Changsha Rice Rush: Compilation of Materials

Author: Rao Huaimin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-12-01
Features:
The Military Affairs Office dispatched a telegraph to the Hunan-Guangxi Governor Rui Jie and Hunan Provincial Governor Cen Chunpei (March 7th, the second month of the Xuantong era). The edict reads: Rui Jie telegraphed that due to the disturbances caused by ruffians in Hunan, the situation was urgent, and troops were immediately dispatched to suppress the unrest. The handling is very appropriate. It is hereby ordered that Rui Jie and Cen Chunpei should promptly instruct subordinates to disperse the coerced and strictly arrest the ringleaders, ensuring severe punishment, and to genuinely protect officials, merchants, and missionaries of foreign countries without any negligence. It is also ordered to report the handling situation at any time via telegraph. Imperial decree.
Signatures of the Military Affairs Office Ministers: Minister Yi, Minister Shi, Minister Lu (fake), Minister Na, Minister Wu.
From the Military Affairs Office to the Zhili Governor Chen Kuilong (March 7th, the second month of the Xuantong era). The edict reads: Chen Kuilong telegraphed that due to the gathering and unrest of famine-stricken people in Hunan, it is evident that bandits are inciting trouble, hoping to take advantage of the situation. It is necessary to gather substantial forces and swiftly investigate and handle the matter. He requests that Hubei province quickly dispatch several regiments by steamship to Hunan to cooperate with Hunan’s forces in arresting the ringleaders and dispersing the coerced. Currently, according to Rui Jie’s telegraph, Li Xianglin has been dispatched with one regiment by steamship to Hunan to suppress the unrest. Imperial decree.
Signatures of the Military Affairs Office Ministers: Minister Yi, Minister Shi, Minister Lu (fake), Minister Na, Minister Wu.
From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the (March 7th, the second month of the Xuantong era). The price of rice in Hunan is high. On the 4th and 5th, famine-stricken people gathered and burned down the head gate of the provincial government office, affecting the housing of missionaries. The Hunan governor has dispatched troops to suppress the unrest, and all foreigners have been protected and are unharmed. The market is now trading normally. However, Western newspapers falsely claim that there is hatred toward foreigners, which is entirely unfounded. It is hoped that the Far East Society will publish a rebuttal.
From the Governor of Hubei to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting to substitute for a memorial (March 7th, the second month of the Xuantong era).. It is reported that Rui Jie received an authorized telegraph this noon. The edict reads: Rui Jie telegraphed that due to the disturbances caused by ruffians in Hunan, the situation was urgent, and troops were immediately dispatched to suppress the unrest. The handling is very appropriate. It is hereby ordered that Rui Jie and Cen Chunpei should promptly instruct subordinates to disperse the coerced and strictly arrest the ringleaders, ensuring severe punishment, and to genuinely protect officials, merchants, and missionaries of foreign countries without any negligence. It is also ordered to report the handling situation at any time via telegraph. Imperial decree.
It is found that the ruffians in Hunan this time have even burned government offices and humiliated officials, and the situation is extremely urgent. Yet yesterday afternoon, Changsha’s telegraph was cut off, which raised suspicion. At night, a telegraph from the Yangtze River Fleet Commander Cheng Wenbing in Yuezhou arrived, stating that the Hunan governor had passed away. Rui Jie immediately dispatched two more regiments, one to assist in Changsha and the other to support Yuezhou, while also mobilizing warships to block key points. At the same time, he telegraphed Cheng Wenbing, requesting that the troops under his command take preventive measures to suppress the ruffians. Due to the uncertainty of whether Cen Chunpei had passed away, he had to prepare in advance and recommended Zhou Ruchen, the Hunan Provincial Justice, for the position, which had already been reported via telegraph.
However, with the interruption of news and the spread of rumors, Rui Jie worked tirelessly to prepare for Hubei’s defense and sent telegrams to neighboring provinces to coordinate defense. He stayed up all night, unable to sleep. By this morning (the seventh day), some foreign officials and merchants from Hunan had arrived in Hanyang, all claiming that the banditry was rampant, churches, government offices, schools, and institutions had been burned, and the situation was extremely. Many insisted that Cen Chunpei had passed away. Rui Jie, however, remained skeptical due to the lack of reports from the Hunan Provincial Secretary and Provincial Justice. By 9 a.m., Changsha’s telegraph was restored, and he immediately telegraphed to inquire.