Jernigan, the consul-general, and was almost universally condemned by the foreign residents of China. A European historian of the war declares "it was the greatest disgrace that ever sullied the American flag." Such sweeping condemnation is based upon the supposed innocence of the accused and the rumors current at the time that they were cruelly tortured on the trial. But it is clear that a Chinese tribunal was the only one which could legally pass upon their guilt; and the consul-general reported that the most authentic information he could obtain was that they were not tortured. Secretary Gresham was correct in his action, and he was assured by the Japanese minister that, in the opinion of his government, the consul-general at Shanghai could not have held the accused against the demand of the Chinese authorities, and that under like circumstances his government would have demanded the surrender for trial of Chinese in Japan.[1]
As the war progressed and the Japanese forces were triumphant on land and sea, both China and the European powers began to fear the wide-reaching results for the victors. In October, 1894, the British representative in Washington again approached the Secretary of State with the inquiry "whether the government of the United States would be willing to join with England, Germany, France, and Russia in intervening between China and Japan." The Tsung-li Yamen, through Minister Denby, made a similar advance. Mr. Gresham's reply was that "while the President earnestly desires
- ↑ U. S. For. Rel. 1894, pp. 103–126; "Vladimir's" China-Japan War, 114–116, and Appendix E.
