July during the riving at Tientsin on the twentieth only to find his Siege. seal of office not there. Delayed on this account, he set out for Peking on October 3, 1900.

[1237] SEPTEMBER 1900

[Z/863] 12 September 1900 Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1229 of 27 July arrived yesterday. Yamen wrote to me on 21 July asking was I alive, and where? and I replied on the 22nd. So Li’s assurance that I was alive, published in “Morning Post” of 27th was probably because Yamen had wired the news to him. Thanks for “Figaro”, but where is the ‘“‘Times’’? I should like to see my obituary notice in it! Do you remember sending me all the obituary notices of de Rochechouart in 1870? He was immensely pleased reading them! Little did I think 1900 would have a similar treat in store for myself. Aglen’s telegram did reach me through Yamen on 25th and I replied on 27th (the day you wrote). On the 30th your telegram (847) came in and Yamen asked me to wire to every F.O. that their Legations were safe and well! I evaded this by replying “that were I to wire the truth, nobody would believe me!” I sent you a couple of replies on 4 August, and after relief sent duplicates—one for clothes,” and the other telling you to disbelieve all assurances (that we were fed and protected). On the 7th Shéng sent me a family message—all glad to hear of my safety, etc.: it came in Chinese.? Our isolation was extraordinary; nothing could pass in or out. On 16 July one messenger was caught by Jung Luh, and sent back to Legation with letter from “Prince Ching and others” and we had a respite for ten days

from firing, during which the “‘others” probably Tuan & Co. tried hard to get us to leave the | Legation and either go to Yamen or T’tsin: we refused! Had we assented every soul would have been butchered—or rather every “body”’: they could only “kill” the body!* I am now hammering away at a very difficult task, but it is less nebulous and I think we'll give it some shape in a month—but it will then have much chipping and polishing to submit to. All the Yamens have been plundered. Prince Ching had to borrow 77s. 2000 from neighbours—all they could scrape together! He has now come to me, and I have arranged with Tweed, H’kong Bank, to let him have TIs. 10,000 monthly for self and Yamen friends. Boxers are beginning to swarm all round Peking, and have been seen even in the city—they tried to carry off a Frenchman yesterday!—and a second siege, or isolation, but on a larger scale is quite possible. I am now trying to get the Emperor back: that would simplify matters.*> The Russians are being hard pushed in Manchuria, and here nobody seems to have any idea of what is to be done or how the episode will end. I am just sending another article to the “North American Review’’—they asked for it.° I’m not a literary man, but I fancy I can upply matter no other man is likely to produce. Do Reid’s letters and telegrams reach “Morning Post’’. He sends off many! Yours truly, Robert Hart 1. A long obituary notice of Hart had appeared in (commissioner officiating, Shanghai), ““What are

the Times on July 17. we to believe? Suspense cruel beyond description!” Campbell’s letter Z/1229, here acknowledged, On July 23 Campbell had Aglen’s reply, ““Have sent was written July 27 after the following exchanges: L.G. wire care of Prince Ching which if alive he will

On July 22 Campbell wired Paul King (commis- receive: have informed Viceroy only dated foreign sioner at Canton, under whose supervision Li Hung- message from Peking will be considered authentic.” chang, then viceroy of Kwangtung and Kwangsi, On July 24, he had King’s reply, “Confidential. had just placed all customs houses in the province), | Viceroy says I.G. alive: gives no direct proof!”’ On “T.G.’s silence regarded here as worst omen! Urge the basis of this last telegram Campbell authorized Viceroy get direct cipher message from I.G. to the Morning Post on July 27 to issue a denial of me!” On the same day Campbell wired Aglen Hart’s death. Meanwhile on July 25 (as we know

[1238] THEI. G. INPEKING

. from Hart’s circular no. 961 of Oct. 5) the Yamen __ vinced Jung-lu to let the besieged diplomats comcommunicated with Hart enclosing Aglen’s tele- municate abroad.

gram: ““Your last message sent made us despair of

seeing you again, but persistent Chinese reports 4. Jung-lu, a devoted follower of the Empress of your, etc. safety now coming raise slight hope. Dowager and holder of many responsible posts, One authentic dated message from you would re- had been general commandant of the Peking Gen-

lieve situation. All quiet here.” darmerie, charged with the maintenance of order in the capital. In September 1898 he supported the 2. On August 5 Hart had included in a telegram to Empress Dowager in her resumption of power. He Campbell a message to his tailor in London: “Send served in the Tsungli Yamen from 1894 to 1898, quickly two autumn office suits and later two win- and as grand councilor in 1898. Although not ter ditto with morning and evening dress, warm personally pro-Boxer, he ordered the attack on the cape, and four pairs of boots and slippers. I have legations after the Empress Dowager had invited lost everything but am well. We have still an anx- the Boxers into Peking; yet he was also credited ious fortnight to weather.’’ This was the first word with not having ordered the attack pressed home

Campbell had of Hart’s safety. with the use of all available artillery, etc.

3. Sheng Hsiian-huai as a principal negotiator of 5. The Emperor and the Dowager Empress did not modern projects was given various high sinecure reach Peking until January 7, 1902, after the terms titles (such as sub-director of the Imperial Court of the protocol had been accepted. of Revision, December, 1897). In December 1900

he was made vice-director of the Imperial Clan 6. Hart’s second article, “China and her foreign Court. Meantime at Shanghai in June he had nego- trade,’ which he dated September 1900, appeared tiated the agreement with the foreign consuls that in the North American Review for January 1901 kept South China out of the war. He had also con- (vol. 172, pp. 59-71).

[Z/864] 15 September 1900 [Rcd. November 8]

Dear Campbell,

It’s a pity you stopped that requiem: you did us, and others, out of a new sensation.’ Li knew on 25th I was alive and in communication with Yamen. It was a hard time then for Chinese all round—they had to “run with the hare and hunt with the hounds” to please both sides and save their own heads! I now hear that Tuan put before the Empress the names of Prince Ching, Wang Wen Shao, and Li Hung Chang at the time Hsii and Yuan were beheaded: but she said no.*—An attempt is now being made to make the Prince Vice-Emperor, and they are working it through me: till Kwang Hsu returns others will rule unless the deus ex machina can be put up.—The winter outlook is bad for provisions, fuel, and quiet, and so I want to get at some understanding before Nov. As yet nobody knows what the Govt. wants done, and all here are so enraged with Chinese that they don’t care to get order from a Chinese point of view restored. My own ideas are growing clearer and clearer, and I hope to find an opening for them yet! The only thing that worries me is a tendency to stricture when | rise each morning: I fear the prostate gland is wrong—otherwise I’m fairly well and in good working condition.—I wonder will the “Fortnightly” take that Episode? I am sending “China’s Foreign Trade” to the North American Review as requested by Leveson Gower, and I have another paper almost ready on “China and reconstruction”.* I cannot enrich literature, but I think I can produce a train of thought which will not occur to another.—I have just seen my obituary notice in the ““Times’’—did not you send me a copy? I think I shall write to the Editor to acknowledge (and criticise) it!—_Most of our people are breaking down, but I don’t consider any of them likely to be seriously ill. I don’t want anybody to

[1239] SEPTEMBER 1900

return from leave till spring: can’t place them now—perhaps not even then. If things are still looking unpromising in November, I shall go south or to California. Thank Archie for his congratulations. Yours truly, Robert Hart 1. Hart refers to the memorial service planned for 3. Hart’s third article, ‘““China and reconstruction, him after his obituary had appeared in the Times Nov., 1900,” appeared in the Fortnightly Review

(see preceding letter). for January 1901 (with a note by the editor to say

that it was received so late in December he could do

2. Hsii Ching-ch’eng and Yiian Ch’ang were be- do nothing but put it at the end of the January

headed on July 28 as a result of their strong oppo- number; vol. 69 n.s., pp. 193~206). | sition to the anti-foreign war.

[Z/865 ] 29 September 1900

[Rcd. November 15]

Dear Campbell,

Yours of 4 May with O’Conor’s letter etc. only arrived yesterday! I had been thinking about O’C. all morning and was going to write a line when in came his New Year’s greeting of 28 Dec. 1899: send on enclosed, please!! The Reg. of Dividends comes in handy: I have no memo of any investments! I shall have some more funds to invest in Dec.: what would be a good, i.e. safe and moderate interest, investment? MacDonald and Satow are to change places: I wonder is this for the better?? Just now the German “‘Note”’ throws us all aback: it means war spreading and continuing, ruin of commerce, no revenue, and stoppage of all Loan payments: will the practical world face that in support of the Kaiser’s heroics?? I’m working to upset it here and I think I have three Legations with me. The Russians are playing their own game: they and the Japs know what they want—I doubt if others do! The 17th Augst. mail is just in, but no news from you yet. I am amused at my telegrams re-appearing in sections: that one ““Happily still alive” had a special meaning—so had “‘inconvenient for the Govt.”, but I can’t explain now and will do so later.*

} Robert Hart Yours truly,

Sir N. O’Conor Mrs. Aglen J.H. Hart Gracie Campbell Mrs. Morehouse 1. O’Conor was at this time ambassador to Con- 2. MacDonald, who had been minister to China

stantinople. since 1896 and who had served as commander-in-

[1240] THEI. G. IN PEKING chief of the legation forces after being elected to words which came to be much quoted in China: that post on July 9, left Peking on October 25 ““so may the name of Germany become known in for Tokyo. Ernest M. Satow had been ambassador such a manner in China, that no Chinese will ever to Japan since 1895; his tour of duty in Peking again even dare to look askance at a German.” lasted from 1900 to 1906. 4.Ina circular of October 5, 1900, Hart listed the 3. On September 18 the German government sent correspondence he had had with the Yamen during to the allied powers a note declaring that a pre- the siege. On July 25 the Yamen had transmitted to liminary condition for entering into diplomatic him Aglen’s telegram (see letter 1175n1). On the negotiations with the Chinese government should 27th he had replied with a note and a telegram be the surrender of the leaders and chief instiga- “carefully worded, to be read between the lines”: tors of the acts which had been committed against “Happily still alive! I have authorised yourself and international law. Germany was especially moved Taylor carry on Inspector General’s work. Observe to revenge by the fact of the assassination of its utmost economy, and wire Yamen when in diffiminister, Baron von Ketteler, in Peking on June culty. Direct communication impossible, and 20. The day after the news of his death reached weather, etc., make it hot for all here. Was Sth Europe, the Kaiser gave orders for an expedi- July loan interest paid? Does Likin quota arrive tionary force of 7000 men. He himself addressed regularly? Your original forecast still possible. Send the first part of this force at Bremerhaven on July Taipan to Tongku.” This telegram reached Shanghai 27 in an inflammatory speech extolling the virtues on August 9. of the Huns under Attila, and concluding with

[Z/866] 14 October 1900

[Red. November 30]

Dear Campbell,

I begin to shiver for the winter is cold and fires wanted: I have still only my one change of clothes, the box not having come to hand yet. I hope you have made a good selection and sent warm things, for as I wired “everything burned” I expected you to rig me out for the winter very fully: you can hardly realise it, but J have simply nothing! Your Z/1234 is interesting reading, but Taylor did the right thing on the spot and he carried on the work very ably. J had just heard of the Hippisley episode from Chinese before your letter came in.’ We are now so much at “‘sixes and sevens” here that it is hard to say what the future of the Customs—or rather Inspectorate—will be. Russia and Germany are carrying things with a high hand, the latter especially and my departure—even if it is delayed till then—will probably be the herald of intervention: I don’t see what I can do to help it! The Customs, as an institution will continue, but form will change: however most of the employes can rely on being retained J think—but, if war goes on and anarchy prevails (as is quite possible), there will be a general smash-up and all will come to an end! . Prince Ching and Li Chung Tang and self are to have our first consultation to-day at 3 p.m.” But with Russian Minister away, German not arrived, British changing, and French just taking to bed (typhoid), I don’t see how we are to go ahead!* However, I hope we’ll

, find a “box” for our “‘match” to light on! I enclose a cover for Prince Henry; send it on to Kiel please!* also one for Jem: was he coming here? Don’t let him or Bruce come to visit me—much discomfort and no spare quarters! Some fear China will not be able to pay Russo-French Loan interest % year in Dec. £300,000: if so, there will be a rumpus and intervention and some new control I fear! The Germans are awful: the Russians were bad enough, and now the few people who would not flee from Russians are flying to the Japanese section from the quarter the Ger-

[1241] OCTOBER 1900

mans are taking over from Russians, inside the Ha-ta-Mén: it is terrible, and although the Chinese have brought it on themselves it is awful to think that the command to “give no quarter when fighting” is translated to mean “Show no mercy to man, woman, or child who are met with and not fighting—provided only they are Chinese!” Of course they do not kill right and left, but they make life not worth living—I have seen nothing of it with my own eyes, but Chinese talkers have sad stories to tell. Yours truly, Robert Hart Prince Henry J.H. Hart 1. When in the summer of 1900 the rumor reached 1174n3). A second decree on August 24 conEngland that Hart was dead, Lord Salisbury sent firmed and extended his powers and associated for Campbell to request him to be ready at a mo- Prince Ch’ing with him as coadjutor. ment’s notice to take Hart’s place. Campbell,

explaining that his long absence from China and 3. Russia argued that since the Chinese governconsequent loss of fluency in the language unfitted ment had left Peking, foreign representatives to

him for the post, suggested Hippisley, then on that government need not remain there. Russia leave in England. Taylor, however, since 1898 sta- would withdraw her official personnel to Tientsin, tistical secretary at Shanghai and consequently together with her troops; when the Chinese already on the ground, was the choice of the con- government should have returned and expressed sular body and was appointed by the Nanking a desire to negotiate, Russia would name a repreViceroy, and subsequently confirmed by the sentative. On September 17 Russia proposed Tsungli Yamen. He acted as officiating inspector this procedure to the other powers. When several general from July 16 to August 22. Hart heard replied negatively, the Russian minister, M.N. the news from the Yamen on July 21 in a “‘red- de Giers, on September 29 left Peking as a protest; letter’’ tossed over the barricades, and replied with as none of the others followed suit, however, he a message (not delivered until August 9) listing a returned on October 21.

few items of urgent Customs business. The new German minister was Mumm von

Schwarzenstein, already appointed as of July 19,

2. Li Hung-chang had been named by the court as but not yet arrived in Peking. plenipotentiary in August, but was thwarted in his attempts to negotiate with foreign represen- 4. Prince Henry of Prussia had visited Peking in

tatives during his stay in Shanghai (see letter May 1898 (see letter 1106).

[Z/867] 15 October 1900

[Rcd. November 30]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1234 of 31 Augst. has come but 1233 is missing. If the F.O. had not asked for Bredon two years ago, Hippisley would have been D.I.G. and shared the siege with us: in which case, on whom would home choice have fallen? Bredon is at S’hai carrying on port work: he has not been quite himself since liberated.’ I have never been busier and now I hope we are getting out of the ante-negotiation period, for Prince Ching and Li are sending their proposals to the Legations to-day:* I understand de Giers is consequently returning to Peking and I think all will want to negotiate except perhaps Germany. The moment is a critical one, and if Paotingfoo fights (as I fear will be the case) instead of hoisting the White Flag as ordered by both Prince Ching and Li, or if Germany elects to stand out and not negotiate, I really don’t know what will come of it!* I try to keep worry in the background and

[1242] THEI. G. IN PEKING

“possess my soul in patience”. Physically I begin to shiver: clothes not yet here, I hope you have provided me with what will suit a Peking winter and not a London summer! I wired “send quickly two autumn office suits and afterwards two winter do, with morning and evening dress suits warm cape and four pairs boots and warm slippers”. I wonder did this ever reach. you? But you may have acted on other telegrams requisitioning clothes, but less detailed. Li and Prince Ching are very anxious to effect a settlement, but I doubt much if this means that they are either very penitent or realise how terribly China sinned. The West, however, must either accept the amends China is willing to make or dictate its own terms at the expense of all existing interests and perhaps years of anarchy: which is it to be? I am for the first!

Tell Jim and Bruce not to think of looking me up: I shall possibly ask the latter to join me in spring and travel home together. The Chinese want [me] to hold on for years yet to steer them through the supplementary work of reconstruction—and I should like to do so! but I fear I must leave it to others. It will be a pity to go, for I shall certainly come out of this affair very strong indeed, as far as Chinese appreciation is concerned. The Empress Dowager and Emperor are in the hands of Tung Fuh Hsiang and Kang I, and it is quite on the cards they may themselves be forced to elect to fight it out! | don’t see how I could stay on to see the end of that operation! The loss of all my scribblings weighs heavy on me, and my eyes, which refuse tears, absolutely burn at times! Yours truly,

Robert Hart ° 1. Beginning with the summer of 1898 Robert sia’s tool. On October 15 he and Prince Ch’ing Bredon had acted as deputy inspector general each made their first attempt to open discussions by

year from July 1 into September, the months sending a note to the legations enclosing a draft Hart normally spent at Peitaiho. In 1900 Hart had of a proposed convention—in the writing of which not got away to the coast, and he and Bredon both it was said Hart’s hand could be traced. The atspent the siege in Peking. On September 11 Bredon tempt was unsuccessful. transferred to Shanghai, where much of the business of the Inspectorate General was carried on, 3. When the Empress Dowager left Peking in Aupending construction of new buildings in Peking. gust, she ordered Jung-lu, Ch’ung-ch’i, and Hsii He remained there until December 1904 (see letter = T’ung to remain in the capital for negotiattons.

1353). Instead, Hsii hanged himself, while Jung-lu and

Ch’ung-ch’i fled with a handful of soldiers to Pao2. Li’s appointment as negotiator was not regarded _ ting. Warned by Li Hung-chang in October that with favor by the foreign ministers, who remem- the foreign envoys regarded him as having been in

bered his role in the secret treaty with Russia in command of the forces attacking the legations, 1896 (see letter 1022) and suspected him as Rus- Jung-lu left Paoting to join the Court at Sian.

[Z/868 | 21 October 1900

[Rcd. December 5]

Dear Campbell,

Did you read the “Fortnightly” Augst., “The crux of Foreign Policy”, showing how antiEnglish is Germany and that that power, where Austria is concerned alone excepted, must

[1243] OCTOBER 1900

follow the Russian lead?‘ It is a capital article, and we see its truth here. After many backings and fillings the Russian troops and Legation left Peking and meanwhile German Minister kept from coming here: now the Russian Minister has suddenly returned, and Mumm, the German, is following at once. It illustrates the “crux”—and I think it also promises negotiation. Did you get my pencilled paper on the “Legations’’? I wonder did the “Fortnightly” think it worth publishing—J also wonder was I prudent in publishing it? I have since sent a paper to the “North American Review” on “China and her Foreign Trade”’, written at the request of Aumerle (Mr. Leveson Gower), and I have another in hand “China and Reconstruction”.? The powers seem likely to demand very little. That French Note and its six heads is a small matter—though, of course, the Chinese difficulty will be (1) in punishing all the powers name, and (2) in finding funds to pay indemnity, etc.: but I expect us to come out all right, and I think the Service will be stronger than ever and also considerably expanded.° The box of clothes arrived two days ago and yesterday it snowed and froze: a warm suit was acceptable—I had nothing but summer clothes till the box came! But why did you not send “‘boots etc.’’? “Clothes wanted” and “everything burnt”’ included that idea! I have wired for boots, warm slippers, and ulster and hope they'll be here before Xmas. The slippers I want are of the kind Bruce selected last year—leather, well lined with flannel, large and roomy! Just now comes in a roll marked Violin strings from Withers 4/5/1900. My poor band—like everything else lost and destroyed: but I have half a mind to resurrect it! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart 1. In its number for August 1900, while the lega- 3. The response of the diplomatic body to the tions were still under siege, the Fortnightly ran communication sent by Prince Ch’ing and Li Hungseveral articles on China: one called “‘Peking—and chang was a note to Prince Ch’ing requesting the After’? by Demetrius Boulger; one headed “‘Have return of the Court. Immediately thereafter the We a Policy in China” signed Diplomaticus; and French, on October 5, published a note of their one, ““The Crux of Foreign Policy,” unsigned. The own demanding: (1) punishment of all the culprits gist of the latter was that England’s supposition of designated by the foreign ministers; (2) prohibia friendship with Germany which could serve her tion of the import of arms; (3) equitable indemnias a support against Russia, especially in China, ties for both states and private persons; (4)

was illusion only. stationing of permanent guards at the legations;

(5) dismantling the forts at Taku; and (6) occu2. On Hart’s previous articles, see letters 1174n2, pation of points along the road between Peking

1175n6, and 1176n3. and Taku by foreign troops.

[Z/869 | 28 October 1900

[Rcd. December 14]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/ to 1237 all recd. You were right about that tel recd. 2nd Sept.: it was to read ““We had an anxious time from 4th August on ” (i.e. from 4th to 14th).

[1244] THE I. G. IN PEKING

As to “International Commission” (Z/1236) it will probably come to that—and would certainly were I not here.’ I shall not oppose it, but I think the advice I am giving will, if followed, render it unnecessary. Your Z/1235 Rocher—Memorial Service, etc. is very interesting: thanks! Taylor did right to go ahead at that time”—had he not done so, a non-English man would have made trouble I am told! Your tel. 17th—and 20th Oct. came quickly. Poulsen’s line now functioning from the city here to London but it breaks down occasionally. The 17th tel. puzzles me: it reads ““Novr. Fortnightly will contain article under your signature aggravation/zob telegraph cosmopolitan—customs posted tomorrow—” and “hit at Chinese default over four nation/zqz /cos

public/q zh adequate!” Macdonald left 25th. Satow was here as a student in 1862 but I don’t recollect him.* The dip® corps is now consulting, so that their views may be in accord before they meet Ching and Li. The Prince wants me to be at the meeting, but I have declined: it would give the discussion too British an air and provoke opposition—but, of course, I am to know all that goes on, and be consulted at every step. It is curious how busy I am kept with all sorts of things to attend to here—fortunately my health is all right, and the box of clothes arrived in the nick of time: the day I put them on (the 20th) was 20 degrees colder than the day before, and snow fell! I have not had fires yet—am keeping it off as long as possible: I fear I shall have a very uncomfortable winter! I have sent a paper (by request) to “N.A. Review” on Trade, and I have another almost finished on Reconstruction which I shall send to you next week: perhaps either the “‘National Review”—the “‘Contemporary”’—or the “Fortnightly’—would like to have it. It will cover about ten pages. I pencilled the “Episode” during the siege—most of it during those ten bad days, 4th to 14th August. Morrison’s account of the siege will be the best and will probably contain everything: he, however, is mortal, and I think his own sufferings (he was wounded) have made him take a more revengeful tone than he would otherwise have held: it is not the time for sentiment—common sense is what is most wanted.*

. Yours Robert truly, Hart

by deputy! :

Thank Archie please: I have not had time to answer % of the congratulations and then only

Lady Hart (2)

Bruce (1)

1. Campbell had been told by Ewen Cameron 3. Satow’s student days were spent mainly in (who had it from “‘a reliable source’’) that an Japan, where he went as student interpreter in attempt would be made to reorganize Chinese 1861 and remained in various positions until he finances, including the Customs, by an interna- left in 1884 to be consul-general in Bangkok. tional commission similar to that in Egypt. 4. Morrison’s dispatches to the London Times

2. Louis Rocher, who had been commissioner at constituted his only report on the Peking siege; Shanghai for the previous four years, had gone on he never collected them into a book as some

two-year leave from April 30, 1900. others—notably Putnam Weale—were to do. On the memorial service, see letter 1176n1; on Taylor’s action, see letter 1178n1.

[1245] NOVEMBER 1900

[Z/370] 1 November 1900 [Rcd. December 20] Dear Campbell,

With this I send a paper on “China and reconstruction”. Perhaps it would be best to offer it first to the “Fortnightly” as a kind of continuation of the “Episode”’ paper; but if the “Fortnightly” is full and does not want it, try either the “National” or the “Contemporary”. It will fill ten or twelve pages.

We have not yet got real negotiation started, but the Legations are consulting and once they are of one mind then we can begin and I fancy the Chinese will make no delay about accepting and signing. Of the people to be punished, Kang J, Li Ping Heng, and Yu Hsien have already died off and Li Chung T'ang is now saying “If they disappear at this rate, who will be left to punish?” The difficulty will be Prince Tuan: if his head is demanded—and he the father of the Ta-a-ko or Heir Apparent—how can it be got?? The other difficulty will be the Indemnities. I don’t think they'll be over £50,000,000, but to provide for such a payment China will be sorely put to it! I must try my best to do it in the cheapest and least crippling way for China, but I doubt if the powers will be accommodating—they’ll probably want their “nationals” to make money out of the affair over and above the indemnity amount itself. I enclose a letter for one of Lo’s staff—I hear Li is married to an English lady!

The boots arrived to-day terribly mildewed: they must have been packed on a very damp day! No slippers came; tell Bruce to send me a pair (like what he sent last winter) per parcel post: leather with flannel lining, large and roomy. Yours truly, Robert Hart

Tsung Shen Woo ; ,

M. le Cap. L.M. Véroudart

1. Kang-i and Li Ping-heng, who had already died, converts had died, was executed by order of the were posthumously dishonored; Yii-hsien, Gov- Court. Prince Tuan and his brother were deprived ernor of Shansi where many missionaries and of their rank and banished to Ili.

[Z/871] 4 November 1900

|Rcd. December 20]

Dear Campbell,

The Legations are still discussing the demands they are to make, and so negotiation has not yet begun: one man wants some change in the S’hai mixed court—another wants the

[1246] THE I. G. IN PEKING

etiquette the Emperor should follow when receiving Ministers prescribed—and so on: so that precious time is being wasted over nonsense—trade is going from bad to worse with revenue in its train and default and collapse begin to stare us in the face. They have executed the Actg. Viceroy Ting Yung at Paotingfoo and occupied (and looted?) the Imperial tombs (Hsi Ling /—very appropriate as punitive action, but decidedly impolitic: the first will enrage the whole mandarinate and the second prevent the Emperor’s return—so that order will not be speedily re-established.’ Germany, too, is again dictating: the Empress is to be ordered to return, and Prince Ching and Li are to order Liu and Chang (Yangtsze) not to supply the Sian court with funds, food, or men!” All this is very disheartening. I think Russia is working with Li and this time it is Strong, that is the friend and not Codlin.? The Legations acted nicely last week. The Military invited them to join in forming a Club. ‘But what about the Customs?” said one Legation man (Kahn of the French Legation). Not wanted!” said the Military. “In that case we can’t join you!” said the Legations, and now Customs and Legations are resuscitating the old Club. Poole wrote on the 13th Sept. to say they were sending something by parcel post that day: what was it? No sign of it yet. I am doubtful if I shall hold on: it looks too like a collapse, but in my care all Customs men will be continued in employment, I suppose, but under an international board. Yesterday the streets were very gay: any quantity of converts went to every Legation (also to Chamot of the Peking Hotel)* with baskets of fruit and music, and put up splendid scrolls at each to thank them for the protection they enjoy. They have the upper hand now, and they put on very thin velvet when touching their old foe the pagan! I am at work on a second paper “China and the West’’—of a more general kind than the others.° When any paper of mine is published I wish you would send a copy of the Review to each of the following: writing on the title page “With Sir Robert Hart’s compliments”’: H.R.H. Prince Henry of Prussia. Kiel. Mr. Von Brandt Sir N. O’Conor Rendel Grant Duff Adkins Morley Bryce Aglen Pres’. Hamilton, Q.C. Belfast Hirth

de Berniéres ,

Norman Loder and Eva Price®

Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Walsham Rocher Miss Hughes

"Glass ,

" Eva Price

| [1247] NOVEMBER 1900 1. The operation against Paotingfu was one of courageously in the provisioning of the legations some dozens of punitive expeditions dispatched during the early part of the siege. between the autumn of 1900 and the spring of

1901. The French entered Paotingfu on October 5. Hart’s eventual title for this his fourth article 13, releasing several missionaries who were in the was “China and Non-China.” It was the third of

custody of the provincial treasurer Ting Yung. his articles to appear in the Fortnightly (February, Another column of allied troops reached the town 1901, vol. 69 n.s., pp. 278-293). on October 18 and, in accordance with instructions from Li Hung-chang, the Chinese garrison evacu- 6. Prince Henry of Prussia visited Peking in 1898; ated it. An attempt at negotiation with the taotai Von Brandt was German minister to China from having failed, the troops forced their way into 1875 to 1893; Sir Nicholas O’Conor was British Paotingfu on October 20, set up an international minister from 1892 to 1895; Stuart Rendel, later military tribunal, and condemned to death Ting Baron, was a Member of Parliament; Mountstuart Yung, the Tartar-General, and a commandant of Elphinstone Grant Duff was also an M.P.; Thomas a battalion; part of the city wall was also destroyed § Adkins held various consular posts in China from and two temples blown up. The conduct of the 1860 to his retirement in 1879; John Morley, troops was officially protested by Li Hung-chang. statesman and man of letters, was editor of the The Hsi Ling were the Western Tombs; see letter Fortnightly Review from 1867 to 1883; James

52n3. Bryce, Viscount, was an English historian, diplo-

mat, jurist, later to be ambassador to the United 2. Liu K’un-i at Nanking and Chang Chih-tung at States; Stocker Aglen was an old school friend of Wuchang, the viceroys controlling the Yangtze Hart’s; Thomas Hamilton was president of Queen’s

basin, had done much to keep peace in their College, Belfast; Friedrich Hirth, who had resigned regions during the summer. Sian, capital of Shensi, from the Customs in 1897, was at this time a

was still the temporary capital. member of the Bavarian Academy in Munich, later would be professor at Columbia University;

3. Hart here paraphrases a remark by Dickens in A.M. de Berniéres had resigned from the Customs The Old Curiosity Shop: “Codlin’s your friend, in 1898; Sir Henry Norman was the author of

not Short.” books on the Far East; Gerald Loder was M.P. for Brighton and secretary to the Secretary of State 4. Chamot, a Swiss, was the host at the Peking for India; Eva Price was Hart’s niece, the daughter Hotel and with his wife had assisted materially and of his sister Emma Elizabeth.

[Z/872| 15 November 1900 {[Red. January 4, 1901] Dear Campbell,

I am very glad to have my own special paper to write on again: the supply came yesterday: thanks! The Ministerial meetings and discussions have about come to an end and they are now formulating the unanimous demand to be sent to Prince Ching and Li: I do not think there is anything in it the Chinese will find difficult to accept, as I understand the punitive clause, instead of being a demand for so many heads, merely requires the heaviest punishment Chinese law admits of, and I therefore expect a settlement will be arrived at before Christmas. The payment of the indemnity will, of course, be no easy matter, and if it carries with it the control of Chinese finance by a European international commission, an unpleasant position may be created for the Customs. It is said the payment will amount to at least fifty millions stg. and we must try to arrange for it in the way that will cost least: I have some ideas on the subject, but I am holding them back to the last moment lest their premature appearance should do damage. As far as I can see, the opportunity to introduce measures of a kind likely to push China into channels of reform is going to fizzle and the present question will probably have no specially important effect on the Chinese way of doing things. Your telegram ve the senation produced by the Episode article and the adverse criticism it

[1248] THE I. G. INPEKING

meets arrived a few days ago. I pencilled what I sent you to the music of bullet and shell and at a time when we were not sure we should get out of the scrape, and therefore it perhaps contained more sensational matter than it was wise to print. It is printed however and people will read it and discuss it. I can imagine all the hard things it would tempt smart critics to fire off, both as to the uselessness of prophecy, its unfitness in my mouth, and its possibly bad effect on syndicates and concessions: but, all the same, the fact will remain that China will go on along a new road to gather strength and that foreign invasion will be met in another way next time. The name of Boxer will possibly be banned, but the thing itself—the arming of the people, of a people in fact, will be taken in hand more seriously and the future will have a different China to deal with. I hope you send all the cuttings, for, being all alone, I want something—if not to cheer, at least—to excite me a bit towards Christmas! The four papers I have written are linked together and have an object, and that is to endeavor to create a better feeling and better relations between China and non-China: but, of course, other people will hold other views and on such a big question there must be great variety of opinion. Just as I write the mail comes in with a letter from Richard Fleischer of the Deutsche Revue asking me for an article: I shall probably give him a paper.’ Britishers cannot have all China to themselves, and, as it is, their competitors are beginning to look like harming them

—a state of affairs I don’t like the look of! .

, Robert Hart Yours truly,

Lady Hart Van Aalst Grevedon Kergariou Brazier Sutherland

Higgins |

Mabel

Hirth Morehouse Huber Schjoth Giles Morgan Eva Price Stuhlmann Loureiro Vapereau Lemaire Hillier Ludlow S. Campbell? 1. Hart’s article for the Deutsche Revue (March, 2. We have omitted two names from this list as 1901, pages 257-267) was called “The Boxers: being illegible: one that looks like Charters Min. 1900” (“Die Boxer: 1900”’). Richard Fleischer and one Miss Mandler or Werther. was the editor.

[1249] NOVEMBER 1900

[Z/873] 26 November 1900 [Red. January 11, 1901] Dear Campbell,

Herewith another (my fourth) paper on the Chinese question. This will be followed by a fifth and then I'll stop. This fifth is already drafted and is for

the Deutsche Revue (they say they’ll put it into German). , You see [ have worked as it were on a plan that evolved itself: all that I have said will elicit criticism and probably adverse criticism: but, although from the literary standpoint these essays have no merit and are full of defects, the pith of the Chinese question is contained in them—the cause of the malady and the cure! The first paper was to call attention to the fact that a China in arms will be a big power at some future day: the second (N.A. Review) suggested more attention to provincial govts. in negotiating commercial treaties: the third recommended care in settling the present question so that the China of the future might have something to thank us for and not to avenge: the fourth points to the cure of the malady, names the cure, and, accepted or not, shows that that cure is what we’ll have to make sooner or later: the fifth is a sort of précis and expansion of the fourth.! As to the one I now send I don’t care which Review (Fortnightly, Contemporary or National) it is given to: but, of course, all may reject it! I see Younghusband and Ross (National and Contemporary) think with me that China hates us—that we have been arrogant and unjust—and that the China of the future will be a match for combined Europe.” The value of my papers is that the writer has eaten, digested, and assimilated Chinese thought and feeling on the questions treated of. Negotiations not begun yet! Yours truly, Robert Hart 1. The articles, in the order in which Hart dis- National Review. He had traveled widely and cusses them are: “The Peking Legations,”’ ““China served as political officer in various remote parts

and Her Foreign Trade,” “China and Reconstruc- of Asia, and during the Chitral expedition of 1895 tion,’ and “China and Non-China.” The fifth had been special correspondent for the London

article (the fourth of those published in the Times.

Fortnightly) would be “‘China, Reform, and the Edward Denison Ross, D.D., was a specialist in

Powers” (see letter 1193). oriental languages and the author of “Our Future Policy in China” in the October 1900 issue of the 2. Captain Francis Edward Younghusband of the Contemporary Review. He too had traveled widely Indian Staff Corps (later known for his expedition in Asia and was the co-author of The Heart of to Lhasa in 1904) published “‘A Plea for the Con- Asia. trol of China” in the October 1900 number of the

[1250] THEI. G. INPEKING

[Z/874] 2 December 1900

[Red. January 27, 1901]

Dear Campbell,

Laffan’s wire is amusing!! Poor Prince Ching and Li have been waiting eight weeks for the Legations and may have to wait longer: the “Allies” have not yet agreed what to demand, and until they agree it may be said that negotiation—not only has not commenced, but— cannot begin. The delay is all on the Legation side and not on the Chinese. At the same time the Laffan idea, imputed to me, is probably correct—the Chinese are more likely to gain from, than lose by, the Allies’ jealousy, disagreements, and delay: so far the changes, I believe, are in the direction of reasonableness, but I fear the opportunity to impose some really — useful and also acceptable measure on China will be let slip unimproved. I am keeping all right and am more comfortable. Poole’s things have come, also amber paper. Those slippers are just what I wanted. Other odds and ends I have got from S’hai. The big question for us is will there be a Foreign Board of Control or not? In this connection I think what is as important to conserve as Chinese territorial integrity is China’s administrative integrity! Kindly send on enclosed: I cannot remember the addresses of Adkins or Man; you possibly

know both. ,

Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. My paper for the Deutsche Revue has gone direct to the Editor at Villa Riviera, Wiesbaden: I style it “The Boxers: 1900”. R.H.

Lady Hart Mrs. Bruce Hart Mrs. Hocken P. Adkins Man Stuart Mrs. Robb Von Tanner Tcheng Tchang Gérard Mrs. Beauclerk J.H. Hart A.W. Child Van Aalst Miss Mears Miss Burt

1. William Mackay Laffan, born in Dublin and of the New York Sun he dropped the services of educated at Trinity College, came to the United the Associated Press and later of the United Press, States in 1867 to a distinguished career as pub- and established an independent news service lisher and art collector and critic. As the publisher known as the Laffan Bureau.

[1251] DECEMBER 1900

[Z/875 | 4 December 1900

[Red. January 11, 1901]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1242-3 arrived to-day, and I am glad to see that the cover handed Piry to take to S’hai on the 22nd August reached you.’ For three weeks after the relief postal arrangements did not work properly and our big mail of the 17th Sept. was completely lost: the courier probably fell in with Boxers—he has never since been heard of. Even now we have difficulties: twice during the last ten days has our courier with mule and mail been walked off with by the Germans at Yangtsun” —but we eventually got them back. The winter mails will come to Chin-wang-tao: we carry free from S’hai to that port for the British Field Force, and from that to Tientsin they carry for us. The Allies have not yet agreed what to demand from the Chinese and the delay is both dangerous and exasperating—in fact there seems to be no _ “head” and where “‘the brains” are is a mystery! The Court will be taking root at Si-an I fear and the Chinese difficulty will not decrease: already the papers report Boxer recruiting in Hunan and if it takes root in that centre it will be a stronger movement than Shantung could produce. Nobody takes quite my line of thought regarding either the Boxer detail or the general question, but I find that Parker, Taw, Younghusband, and Ross have each published | papers in which I find disjointed opinions scattered corroborative of mine.° As I said before, what I write has no literary value, but its matter is weighty. Z/1217 and Register of Dividends arrived after the siege: thanks! I have a lot of money lying idle at the B/E and J shall soon write about investing it. I _ trusted to my notes and memoranda so much that my memory has nothing in it, and I am very much at a loss about all sorts of things, public and private: the loss of my official archives and private papers etc. has been, and will be, a terrible calamity for Service and self— but there it is, and “crying won’t help spilt milk!” The future is perplexing: if there is to be a Board of Control the “I.G.” will vanish, but, if China is left to enjoy administrative integrity and carry on her own work, that worthy may be a bigger man in the future than in the past.

' [hope you'll give Dupree some practical advice re schooling: he’s plucky and resourceful. Wintour, too, is going home to consult a specialist about his knee, and Sandercock—who did excellent work every way—has gone to recruit.* Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Van Aalst

Moorhead .

Mde. de Burlet 1. On Piry’s trip to Shanghai, see letter 1174n1. 1185). Taw Sein Ko, a Burmese scholar, published “The Chinse Problem and Its Solution” in “The 2. Yangtsun is a town in Chihli, just west of Living Age for March 30, 1901.

Tientsin.

4. W.S. Dupree, British, had joined the Customs

3. E.H. Parker wrote for the Asiatic (see letter in February 1898, had been in the Peking siege, 1070n2), Ross for the Contemporary Review, and was going home on two-year leave from Noand Younghusband for the National (see letter vember 1. The Customs Gazette for July-Septem-

[1252] THEI. G. IN PEKING ber 1900 lists the Customs personnel wounded - wounded, and all three of the men mentioned during the siege, and the rewards and promotions here were promoted as of August 1900. granted afterward. U.F. Wintour was among the

[Z/876] 5 December 1900

[Red. January 19, 1901]

Dear Campbell,

Kindly send me per post, and by two successive mails, two penknives for the pocket, each to have four blades. Please to see that they are sharp and in good condition, more especially the nail blade

a. #3

ae 4

I am sitting in a room without fire, this fifth of Dec: it is a bit cold for the fingers, but I am bearing it very well.’ Instead of lighting fires as usual on the 20th Oct. I kept without them till the 12 Nov. and so hardened myself: fortunately this house warms up better than | expected and I am not so uncomfortably fixed for the winter as I feared, but still it is a kind of barn life and we are all “roughing it” —except at the German, American, Russian, and British Legations where they are just as comfy as ever! By the way I hear that at the last place there is anything but harmony—Minister and Secretary and Commercial Attaché all being more or less of different ways of thinking!” So far no negotiations—the powers don’t seem to know what they want, or how to take hold of the question, and I fancy they begin to realize how really difficult it is and how seriously important! The Legations are all very weak—there is not a strong man at any of them! It is said Gérard may succeed Pichon: France could hardly find an abler man, but from my point of view his reappearance here would be most undesirable.* Yours truly, Robert Hart Oldham Lyall de Galembert

Johnston Norman Mr. Holmstr6m 1. Hart was still living in a couple of rooms facing Satow; the secretary of legation, H.G.O. Baxthe rear courtyard of Kierulff’s store, where mules Ironside; the commercial attaché, James William

waiting to be loaded would occasionally wander Jamieson. over to peer in the windows. 3. Pichon stayed on until the following March,

2. These were the legations so situated as to have when he was replaced not by Gérard but by Paul been defended and therefore not destroyed during Blau. the siege. At the British Legation the minister was

[1253] DECEMBER 1900

[Z/877] 10 December 1900

Dear Campbell, } [Red. February 4, 1901]

I cannot remember the addresses of Mrs. Daae and Mrs. Kierulff, but Lady Hart knows them. I used to rely too much on notes and memoranda and now my empty head is at a loss for all sorts of things, and people’s addresses will not come up. I wired to-day—“Wife: Ballintaggart—What price?”—This is Mat Bredon’s place: I hear the widow wants to sell it, and it strikes me it would suit myself to end my days in!? Your Z/1243 26 Oct. 2°—received 9 Dec: Hope you enjoyed your Paris trip! I want you to send me out two of the Eureka Trunks advertised by Foot, 171 New Bond Street. They will be useful on the way home, and if Europe is about to impose a Board of Control on China I shall be off when the river re-opens. Put them in wooden boxes so that being empty they may not be crushed—and tie the keys to the strap. Reid was in yesterday. I wish you would find out if Borthwick approves the arrangement I made re pay, etc., and about which I wrote just before we had communication cut with the rest of the world: Your Z/1228 acknowledged the arrival of my letter.” I also advanced $2000, as I told B in the same letter: I consider myself responsible to Reid for a year’s pay,

etc., and if not otherwise informed before the end of March, I shall tell him to make other arrangements from June. I suppose next mail will bring the criticisms on the “Episode” article—I shall be delighted if my forecast turns out wrong, but I find my views in one respect or another are all shared by Ross, Parker, Younghusband, Taw Sein Ko in various Reviews to which they sent articles. Negotiations not yet begun: England is now waited for—all the rest have their instructions! If the delay lasts long there will probably be other complications. At Tientsin they hear trouble is brewing and here in Peking are many suspicious-looking fellows hanging about. We are having an epidemic of jaundice just now—Piry, Poole, Matignon, and others (siege men) have it: I suppose the cold is too much for run-down people!* Yours truly, Robert Hart P.S. Parker’s address can be got at either the “Asiatic” office or the F.O., I suppose. R.H. Mrs. Dane

" Kierulff ” Stuhlmann Miss Guard Parker 1. After his illness in Hong Kong (see letter 1138) Armagh, was the ancestral home of the Bredon Matthew Boyd Bredon went as commissioner to family. Swatow rather than Hainan, beginning his duties

there on May 12, 1899. He died on April 19, 1900, 2. See letter 1173. at the age of forty-five (see letter 1167). He had married in 1898 and had no children to inherit his 3. Wordsworth Poole became physician at the Brit-

estate. ish Legation in Peking in 1900, replacing Dr. Ballintaggart House in Portadown, county Bushell.

[1254] THEI. G. INPEKING

Z/878 13 December 1900

[Red. February 4, 1901]

Dear Campbell,

I don’t know whether O’Conor is at his post or spending the New Year in England: you will know, however. Kindly send on enclosed. An Edict has just authorized the Prince and Li to use the Grand Seal for their credentials. The Germans require this formality as a guarantee of authenticity—a demand which, thus complied with, is somewhat absurd, seeing that it is far easier to forge the guarantee than the thing guaranteed! However—negotiation is coming along and I think will end quickly once it begins, for I understand the Prince and Li will sign almost anything so anxious is the Govt. to finish the present trouble. Two additional pairs of Boots just in—thanks! I am now well supplied. Yours truly, Robert Hart O’Conor

Z/879 24 December 1900

[Red. February 18, 1901]

Dear Campbell,

I wired this morning to tell you negotiations had just commenced. Two days ago the foreign representatives arrived at a common understanding and signed the demands they had agreed on and at ten this forenoon the Prince by request repaired to the Spanish Legation— Cologan is doyen—exhibited his credentials and was given the Collective Note.’ They got through quickly, as the Prince was in his chair going home before the half hour struck. Li _ was not there: influenza keeps him in his room, but he and the Prince will now consult and report to Si-an, and on Thursday—the 27th—I am to meet them and the reply will probably be then decided on: I am inclined to think they will raise no objections and simply accept and make the best of it. I have not seen the text of the demands but I believe there is no Board of Control article among them; if this be so, the Customs will expand and we shall come out of it on the top! I wish I were ten years younger as I should like to have the handling of affairs for another decade, but I fear another year is as much as J shall have left to devote to China—however I fancy I can put through much that will be important and start the chariot of progress on the wheels of the future. As I write I feel there is a lull in the excited atmosphere of the place: it is Xmas Eve and all are preparing for Xmas Day. I am, so to speak, homeless, and alone, and all I can do is to take a cold bath of a mind-strengthening kind in the cold waters of philosophy: all the merriment of the season, as far as I am concerned, lies in recollection, and if I am not tremendously jolly this year I can at all events

[1255] JANUARY 1901

relive many fairly enjoyable times that have sunk in the waters of the past. The great thing is that my health holds out, but sundry twitchings at various points startle me occasionally and I daresay I shall yet have a breakdown to face: I hope it will hold off till I have done my part towards putting things in order once more. I have had many a bitter dose to swallow, but I always say “never mind—the sun will shine tomorrow and the tortoise may again beat the hare!’ Yesterday that box of books came from Mudie’s: many thanks! Most of its contents are new to me and I have now enough light literature to do me till Easter. I shall also occupy myself on another paper or two for the Reviews, not that I have anything new to say but that I wish to bring together in another form all I have already said and supply the key for the right interpretation of what critics probably don’t altogether understand. The paper I sent to the Deutsche Revue will be put into German by the Editor, and will probably also appear in English in the Cosmopolitan.* People here say that that “Fortnightly” Episode’s views will be confirmed: for my part I wish I could think myself wrong, but, believing I’m right, I do hope non-China will try to make a friend of China and avoid what might produce quite another result. I hope you are all having a good time to-night! Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Mrs. Brown Mde. de Berniéres Miss Macafee 1. The demands made by the diplomatic body 2. “The Boxers: 1900,” which came out in the were similar to those set forth in the French note March 1901 issue of Cosmopolitan, was actually of October (see letter 1180n3). They were tele- the second of Hart’s articles to appear in that graphed to the Court at Sianfu and the terms ac- journal; ““The Peking Legations: A National Upcepted by telegraphed rescript dated December 26. _ rising and International Episode” had appeared in December 1900.

Z/880 22 January 1901 [Red. March 14]

Dear Campbell,

My last news from you is your tel. of 18th re “Foreign Trade” and ‘“‘Non-China’’. I fancy the fifth article ““The Boxers’ will be in the Deutsche Revue for March, and also in the Cosmopolitan. | am at work on another dealing with reform—and I think that will dispel the caoéthes scribendi!' The Allies are now in possession of China’s formal acceptance of the conditions they formulated and to-day they commence the discussion of details.? How the Court can return in the face of foreign occupation is hard to see, and the future is full of many disagreeable possibilities. My position is not a pleasant one, but I hold on hoping to be on the right spot at the right moment, and be of use. My health is good and the cold has not troubled me; kid- |

: [1256] THEI. G. IN PEKING neys and toes all right! The ointment and catheters all came: I had no occasion to use them. Poole’s two parcels—frock-coat and top-coat—also came, and the box of books to read. The Queen’s health has disquieted all here: poor old lady—the last year must have been hard for her!? The S. African news is not cheerful: I hope we’ll come out at the top in the end, but what a lot of money and lives it will have cost! Those telegrams from Lady Hart have worried me.* I used to regret not having a dozen children—I now find the quarter of that quite enough! The fate of the Customs is still quite uncertain, but I think if I can hold on a year or so the Service will pull through: otherwise an international control seems certain. Of course each has its good sides and its bad—its pros and its cons, and naturally I prefer the old constitution to remain intact and the old procedure operative although from some points of view the control might prove advantageous. Yours truly, Robert Hart Lady Hart Bruce Miss Piry

1. Cacoéthes scribendi: “the itch for writing.” 3. Queen Victoria’s illness was a sudden one, mentioned for the first time in the court circular on 2. After the Court accepted the demands by tele- January 18. Though Hart did not know it as he graphic rescript on December 26, the following wrote, she died on the day of his letter, January eight months were spent in discussions and nego- 22. tiations concerning the details of the final

protocol. 4. See the following letter.

Z/881 6 February 1901 [Red. April 1]

Dear Campbell,

I don’t quite know where I am in this matter of correspondence. The doings of last year have so changed my orientation that I am all adrift. The situation all round is disheartening and there is little to be done but wait—although for policy’s sake it is best to appear busy! The negotiators met yesterday for their first serious discussion: the subject was the punishment of culprits, but I have not yet heard the result. Last week Li told me punishment would be an easy thing—payment of indemnities difficult; but yesterday a certain Taotai called and his talk shows he expects trouble and thinks that nothing short of a military expedition to Si-an will finish matters, and even that may only be a fiasco. The Transvaal news is horrible reading for us here, and the burgher successes, you may be sure, do not tend to make Chinese think the foreign foe omnipotent.' Li’s old Yamen at Tientsin, occupied by the Provisional Govt. since July, was burnt down last week:? it is thought to have been the work of an incendiary and consequently there is considerable alarm down there. Outwardly we are quiet enough here, but people say the Chinese in the streets are growing cheeky; as

[1257] FEBRUARY 1901

for the country round about the condition is simply this—a man may go out for a ride alone and come back all right, but also he may not come back again. The Military are busy over the plans for fortifying the Legation quarter and I believe they contemplate placing three formidable forts in it: life at Peking will never again be what it was before under such conditions! The Court has now to decide either to return or have a new capital: the latter policy would from many points of view that will appeal to them strongly be the best, and the only thing they’d gain by returning would be the retention of Peking and vicinity—if they don’t come back, part of Chihli will likely be lost, and it is quite on the cards that they will elect to run that risk trusting to a future in which it will be retaken. Of course my advice is “Come back at once, and go in for reform seriously!” but these people are very wise in their own conceit and they often take the bit in their mouth and have their own way. It is all very interesting, but very tragic—and yet it is comical to see how these Pigmies think to bind Gulliver!

Morrison is angry at the solution of the Railway interest difficulty, for he maintains that had the bank foreclosed the line would have become a British asset and would at once as such, have been handed back to British management, whereas now it continues Chinese and so will be held on to by Russians and Germans: also he thinks in British hands it would have consolidated the British position in Chihli and developed various money-making enterprises alongside and connected with it.* I do not object to this view—but our first duty (Chinese Govt.) was to make good its guarantee as soon as it became operative: it was myself who persuaded the Prince and Li to adopt this view, and it was also myself who suggested the Berlin deposit when they were at their wits’ end for funds. Li wired my despatch in full to Si-an, and the Emperor replied “Pay!” When Augst. comes round there will be another £58,000 due, and—different action may then be taken: but I do not believe it will affect China’s borrowing credit in the slightest degree! By the way, who are the “highest financial authorities” of your 30th January telegram?* Was it Panmure Gordon? He’s a bit fussy, you know: don’t let him disturb your balance! My health keeps good, and the cold does not trouble me. Just-now, however, I am coughing: half an hour, bareheaded in the chilly Legation chapel at the Funeral Service on the 2nd was a bit trying, and yesterday I almost sneezed the roof of my mouth off! Gaselee’ and Satow are out again—the first had congestion of the lungs, and the second pneumonia. I don’t see much of the military—they are not at hand, and moving about is not as easy as formerly. There’s rather a tendency to “sit on” the Customs, but we’ll probably be here when the others go! It’s natural—and it doesn’t matter! I hold on, as I said before, to be of use to the Service and to China and to general interests: but I fear that after swallowing the ““camel’’ Pll have to refuse the “gnat’’—for I really can’t go on for ever! My family affairs worry me! Nollie’s letters are just of the nicest, but prudence is entirely against giving her her way.® I hope the trip to Cairo may help matters! I enclose a list of things I want: if they’re here by the first of May it will do. 11 Feb. To-day I wired to you Title and Preface for the five papers that the “Fortnightly” will republish in book form: I hope what I have sent will suit!” The Episode article struck the gong and attracted attention: its successors had some sufficiently sensational points but gradually became colder and more practical. I am rather sorry that the sixth (‘Chinese Reform and the Powers’’, which I finished to-day and which will go forward in about ten days) could not have been in the book too: it is the best and will be the most useful, of the lot— and it finishes what I have to say in this connection. As regards this sixth article it has much that is new in it, but it also goes over so much old ground that I do not think it would be fair to inflict it on the readers of the “‘Fortnightly”’, and it might be more of a novelty in

[1258] THE I. G. IN PEKING

the or the and perhaps too reach others than the ‘“‘F’s”’ circle. A copy will go to America, probably to the “N.A. Review”—another to the Deutsche Revue—and a French version which Piry is preparing will go to Paris: I want you to ask the Revue des Deux Mondes to take this last: and I should like all four to appear simultaneously in May. As regards the Title—if you look at Isaiah XLIX you will read “Listen, O isles, unto Me’’: read verses 1, 2,3, 4, 8, 12, and in the last you will find the words “These from the land of Sinim”’.’ Considering the kind of lay-missionary work I have been doing, and the messages I have been sending, I hope I shall not be considered irreverent in appropriating such words! At all events, they ought to be like another bang on the gong. Also I hope you will have found that Parliamentary Paper: all my books are burnt and so I can only trust to memory in telling you where to find it—about 1850, and I think by a man named Martin: what he wrote then to explain why trade did not increase to the enormous extent home manufacturers had been encouraged to expect, agrees with my “‘N.A. Review”’ article on Trade, and it is as true to-day as it was fifty years ago.'° Just as I was finishing number six the Gazette came in with Mu tzuihsin___™ Reform Edict, and a reference to it winds up the article neatly. The ‘““Grand Old Lady”’ has seen the error of her ways and now that she and the Emperor are of one mind and joining forces, I do trust China will go ahead in the right fashion, but there will be such a scramble among the powers for the position of “guide, philosopher, and friend” that even the best intentions may make shipwreck. I'd like to write an article on ““China and the Powers’’—but I dare not! I arh also writing a reply to Hippisley’s message re assistance to the F.O. in Indemnity doings.'* The banks are all standing by for a big haul, but we are hoping to avoid this and get the powers to accept payment in annual instalments. The mischief of it is there are powers represented here that have no interests—so far—in China, and they are even busier than the others, watching for an opening and trying to “‘wire in’’: it is these people that demand foreign control, and that is just what China will do best to avoid. The idea has its pros and cons —the last being the difficulty for any Board to function harmoniously and the interference with Chinese jurisdiction, and the pros being the probability that various financial reforms would certainly be introduced and properly worked for three or four decades, although, on the other hand, I fear they would always be so distasteful that, the control withdrawn, its practice would disappear too: Iam much more in favour of going slow, and letting the felt want work out its own proper evolution. Bredon is carrying on at S’hai and I am leaving port and current work entirely in his hands. I must hold on here till we effect a settlement: otherwise the action of the powers might have very little consideration for the Customs. truly, , RobertYours Hart 1. The Boers, though defeated in regular warfare, between the British and Chinese Corporation took to guerilla tactics after the annexation of the (formed by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Transvaal in September 1900. Small forces repeat- Corporation with Jardine Matheson and Company)

edly raided the Cape Colony, attacked railway and Hu Yii-fen (Administrator-General of the Im-

lines, etc. perial Railways of North China) for an extension

of the Peking-Shanhaikuan, or Northern, railway to 2. After an international force relieved the siege of | Newchwang, north of the Great Wall. The loan was the Tientsin concessions on July 14, 1900, the city unconditionally guaranteed by the Chinese govern-

remained under the foreign Provisional Govern- ment, and in the event of default the line was to be

ment until August 1902. taken over by the British and Chinese Corporation.

3. The difficulty over interest arose in connection 4. Campbell explained in a letter following his telewith a loan of £2,300,000 arranged in June 1898 gram that among the highest financial authorities

[1259] FEBRUARY 1901

was Charles Morrison, “worth about 12 millions “China and Non-China”’; “The Boxers: 1900.” Sterling, and... the largest private holder of Se- Hart included two appendices: the circular letter

curities in London.” addressed by the Yamen in 1890 to Chinese min-

Because the railway loan had been listed on the isters abroad setting forth its views on transit, Exchange among “Foreign Government Stocks” likin, extraterritoriality, the most-favored-nation rather than “Foreign Railways,” investors assumed clause, and the missionary question; and his own that any default would be by the Chinese Govern- dispatch of 1876, “Proposals for the better regument. Thus “Chinese default” was the cry all over lation of commercial relations.” the Stock Exchange at its opening on the morning of February 1, and a notice was posted that a 8. Hart’s sixth article, which he called “China, ReChinese reply concerning interest due “was daily form, and the Powers,” appeared in English in the expected”’ (see letter 1197). Hart’s telegram of Jan- Fortnightly Review for May 1901 and the Living uary 31 to Campbell announcing China’s decision Age for June 8, 1901; in French as “‘La Chine, les to pay interest arrived in time for Campbell to Réformes et les Puissances” in La Revue de Paris communicate it confidentially to Cameron and Hill for May 1901; and in German as “Die Reform in and prevent a slump in Chinese securities. China und die Machte”’ in the Deutsche Revue for

| June 1901.

5. Brigadier-General Alfred Gaselee commanded The blanks are in the letter. the first British troops to enter Peking on August

14, 1900. 9. The words of the Lord to the Redeemer: “‘And I will make all my mountains a way, and my high-

6. Nollie Hart (then twenty-one) and J.H.P. Perry ways shall be exalted; Behold, these shall come (3rd assistant A on two-year leave from Soochow; from far; and, lo, these from the north and from

in the Customs since 1891 and probably about the west, and these from the land of Sinim”’ thirty) wished to marry. Lady Hart was adamant Usaiah XLIX, 11-12). in her refusal. On December 26 she had Campbell

send Hart a telegram: ““Urgent from Lady Hart: 10. R. Montgomery Martin served in the early Perry has written me most impertinent letter Hong Kong government but criticized its policies. threatening to marry with or without consent His reports of the 1840s on Hong Kong and on ... Hart himself was disapproving but more Chusan and his “minute on the British position flexible; see letter 1196. The trip to Cairo, planned and prospect in China” were all published in docuby Lady Hart as a diversion for Nollie, had no ef- ment XVI 107 in the sessional papers of the House

fect on the couple’s wishes. of Lords for 1857, sess. 2.

7. The book was called “These from the Land of 11. Mu tzu ihsin: “mother and son of one mind.” Sinim”’: Essays on the Chinese Question (London: The Chinese characters are in the glossary. Chapman & Hall, 1901). The five articles were:

“The Peking legations: a national uprising and in- 12. Hippisley was still in England on leave, due

ternational episode’’; “China and her foreign back in China in May. trade”’; “China and reconstruction, Nov., 1900”;

Z[882 20 February 1901 [Red. April 13]

Dear Campbell, I enclose English version of “China, Reform, and the Powers’’. As I said before, I think the Fortnightly has had enough of both self and subject, and that either The National Review (Arnold) or The Monthly Review (Murray) would be the best to give this paper to. This ends what I have to say on the Chinese question—although [d dearly like to write about the negotiations, the Powers, and the settlement they are now hammering out!

Yours truly, Robert Hart

[1260] THE I. G. INPEKING

Z,/883 20 February 1901 [Red. April 13]

Dear Campbell,

Herewith Piry’s French version of the “Reform” paper. He has done the translation very well and I think it reads better in French than in English. : Try the ““Revue des Deux Mondes’’—perhaps they’d like it. If not, get it into some other French review. It has also gone to the N.A. Review, and to the Deutsche Revue. I hope its simultaneous appearance in America, England, France, and Germany may effect something. Yours truly, Robert Hart

2/884 10 March 1901

[Red. April 23]

Dear Campbell,

Your Z/1254, 5, & 6 have arrived. Thanks for the Security certificates. It is satisfactory all investments are paying—but I thought I was considerably richer than your figures show! As regards the Articles—had I been at hand to see the proofs in print, I daresay I should have toned them down a bit. My object all through has been—not to excuse the Chinese, but __ —to simply explain how intercourse has affected the Chinese mind and led to what exists. Regarding remuneration—I did not expect anything.’ I understand the Nov. number went through nine editions: how many copies does that mean? The “‘Episode”’ was also in the “Cosmopolitan” and that Mag. has a circulation of 500,000 copies! A report from Chinkiang says that Chirol of the Times was heard to say there that the article had a “‘tremendous effect” on the British public thereby making the Govt. more leniently disposed towards China and that a member of the Govt. had said to one of the “Times” people—“Morrison may hammer as much as he likes, but in the face of Sir Robert’s article we simply cannot carry on as he suggests!” The “‘N.A. Review” sent me £40 for the “Trade” article—and asked for another paper. If the “Fortnightly” has made money by my contribution, I should like them to divide the honorarium and issue it thus—one half to Barnardo’s “National Waifs’ Association” and one half to the Coast Life-Boat society (whatever it is). Thanks for the ivory pen-knife—I thought I’d never get it unrolled! I’m surprised to find those seniors—Moorhead, Morgan, Edgar etc.—returning!?, Remember Palm must produce Medical Certificate: we cannot risk another breakdown, and, as drink was said to have got a hold on him, there will be one unless he comes out perfectly well! I wired about Nollie’s affair the other day.? I do not approve of it—first because he can barely support a wife, second, because he is my subordinate, and third, because I do not want her to make her home in China: but these are not reasons for forbidding it—and, if it

[1261] MARCH 1901

must go on, I’d rather send her off with a blessing than a cold shoulder! Lady H. thought a few weeks’ separation would end it, but N’s letters do not support this idea—and in fact both NV. and P. have expressed themselves very properly and very nicely in the letters to myself. What a bore to be a father: I did not want my son to marry so young—I did not want the eldest daughter to marry so old a man—and I do not like the youngest to come to China as the wife of a subordinate! But it is their own affair, and parental rights have certainly their limitations. How is my a/c Z? Do I owe you any money? Negotiation goes slowly. We shall probably tackle Indemnity question this week—but Li is ailing.

Yours truly, Robert Hart Please send ““Harum Scarum” to Miss Hope. (Write in it From Sir R.) Lady Hart Countess Terne Mrs. Kierulff Almanach de Gotha* Swanton 1. Lady Hart asked Campbell immediately after his 3. Hart’s letters to Nollie and Perry apparently sereceipt of Hart’s first article if it was to be paid cured a postponement of what looked like an imfor; newspaper reports led her to conclude that minent marriage. Campbell learned from Stirling “several well-known publishing firms” might give (the new lawyer) that, Nollie being of age, no legal large sums for such material. Campbell reluctantly action was possible. His advice was for Hart to asked Courtney of the Fortnightly, who replied cable, ““Approval impossible” and await developthat although a popular magazine like the Strand ments, “‘leaving a back-door to recognize the might pay, he could not. Nothing further was said marriage if it is inevitable.” about remuneration. 4, An “annuaire diplomatique et consulaire,”’ pub-

2. Moorhead returned to be commissioner at Kow- lished in Gotha, southern Germany. loon, F.A. Morgan at Canton, and Edgar at Shasi. Palm resigned in April 1901.

Z,/885 18 March 1901 [Red. April 27]

Dear Campbell,

Yours Z/1257 arrived 13th. The notice posted at Exchange “‘reply daily expected” clause would have been better omitted.’ I don’t think the Govt. will pay the August interest unless the duties between this and then show considerable increase. As the Indemnity is more likely to be paid by annual instalments to Govts. than by loans, Chinese credit need not be talked about: all debts will be paid as funds allow—there may be delay, but there will be no repudiation. The railway—as I wired-this morning—is causing excitement at Tientsin. If a rifle were to go off accidentally, the “fat” would be in the “‘fire”! I suppose England has got to the “‘last

[1262] THEI. G. IN PEKING

straw” limit, and, now that the peace-loving Queen is gone away, the Govt. will take a firmer stand and show a more determined front internationally. The Transvaal affair has awakened a proper martial spirit and knitted the Empire together, but it has kept our people in the back-ground somewhat in this China question. The Committee (Rockhill, von Mumm, Joostens and Knobel) are now discussing the indemnity principle:* once they formulate that and get their colleagues to accept it, they will take up the question with the Chinese plenipos. On our side we are studying “ways and means’’, but till we know the total to be paid we are at a loss how to proceed: our chief aim will be to stave off a foreign control board, but there are some people who will try to have that—the people who have no interests now in China, but desire to create some. I don’t know how it will end: however Pll try and hold on till it does end, for my disappearance would let in “‘the deluge’. My short memo regarding what China ought to do to introduce reform has gone forward, from Li, to the Emperor, and I am now at work on a somewhat longer one for circulation. I think Pll prepare an English version and send it home for whatever Review would care for it. The Germans are giving me a suitable plot of ground in the Legation quarter in return for what they appropriated, and so are the Austrians, but I have not arranged with Salvago (Italy) yet.* This affair has vexed me much! I think I shall wire to say that if the “‘“Fortnightly”’ would like the Reform article sent you last week it can have it. The newspaper criticisms are fair enough—but some have seized a sentence simply and hammering its “‘letter’’ have lost touch with the spirit of the whole. I wonder what they'll say to ““These from the land of Sinim’’! I am curious to see the style of book the articles will reappear in: I see your telegram says “‘small book”’—I hope it will have

a respectable appearance! , Yours truly, Robert Hart

Miss Price

Hamilton Ritchie Rocher Stewart Mrs. Maze 1. Following Hart’s telegram which calmed the Schwartzenstein was the German minister who had Stock Exchange fears of China’s default on the succeeded von Ketteler; M. Joostens was the Belrailway loan (see letter 1193n4), a notice with gian plenipotentiary; and F. M. Knobel, the ministhis phrase was posted there. Campbell agreed ter from the Netherlands. with Hart. 3. Rebuilding in the Legation Quarter involved

2. Rockhill, who had been secretary of legation in some reshuffling of previous holdings in the inPeking in the 1880s, was in China from July 1900 terest of consolidation or getting better locations. to October 1901 as special agent for the United The Customs rebuilding was considerably delayed

States in the Boxer negotiations. A.Mumm von by the dispute with Italy (see letter 1206).

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