themselves to what they pleased. I met his excellency, Admiral Seymour, within the palace, who kindly gave me permission to take a few articles as mementos of the occurrence of the day." It seems that looting of Chinese palaces was practiced long before the occupation of Peking in the year 1900, and that the practice was demoralizing to even a neutral consul. Both he and the consul at Hongkong protested their innocence of any violation of their neutral duties, alleging that their presence was induced merely by curiosity, and the latter stoutly denied that he was responsible for the presence of the American flag. It appears that the national emblem was within the walls and in the hands of an American marine, but not authorized by any officer of the government. The investigation failed to establish any violation of neutral duty, but showed that the sympathies of the American colony were plainly with their kinsmen.[1]
The British preparations for the campaign which had been resolved upon, to bring the Chinese government to terms respecting a revision of the treaties and a redress of grievances, was delayed for a full year, on account of the Sepoy revolt in India. In the mean time the foreign factories (mercantile establishments) at Canton were destroyed by fire, and commerce was suspended. Dr. Parker was busily occupied in his efforts to protect American interests in this time of disorder, and in seeking to induce the Chinese authorities to give attention and satisfaction to American demands. He felt that the British were pursuing the only policy
- ↑ S. Ex. Doc. 22 (cited), 1048, 1319, 1383 ; N. A. Rev. Oct. 1859, pp. 508-11.
