This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
312
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENTS, 1776-1917

Our heart and our head are still in pain; our tears and our resentment are confounded. It is to you, Princes and Ministers, who, by believing in evil words and allowing evil-doers free hand, have put in danger in Heaven our Ancestors and our gods, and who here below have caused the people to endure these calamities. Do you ask what is the chastisement you deserve?

We have already issued two decrees. But, considering that such light punishments for such grievous faults could not be sufficient to make you expiate your crimes, We must impose upon you new and more severe punishments according to your degree of guilt.

Tsai-hsün, Prince Chuang, already degraded, allowed the Boxers to attack the Legations. He, on his own authority, published proclamations contrary to the treaties; he lightly believed the statements of evil-doers; he unlawfully caused to be decapitated agreat number of persons; he has shown himself, of a truth, vulgar and stupid. We invite him, as a favor, to commit suicide. We direct Ko-pao-hua, acting president of the Court of Censors, to go and see (that the suicide has taken place).

Tsai-i, Prince Tuan, already degraded, led away with him several Princes and Peilo (Princes of the 3d class). He lightly gave heed to the Boxers and foolishly advised fighting. So all these troubles broke out; his faults, of a truth, can not be ignored. Tsai-lan, Duke Fu-Kuo, reduced in rank, in concert with Tsai-Hsün, foolishly published proclamations contrary to the treaties. He should also be punished for his faults. We deprive them of their nobiliary titles, but, considering that they belong to our family, We order, by special act of grace, that they be sent to Hsin-chiang (Ili) where they shall be condemned to prison for life. Deputies will first be sent to watch them.

Yü-hsien, degraded governor, foolishly believed, when formerly discharging the duties of governor in Shantung, in the sorcery of the Boxers. Arriving in Peking, he extolled them so highly that several Princes and Ministers fell under his evil influence. Being governor of Shansi, he massacred a great number of missionaries and Christians. He is worse than an imbecile, than a madman, than a murderer; he is the chief culprit and the author of all these calamities. He has already been sent to Hsin-chiang, and, believing that he has arrived in Kan-su, We order that, on the receipt of the order which We send, he shall at once be beheaded. We direct the Provincial Judge Ho Fu-kun to see that the penalty is carried out.

Kang-yi, Assistant Grand Secretary of State, President of the Board of Works, having lent his aid to the Boxers, serious disturbances broke out. He aided in publishing proclamations contrary to the treaties. A severe punishment was to have been inflicted on him at first, but he has died of disease. We order that the honors which he previously held shall be withdrawn from him and that he be at once degraded.

Tung Fu-hsiang, general in Kan-su, degraded but retained in office, entered (Peking) to defend (the city) with the troops under his orders; he