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[Processo n.

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[Page 68] [Texto Principal] Cumpre-me ter a honra de enviar por cópias incluídas às mãos de V. Exa. as correspondências até esta data recebida ou expedida, sobre umas ocorrências de certa gravidade sucedidas em Hainan com a Missão portuguesa e os cristãos do lugar de T'an-wen, originadas numa questão insignificante, como V. Exa. poderá ver pelos documentos aqui incluídos. O actual Superior da Missão de Hainan é o Pe. Manuel Maria Marques, de 25 anos aproximadamente, atribuindo eu à sua pouca idade o alarme exagerado produzido no princípio por uns distúrbios e desacatos do povo sem maior importância, e agora pedindo pelos prejuízos uma indemnização de $300,000 pelo menos (Doc. No. 49). Em vista de um pedido tão fora de razão, nada comuniquei ao Vice-Rei, e telegrafei a S. Exa. o Ministro de S. M. F. em Pequim, informando-o da reclamação, e dizendo-lhe me parecia indispensável a nomeação de Delegados da parte dos dois Governos para um inquérito, como é costume em casos semelhantes, mas que aguardava as suas instruções. Há porém quatro dias que enviei o meu telegrama, sem que até agora tenha recebido qualquer resposta. [Anotações marginais] [No lado esquerdo, margem: "Sobre as ocorrências da ilha de Hainan, onde a Missão portuguesa, os católicos e o povo -"] [Carimbos] [No topo, centro: "CONSULADO GERAL DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO", com brasão acima; abaixo: "Nº. 4", "PROC. 304.", "Série A."] [No topo, direita: "Cantão 11 de Abril de 1908."] [Na margem esquerda, sobreposição manuscrita: "14-5-1908" / "106" / "14-5-1908"] [Na margem esquerda, abaixo do carimbo: "14/"] [Assinaturas] [Não visível.] [Referências arquivísticas] [Não visíveis.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Deus Guarde a V.Exa. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Conselheiro Wenceslau de Sousa Pereira de Lima. Ministro e Secretário d'Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros, Lisboa. [Assinaturas] O Cônsul Geral, [Signature: F.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Cópias Governo ecclesiastico da diocese de Macau.- No. 3. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr.- Supponho que S. Exa. o Governador de Macau já terá telegraphado a V. Exa., noticiando-lhe graves occorrências que se estão passando na ilha de Hainan e pedindo que V. Exa. envide os seus esforços para que seja enviado prompto soccorro às missões do Real Padroado, fundadas n'aquella ilha. Pela minha parte, cumpre-me também levar ao conhecimento de V. Exa. os factos que me communicou o Revdo. Superior da Missão Portugueza n'aquella ilha, em officio de 22 do corrente.- "Com a mais profunda magoa, escreve o Superior da missão no citado officio, participo a V. que, desde o dia 18 do corrente, o Revdo. Pe. Francisco de Paula Sità está cercado por todos os lados na capella de Tang-Won, feira pertencente ao districto de King-Tchuen.- Oito aldeias visinhas se sublevam, tendo à sua frente alguns bachareis protegidos pelo Magistrado do logar, cujo bilhete mando incluso.- As casas dos christãos foram forcadas e roubadas e sete d'elles, que cahiram em suas mãos, foram arrastados, levados e feridos muito gravemente.- A capella foi apedrejada e uma casa, nas trazeiras da mesma, destruída.- Ao Pe. Sità dia e noite foi cortada toda e qualquer communicação.- Os pobres christãos, depois de roubados e maltratados, foram conduzidos ao tribunal da subprefeitura em King-Chou, onde o mandarim os retém ainda presos, sem consentir que sejam visitados e alliviados das dores que padecem."- Em Post Scriptum, o Revdo. Superior da Missão de Hainan acrescentava: "Agora mesmo acaba de chegar um bom numero de mulheres e crianças fugidas do mesmo logar e dizem que na christandade florescente e proxima de Cat-Chi também já fugiram os christãos.- As imagens, castiçaes e altar da capella, tudo foi destruído. Temo sublevação nas christandades visinhas.- Mande sem falta soccorro. O Pe. Sità ha tres dias que não come nem bebe nem pode sahir nem mandar alguém.

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[Page 2] [Texto Principal] ao mercado. — É ameaçado de morte se ousa sair. — Como V. Exa. vê, é de urgência tomar medidas enérgicas para pôr termo aos factos ocorridos na ilha de Hainan, aliás teremos a lamentar alguns desastres que irão prejudicar enormemente os interesses das missões portuguesas naquela ilha. — O Superior da missão diz-me que a perseguição ameaça estender-se a todas as cristian- dades da ilha, se por ventura não se enviar prontu socorro e tomar uma atitude enérgica perante os revoltosos. — Rogo, pois, a V. Exa. se digne reclamar perante S. Exa. o Vice-Rei as pro- vidências que o caso requer, reservando-me para mais tarde, ba- seado em dados seguros, pedir a correspondente indemnização pelos danos causados à missão portuguesa naquela ilha. — Por último, tenho a observar a V. Exa. que a tradução d'alguns caracteres sinicos que vão à margem é feita no dialecto hai- nanense. — Deus Guarde a V. Exa., Paço Episcopal em Macau, 26 de março de 1908. — Illmo. e Exmo. Snr. João Damaso da Costa de Moraes, Cônsul Geral de Portugal em Cantão. — O Governador do Bispado, (Ass.) Pe. José da Costa Nunes. [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: “PAÇO EPISCOPAL DE MACAU” e “1908”, com brasão central) [Anotações marginais] [À esquerda, coluna vertical, escrita à mão:] dse:2 5. Consultor Cantão ao Xuehli de Dois Kuangs. (Telegramma) [Referências arquivísticas] [Na parte inferior, à direita, abaixo da linha horizontal:] CHBONG, Vice-Rei dos dois Kuongs. — A capela de T'am-Uan, em Ching-Chou-Fu, está cercada pelo povo e o missionário preso na mesma. Oito aldeias vizinhas se sublevaram, tendo à sua frente alguns bachareis protegidos pelo Magistrado do distrito de Ching-Shan. As casas dos cristãos foram forçadas e os objectos roubados. Sete cristãos, que caíram nas mãos dos revoltosos, foram por eles espancados e feridos e depois levados para a prefeitura de Chiung-Chou, onde ficaram detidos. Os objectos do culto existentes na capela foram roubados e uma casa, no tardoz da mesma, destruída. Peço a V. Exa. se digne dar ordens telegráficas às autoridades locais para reprimirem o povo. Desejo fazer-lhe uma visita amanhã para tratar deste assunto.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] e peço me indique a hora. Aguardo sua resposta pelo telegrá- fo. Consul Geral de Portugal MORAES. 27 de março de 1908. Doutor L. Tradução. Consul Geral de Portugal. Ciência do seu telegrama. Acerca da questão dos católicos em Chiung-chau (Hainan), dei ordens telegráficas ao tântai e ao prefeito para, com a maior brevidade, reprimirem (o povo), protegerem (os missionários e os católicos), averiguarem qual foi a causa da questão e castigarem os delinquentes. Satisfazendo ao seu pedido, terei o prazer de o receber no meu Yamen, ama- nhã, às 3 horas da tarde. Selo do Vice-Rei. Tradução feita por (Ass.) J.V. JORGE. Governo Episcopal da Diocese de Macau. No. 59. Ilmo. e Exmo. Sr. João Manuel da Costa de Moraes, Consul Geral de Portugal em Cantão. Ilmo. e Exmo. Sr. José da Costa Nunes, Governador do Bispoado. Em 31 de Março de 1908. [Carimbos] No topo, à direita: [Selo circular com texto legível parcialmente: "CONSULADO GERAL DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO" e data "1908"] No centro, à esquerda: [Selo circular com texto legível: "CONSULADO GERAL DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO"] [Anotações marginais] À esquerda, na margem: Doutor L do Ntelli de Bris Kungs a Consul em Cantão (Telegramma) ner (Ass.) J.V. JORGE. [Assinaturas] Na parte inferior central: [Assinatura manuscrita ilegível, possivelmente "José da Costa Nunes"] [Referências arquivísticas] No rodapé: Consulado Geral de Portugal em Cantão. No. 62. Prov. 304.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Governo Ecclesiástico da Diocese de Macau. No. 58. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Tenho a honra de levar ao conhecimento de V. Exa. que o Superior da Missão de Hainan, em carta datada em 28 de corrente, me dizia o seguinte: "Agora mesmo, tenho de partir com o Mandarim a examinar os estragos causados na capela e nas casas dos cristãos para efeito de indemnização. Na volta da visita aos lugares ou cristandades perseguidas, darei a V. completa notícia de tudo o que se passou". Uma religiosa vinda de Hainan informou-me de que tudo estava serenado; devido às providências tomadas pelo Mandarim de Qiongzhou, a pedido do Cônsul francês naquela ilha. Com o auxílio de alguns soldados chineses, foi solto o Missionário que se achava prisioneiro e restabelecida a ordem. Deus Guarde a V. Exa. Paço Episcopal em Macau, 31 de Março de 1908. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. João Damaso da Costa de Moraes, Cônsul Geral de Portugal em Cantão. O Governador do Bispoado, (as) Pe. José da Costa Nunes. Governo Ecclesiástico da Diocese de Macau. No. 59. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Tenho a honra de acusar a recepção do ofício de V. Exa. datado em 28 do corrente, acompanhado de uma cópia do despacho telegráfico enviado por S. Exa. o Vice-Rei ao taotai e ao prefeito de Hainan, ordenando que tomassem providências energicas para fazer terminar a perseguição naquela ilha. Consta-me por informações particulares recebidas de uma religiosa de Hainan, chegada ontem a Macau, que a ordem está restabelecida e solto o missionário que se achava prisioneiro, devido às providências tomadas pelo mandarim de Qiongtom. Agradeço a V. Exa. a sua eficaz cooperação neste assunto, tendo tomado imediatamente todas as medidas para fazer cessar as tristes ocorrências que se estavam passando na ilha de Hainan. Exa. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Consulado Geral de Portugal em Cantão. No. 62. Proc. 304. Cantão, [Anotações marginais] [No lado esquerdo, verticalmente:] Doc. 4. Do Governador da Diocese ao Cônsul em Cantão Doc. 5 Do Governador da Diocese ao Cônsul em Cantão Doc. 6 Do Cônsul [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita]: (Selo circular azul com texto ilegível parcialmente visível) [Assinaturas] [Na linha final do texto principal, abaixo da assinatura do governador do bispoado, há uma assinatura manuscrita em tinta preta, mas não é possível transcrever exatamente sem ambiguidade.] [Referências arquivísticas] Cantão, No. 62. Proc. 304.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] 2 de Abril de 1908. Illmo. Exmo. e Revmo. Sr. Tenho a honra de acusar recebidos os ofícios de V. Exa. ns. 58 e 59, de 31 de Março último, e agradeço a V. Exa. a prontidão com que se dignou transmitir-me as notícias recebidas de Hainan. Muito estimei saber que o Pe. Situ foi solto, e que os gravíssimos acontecimentos e sublevação das oito aldeias, referidos pelo Revdo. Superior da Missão, cessaram com a chegada de alguns soldados enviados pelo Mandarim de King-toa. Rogo a V. Exa. se digne enviar-me com a possível rapidez todas as notícias que receber, a fim de eu poder informar o nosso Ministro, e de acordo com ele pedir a devida indemnização pelos prejuízos ocasionados. Deus Guarde a V. Exa. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Pe. José da Costa Nunes, Revdo. Governador do Bispo de Macau. O Consul Geral; (as) João da Costa de Moraes. [Assinaturas] Santo Conformidade e Comunidade geral de Patyúl. em fatura 11 de Abril de 1908. [Carimbos] No centro, abaixo da assinatura: selo circular com inscrição legível parcialmente como "GOVERNO DA REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA" e "GOVERNADORADO DE MACAU". [Anotações marginais] À esquerda, em coluna vertical: am Cautel as Governador do Bispado À direita, em coluna vertical: 8 (escrito ao lado de um número) (escrito ao lado de um número) (escrito ao lado de um número) [Referências arquivísticas] Não visível.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Consulado Geral de Portugal em Cantão. N°.63, Proc. 304. Cantão, 1 de Abril de 1908. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr.: Tenho a honra de accusar recebido o telegramma de V. Exa. de 30 de Março dizendo: "Informe" com rigorosa exactidão e sem exagero todas as circunstâncias co- rrentes em Hainan" e confirmo o meu de hontem dizendo: "Informações dadas por mim reprodução fiel communicação official Macau; se hou- ve exagero ainda não se sabe. Não veio resposta telegramma expedi- do Hainan". Em 27 de Março, recebi um officio do Governador do Bispado de Macau (que enviei a V. Exa. por copia com o meu officio anterior) e ao mesmo tempo um outro officio do Governador de Ma- cau com copia da communicação que recebera, e que era absolutamen- te identica ao officio do Governador do Bispado. Em vista d'esse officio, tratei de indagar do Consul francez se tinha alguma noti- cia sobre os graves acontecimentos, e como ninguém conhecesse o que se passara, resolvi telegraphar para Hoihao ao Superior da Missão pedindo noticias, e telegraphei ao Vice-Rei de Cantão pe- dindo providencias urgentes; que elle deu, enviando para Hainan tres telegrammas com ordens, para proteger as Missões e os chris- tãos e pedindo informações telegráficas. O Consul de França te- legraphou ao seu collega de Hoihao a pedir noticias, e o Consul inglez também telegraphou no mesmo sentido, sem que até este mo- mento, nenhum dos seis telegrammas enviados obtivesse resposta alguma; Dizem que os telegrammas para Hainan, em consequência do mau serviço telegraphico indirecto existente, não levam menos de dois dias para lá chegar; e que algumas vezes tem levado seis e mais dias; e que por isso não é de extranhar a demora que tem ha- vido e que o superior d'uma carta que pode ir em dois ou tres dias. Diz V. Exa. no seu telegramma que informe com rigorosa exacti- dão e sem exageros. Eu não creio ter informado nunca de outra for- ma, durante os 26 annos que tenho de serviço na carreira Consular, sentindo por isso que V. Exa. imaginasse outra cousa. Se ha ou não exaggero nas informações recebidas e transmitidas, não sei, e mes- mo admitindo que o haja, não me pertence responsabilidade, por is- so que foi fundado em communicacões officiaes das quaes não me é [Anotações marginais] No lado esquerdo: De Do Crucial Canto ao Ministro de E. M.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] dado duvidar que informei a V.Exa. da ocorrência, é que d'ella dei conhecimento ao Consul de França, por isso que é à França, que está incumbida a protecção dos católicos e Missões católicas em toda a China. Nós não temos em Hainan nenhum Vice-Consul nem Agente Consular: que me pudesse informar e por isso, não tenho meio de verificar com rigorosa exactidão o que se dá em Hainan, vendo-me obrigado a contentar-me com as notícias que me cheguem do Governo do Bispoado de Macau, que sendo provenientes da própria Missão de Hainan não me bastam para tomar d'ellas a responsabilidade. A serem exactas aquellas notícias, e eu não podia como digo acima julgá-las d'outra forma, era da minha obrigação communicá-las a V.Exa. imediatamente, como fiz, limitando-me a dizer succintamente o que os officios recebidos continham. Como o estado geral político da China, e sobretudo no Sul, é de rebelião latente, e por todos os la- dos se estão vendo os fermentos, é muito provável que por qualquer insignificante motivo, o povo se tivesse revoltado contra os mis- sionários, atacando a Missão e destruindo o que encontrasse, incluído pelos letrados, que são sempre aqui na China os cabeças de motim, e mesmo protegidos por alguns dos Mandarins. Na China tem-se visto quasi sempre que os actos violentos do povo contra as Mis- sões ou contra os estrangeiros, são geralmente com o beneplácito ou connivência das autoridades locaes, e presentemente tem. V.Exa. o exemplo do boycotte contra os japonezes, que foi consentido e mesmo animado ou excitado pelas autoridades de Cantão, e pelo exemplo do Vice-Rei desobedecendo ao Wai-hu-pu, sob pretexto de que o povo se oppunha à entrega do "Tatsu Maru", &c., &c. A adminis- tração chinesa hoje em Cantão é uma anarchia, e continuando este Vice-Rei será cada dia mais. É um velho sem intelligência, nem energia, levado pelos que o rodeiam. A questão do "Tatsu Maru", foi prejudicada e aggravada pelos conselhos dados ao Vice-Rei pelo Commissario das Alfandegas em Cantão; King, que tendo sido encarre- gado de examinar o caso e informar, fez-o pior do que se fosse ver- dadeiramente um chinez ignorante, e levou a audacia a contestar a opinião emittida pelo proprio Commissario Geral das Alfandegas, [Anotações marginais] [No lado direito, margem: escrita vertical em caracteres chineses ilegíveis.] [Carimbos] [Nenhum carimbo visível.] [Assinaturas] [Nenhuma assinatura visível.] [Referências arquivísticas] [Nenhuma referência arquivística visível.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Sir Robert Hart, que é de todos respeitado e muito mais o devia ser pelo seu subalterno. É certo que no caso "Tatsu Maru" as opiniões dos estrangeiros se dividiram, mas todos os que conhecem o caso, como ele é realmente, estão do nosso lado. Ser contra a razão e o direito só pode ser por mal informados ou porque o seu interesse lhes tira a luz dos olhos. Cumpre-me confirmar o meu telegrama de hoje que acabo de enviar a V. Exa., dizendo: "Comunicação oficial Macau diz, missionário solto consequência protecção autoridade competente, requerida Cônsul francês Hainan. Ordem pública restabelecida = assignado Consul". Continuarei enviando a V. Exa. as notícias que sobre o assunto me forem chegando: Deus -Guarde a V. Exa., Ilmo. e Exmo. Sr. Conselheiro Barão de Sendal, Ministro Plenipotenciário de Portugal em Pequim, O. Cônsul Geral, -(as) J. da Costa de Moraes. o relativo documento em ofício de Cônsulado Geral de Portugal em Cantão, n.º 65; Proc. 304, em Cantão, 2 de Abril de 1908. Ilmo. e Exmo. Sr. Em aditamento ao meu ofício de ontem, cumpre-me enviar a V. Exa. cópia das comunicações recebidas do Governador do Bispo de Macau, a que se referia o meu telegrama de ontem, e de acusar recebido o telegrama de V. Exa. dizendo: "Com a possível urgência, cinja-se às instruções meu telegrama de anteontem sobre Hainan = (assignado) Sendal", ao qual respondi imediatamente dizendo: "Hainan distante ás xuxu k dois dias daqui e três sitio occurrence interior. Para poder informar com rigorosa exactidão, indispensável mandar pessoa de confiança e não tenho verbas necessárias. Não tomo responsabilidade pela exactidão das informações provenientes da Missão. Peço instruções. = (assignado) Con- trol". Effectivamente, não tendo Portugal Agente algum Consular na ilha de Hainan, torna-se muito difícil informar V. Exa. com rigorosa exactidão do que lá se tem passado, e comquanto as informações até agora recebidas e que me fizeram informar a V. Exa. fossem oficiais, por isso que me foram comunicadas em ofício do Governador do Bispo; são elas naturalmente reprodução das recebidas por aquela autoridade, do Superior da Missão de Hainan; [Anotações marginais] No lado esquerdo: Dec. 8 Do Chin em Cantão ao Mundo de S. Il. em Pequim [Carimbos] No topo, à direita: (Selo circular ilegível com inscrição parcialmente visível: "GOVERNADOR DO BISPO EM MACAU" e "PORTUGAL EM CHINA") [Assinaturas] Nenhuma assinatura visível. [Referências arquivísticas] Nenhuma referência arquivística visível.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] .e me justificam o meu proceder, não me parecem suficientes para eu tomar delas a responsabilidade perante V.Exa. Só poderia responsabilizar-me por elas depois de mandar uma pessoa de confiança ao sítio das ocorrências fazer um inquérito. Para isso tornava-se necessário ser eu autorizado a fazer essas despesas. Para ir até Hoihao, capital da ilha de Hainan, é preciso ir até Hongkong: lá tomar um dos vapores que fazem essa carreira, e o que dali levam pelo menos 24 a 30 horas de navegação. De aqui a Hongkong são oito horas nos vapores da barreira. De Hoihao ao sítio das ocorrências dizem-me levar-se dois ou três dias ou mais, porque é no interior e não há conduções fáceis. Como V.Exa. decerto verá, no documento n.º 4 do Governador do Bispado, o Superior da Missão preparava-se a ir com um delegado da autoridade ao sítio da ocorrência avaliar os prejuízos causados à Missão e aos católicos. Será essa avaliação feita sem exageros, óbolo missionário? É possível, mas se por ela é difícil ajuizar e ir fazer uma reclamação às autoridades chinesas, antes de se certificar da sua exactidão. É quanto me cumpre, levar ao ilustrado conhecimento de V.Exa. para os fins convenientes. Deus Guarde a V.Exa. _Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Barão de Sandal, Enviado Extraordinário & Ministro Plenipotenciário de Portugal em Pequim. V. ol. King._ O Consul Geral, (as) J. da Costa de Moraes. _enviada um_ [Texto Principal cont.] .Governo Eclesiástico da Diocese de Macau, n.º 63, Illmo. e Exmo. Sr.: Tenho a honra de acusar a recepção do ofício de V.Exa. datado em 2 do corrente. Apenas recebido o relatório do Revdo. Superior da Missão de Hainan darei conhecimento dele a V.Exa. Devo esclarecer a V.Exa. que por engano foram enviados a V.Exa. dois ofícios na data de 31 de Março findo sobre o mesmo assunto. Um era destinado a S.Exa. o Governador da Província de Macau.Exa. _Paço Episcopal em Macau, 6 d’Abril de 1908_, Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. João Damaso da Costa de Moraes, Consul Geral de Portugal em Cantão. O Governador do Bispado, (as) Pe. José da Costa Nunes. [Anotações marginais] [À esquerda, na margem esquerda, escrita à mão em tinta preta]: De 9 Sr. governa do Nepal ou Chin em Canto [Carimbos] [Não visível – (Ilegível)] [Assinaturas] [No final do texto principal, após "Pe.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Consulado Geral de Portugal em Cantão. No.66. Proc.304. Cantão, 8 de Abril de 1908. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Tenho a honra de accusar recebido o officio de V. Exa. Revma. No.63 de 6 d’Abril, no qual se digna esclarecer-me de que dos dois officios Nos.58 e 59 de 31 de Março, só um era para mim, sendo o outro para S. Exa. o Governador de Macau. Logo que recebi o officio de V. Exa., fui examinar de novo os dois officios, e vejo que, ainda que não destinado a mim um d'elles, vieram ambos dirigidos a mim, e eu tomei-os bem como tal porque um era accusação de recepção e V. Exa. não communicava n'elle a carta recebida do Revdo. Superior da Missão, e apenas referia o que dissera uma religiosa chegada de Hainan; e o outro, pelo contrario, communicava a carta do Revdo. Superior da Missão, pelo que naturalmente julguei ser o complemento ou additamento do outro, estimando mesmo que assim succedesse para ter mais essa informação que, sendo official, tem naturalmente maior valor e também porque n'elle explica que as medidas tomadas pelo Mandarim o foram a pedido do Consul francez, o que para mim era também muito interessante saber. Deus Guarde a V. Exa. Revma. Illmo. Exmo. e Revmo. Sr. Pe. José da Costa Nunes, Governador do Bispado de Macau. O Consul Geral, (as) J. da Costa de Moraes. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita] [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] (Selo ilegível) [No centro, abaixo do texto principal] (Selo circular com inscrição legível: "CONSULADO GERAL DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO") [Assinaturas] [Na parte inferior, abaixo do texto principal] Fr.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Consul Geral de Portugal em Cantão. Tenho a honra de comunicar a V. Exa. os tristes factos que acabam de dar-se na chris- tandade de Tang-von, pois assim o julgo necessário para o bom êxito da questão, desafronta e satisfação plena da ofensa e injúria feitas à Missão, ao Missionário Pe. Francisco de Paula Situ e aos cristãos da dita christandade, em 18 de Março de 1908. Os principais chefes da per- seguição, seus nomes e domicílio vão no Doc. No. 1. Para atalhar mais ra- pidamente o fogo da perseguição, que ameaçava espalhar-se pelas chris- tandades vizinhas, recorri ao Consulado de França pedindo-lhe que em- pregasse todos os meios, para que a tranquilidade fosse imediatamente restabelecida. Assim o fez; porém agora, graves razões me levam a crer que o dito Consulado não se ocupa, como deveria, desta tão importante questão; por isso, antes que ele nos comprometa, rogo a V. Exa. haja por bem tomá-la à sua conta, porquanto, depois da Missão Portuguesa de Hai- nan, V. Exa. é o interessado directo na questão, como digno representante do Governo de Sua Magestade Fidelíssima, que Deus guarde. Transcrevo, a seguir, a futilidade da causa com que pretendem os culpados justificar tão injustos e bárbaros efeitos.____ "L'année 29 de Kuang-si, le Mis- sionnaire, Père Philippe Lau-pour, eviter les contestations occasionnées par la différence des mesures de rig que l'on se servait sur le mar- ché de Tang-von, fit faire d'accord avec les autorités de l'endroit, des mesures égales et justes qu'on louait les jours de marché — deux zxxxa saques chacune. Tout allait bien jusqu'en 33 de Kuang-si. Depuis lors, les chefs de l'école chinoise nommés 張瑞鏡, 張瑞鷲 obligèrent le chrétien chargé de louer les mesures, appartenant à la Mission, de leur remettre les dites mesures. Au commencement de cette année ils resti- tuèrent quelques mesures, mais le chrétien s'en servit seulement quatre jours. Le directeur de l'école 張瑞鏡, avec deux frères, voulant per- cevoir lui-même le loyer pour l'école, l'accusa au Sous-préfet, mais injustement, puisque les mesures ont été faites aux frais de la Mis- sion. (Vid. carta, Doc. No: 2, ao Mandarim do distrito. Vid. Doc. No. 3, con- cessão feita à Missão, assignada pelos negociantes e principais da fei- ra de Tang-von).

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] des environs. Plus de quatre cents, acceptèrent l'invitation. Le jour suivant, 18 Mars au soir, ces mêmes gens tous armés cernèrent le marché pour empêcher aux chrétiens de s'enfuir. "Ils violèrent et saccagèrent les maisons des chrétiens, volèrent les deux chevaux du Missionnaire et conduisirent prisonniers sept chrétiens, trois desquels grièvement blessés". Quelques-uns se réfugièrent dans la chapelle avec le Missionnaire. Le Père Sitú sortit, essaya de calmer la multitude soulevée mais en vain. Plus tard il écrivit au directeur de l'École de venir à la chapelle pour s'entendre avec lui, mais ce dernier ne fit aucun cas de l'invitation, déchira la lettre en présence du porteur. Les pauvres chrétiens furent conduits à l'école chinoise, privés de nourriture, maltraités, garrottés, un même a été suspendu pendant quelques heures. Un des prisonniers est négociant à Hoi-hao, il se trouvait là pour affaire; on lui a volé un bracelet en jaspe et $49.-piastres. Deux sont du marché voisin Dong-fat-si, par conséquent étrangers à cette affaire, ce qui prouve que ce n'est pas seulement les chrétiens aux alentours de l'endroit qu'ils persécutent, mais les chrétiens en général. D'après les nouvelles reçues les 18, 19 et 20 du courant, la chapelle est jours et nuits entourée d'un grand nombre de païens. Le Missionnaire assiégé n'a aucun moyen de communication et est privé des choses les plus nécessaires à la vie. Un des chrétiens a été arrêté dans la cour de la chapelle. Les sept faits prisonniers ont été conduits à Kiung- chou, ils les remirent entre les mains du Sous-préfet, actuellement ils sont encore en prison. On ne leur a donné aucun soin. L'un d'eux a la jambe fracturée, deux autres sont dans un état pitoyable ! C'est un des principaux auteurs du soulèvement qui les a accompagnés. Le Sous-préfet les a très bien reçus et accompagnés ; contre son habitude—jusque dans la cour et cela en ma présence ! J'ose espérer, M. le Consul, que vous ferez tout votre possible pour obtenir des autorités chinoises que les chefs de ce soulèvement soient arrêtés et punis sévèrement, d'après la loi ; que la Mission, le Missionnaire et les chrétiens soient indemnisés des préjudices causés. Une indemnité supplémentaire, au cas où quelques chrétiens succomberaient suites des blessures, ou qu'ils soient dans l'impossibilité de travailler pour gagner leur vie, &c., &c. Segunda carta. 23-3-08. [Anotações marginais] [No lado direito, coluna vertical de caracteres manuscritos:] n ei u [No topo, à direita:] 77 [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita:] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: “.AL DE PORTUGAL EM CHINA”) [Assinaturas] [Nenhuma assinatura visível.] [Referências arquivísticas] [Nenhuma referência arquivística visível.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Monsieur le Consul, j'ai l'honneur de porter à votre connaissance que le Père François de Paula Sitú est rentré aujourd'hui à King-chow, il m'a fourni les renseignements suivants. L'envoi de satellites et soldats du Sous-prefet King-sane, au marché de Tang-von a été divisé en deux parties, dont quatre soldats simples, c'est-à-dire, sans armes pour gar- der le Père, huit étant muni d'un sévère mandat d'arrêt contre les chrétiens, lequel a été constaté par le Père lui-même; ces douze se sont présentés tout d'abord aux instituteurs de l'école, auteurs de cette persecution, - et d'accord avec eux, ont fait circuler un très mauvais et dangereux bruit, en disant que les autorités locales de King-chow les xx avaient envoyés exprès pour arrêter les chrétiens et amener le Père à la ville; à cause de cela tout le monde se soulève de nouveau et ils tombent brusquement sur la chapelle où ils ont pénétré et déchiré des images en présence du Père, lequel a été insulté, menacé de le tuer en le bousculant et lui donnant des coups de poings! Ces gens ont encore jeté des pierres sur la toiture de la chapelle, une partie de laquelle a été détruite. Tout cela prouve bien que le Sous-prefet était tout-à- fait d'accord avec les chefs de ce soulèvement. M. le Consul, je sais de source certaine que les soldats envoyés par le Taotai, arrivés à moitié route ont rebroussé chemin. Les sept chrétiens qui ont été faits prison- niers, ont été conduits à l'École de l'endroit et là leur ont fait subir les outrages les plus sanglants, on les obligea même d'avaler leurs excréments et choses semblables. Le négociant de Hoi-hao dont je vous ai parlé l'autre jour, est en danger de mort. Le Sous-prefet voulant s'en débarrasser m'envoya appeler pour que je me le remette; j'ai jugé à propos de ne pas y aller. De nouveau, M. le Consul, je vous prie instamment de demander aux autorités chinoises l'arrestation des prin- cipaux auteurs de ce soulèvement. Je désire même, si je puis obtenir une escorte, de partir après-demain pour constater moi-même les dégâts causés et aussi pour rassurer les chrétiens. Les principaux auteurs de ce soulèvement sont presque tous ici et quelques uns à Hoi-hao, en li- berté, se moquant de nous quand ils nous rencontrent. Daignez agréer, &td. Carta terceira em 25-3-1908. M. le Consul de France. J'ai l'hon- neur de vous accuser réception de votre lettre en date du 23 courant. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita]: [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] (illegible mark) [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita]: [SELLO: "EMBAIXADA DE PORTUGAL EM CHINA" com data "28"] (Selo circular com texto legível e data parcialmente visível) [Assinaturas] [Na parte inferior, centralizada]: [ASSINATURA: "M.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Hier je suis allé au Consulat, je regrette infiniment de n'avoir pu vous parler. Le Sous-préfet m'a envoyé appeler plusieurs fois, je n'ai accédé à son désir. Plus tard ayant appris qu'un des chrétiens prison- niers était en danger de mort, je suis allé à la prison. Le Mandarine profita de l'occasion pour me rencontrer. Il voulait me remettre les chrétiens; je fis quelques objections, que je ne pouvais les recevoir sans en avoir fait part au Consulat. Il me répondit qu'il pouvait dis- poser de ses prisonniers à son gré, que si je ne voulais pas les re- cevoir, il les mettait en liberté! Une demi-heure plus tard son se- crétaire et son interprète accompagnèrent les sept chrétiens chez moi, chargeant son secrétaire de me dire, que le Mandarine prenait la respon- sabilité de faire rembourser les dépenses faites, et en cas de mort ou que les blessés grièvement soient dans l'impossibilité de gagner leur vie, d'obliger les coupables à payer une indemnité. Ce matin j'ai ac- compagné les blessés au dispensaire, où M. le docteur Heitre les a exa- miné et pris note de tout. M. le Taotai vient de me prévenir que le Sous- préfet se rendra sur les lieux demain. Les dépositions faites par les soldats du Taotai sont en contradiction avec celles faites par les soldats du Sous-préfet. Les soldats du Taotai confirment que les émeu- tiers ont causé beaucoup de dégâts. (voir lettre du Taotai Doc. No. 4). Le Missionnaire et tous les chrétiens de l'endroit sont partis ce matin accompagnés par quatre soldats. Daignez, &c. &c. No dia 29 de Março (27 da 2ª lua) partimos eu e o Delegado do Taotai com destino à dita christiandade de Tang-vun a fim de examinar pessoalmente os estragos feitos na capella e nas casas dos christãos. Chegamos no mesmo dia às 6 horas da tarde e em acto contínuo fomos à capella: — à entrada, na 1ª casa que serve de residência ao Missionário, encontrei tudo na maior desordem: ornatos em seda e papel rasgados e feitos rodelas pelo chão; uma ima- gem com moldura de pau preto, um relógio de sala desapareceram, a mobi- ília partida e os taboados de dois quartos despeçados e a madeira es- palhada pelo chão; na 2ª casa, que é a capella, vi, com horror, o altar por terra e ao pé deste três imagens rasgadas, vidro e molduras tudo par- tido; os castiçais, flores, um lustre, via-sacra, toalhas do altar, o fron- tal do mesmo e uma cortina de seda, tudo quebrado, rasgado, destruído; os [Anotações marginais] Nenhuma anotação marginal visível. [Carimbos] [Selo circular azul, no canto superior direito, com inscrição parcialmente legível: "CONSULADO GERAL DA REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA EM PEQUIM" e "CHINA"] [Assinaturas] Nenhuma assinatura visível. [Referências arquivísticas] Nenhuma referência arquivística visível.

Page 18

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] paramentos desapareceram e o telhado da capela está tudo esburacado! Fomos mais adiante à 3ª e última casa e vimos a porta, que dá para as traseiras, arrombada, partida, jazendo por terra. D'aqui seguimos a exa- minar as casas dos cristãos e constatamos que só duas tinham sido roubadas, os telhados partidos, os móveis, ornatos, roupas e objectos de sala como candieiros &c., &c., de cozinha &c.&c., tudo quebrado, ras- gado e destruído. De volta à cidade escrevi ao Taotaes, dando-lhe conta de tudo o que vi (vid. carta No.5). Perguntei ao Missionário quando é que os gentios fizeram tantos estragos na capela; respondeu-me que parte foi logo ao princípio, quando arrombaram a porta, parte nos dias 20 ou 21 da 2ª lua, quando ele saiu acompanhado de quatro soldados e com o resto dos cristãos, com destino à cidade: Quando voltei (24 de lua) aqui de novo, soube que no dia 22 da 2ª lua, de manhã, chegaram 20 soldados do Taotae e já encontraram a capela como está e acaba de ver. Vão mais umas cartas, a que dou o No.6, trocadas com as autoridades, já pedindo providências imediatas, já insistindo por de leve o assunto. Tudo confio e deponho nas mãos de V.Exa., na certeza de que obterei, pelo valioso intermédio de V.Exa., uma satisfação plena de todos os agravos sacrílegos feitos às Stas. Imagens, à capela, à religião católica, de todos os in- sultos feitos ao Missionário, o qual esteve três dias cercado, sem comer nem beber, de todos os trabalhos, penas e perdas sofridos pelos cris- tãos. Por último rogo a V.Exa. se digne obter de S.Exa. o Vice-Rei, que os culpados sejam punidos severamente e obrigados a pagar uma indemnisa- ção de $300:000, pelo menos. Se precisar de mais alguma explicação, dig- ne-se escrever. Deus Guarde a V.Exa. Illmo. e Exmo. Sr. Consul Geral de Portugal em Cantão. Kiung-chow, 4 de Abril de 1908. O Superior da Missão, (as) Pe. Manuel Maria Marques.

Translation

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{Please provide the text you would like translated in place of "{text}" so I can assist you with the translation into modern UK academic English.}

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--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 68] [Main Text] I have the honour to forward to Your Excellency, under separate cover, copies of all correspondence received or despatched up to the present date regarding certain incidents of considerable gravity which occurred in Hainan involving the Portuguese Mission and the Christian community at T'an-wen. These disturbances originated in a trivial matter, as Your Excellency will be able to ascertain from the documents enclosed herein. The current Superior of the Hainan Mission is Father Manuel Maria Marques, approximately 25 years of age. I attribute to his youth the exaggerated alarm initially caused by what were, in essence, minor disturbances and acts of public disrespect, of limited significance. He is now demanding compensation amounting to at least $300,000 (Document No. 49) for alleged damages. In view of such an unreasonable claim, I have communicated nothing to the Viceroy; instead, I telegraphed His Excellency, His Majesty the King’s Minister in Peking, informing him of the nature of the claim and stating my opinion that it was indispensable for delegates to be appointed by both governments to conduct an inquiry, as is customary in similar cases, while indicating that I awaited his instructions. However, it has now been four days since I sent my telegram, and I have not yet received any reply.

[Margin Notes]
[Left-hand margin: "Regarding the incidents on the island of Hainan, involving the Portuguese Mission, the Catholics, and the local population—"]

[Stamps]
[Top centre: "PORTUGUESE GENERAL CONSULATE IN CANTON", with coat of arms above; below: "No. 4", "PROC. 304.", "Series A."]
[Top right: "Canton, 11 April 1908."]
[Left margin, handwritten overlay: "14-5-1908" / "106" / "14-5-1908"]
[Left margin, below stamp: "14/"]

[Signatures]
[Not visible.]

[Archival References]
[Not visible.]

Page 3

--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Page 1] [Main Text] May God preserve Your Excellency. Most Illustrious and Right Honourable Sir Wenceslau de Sousa Pereira de Lima, Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Lisbon. [Signatures] The Consul General, [Signature: F.

Page 4

--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---

[Page 1] [Main Text]

Copies – Ecclesiastical Government of the Diocese of Macau. No. 3.

Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,

I presume that His Excellency the Governor of Macau will already have telegraphed to Your Excellency, informing you of grave incidents currently taking place on the island of Hainan, and requesting that Your Excellency exert every effort to ensure prompt assistance is sent to the missions under the Royal Patronage established on that island. For my part, it is also my duty to bring to Your Excellency’s attention the facts communicated to me by the Reverend Superior of the Portuguese Mission on that island, in an official letter dated the 22nd of this month.

“In deepest sorrow,” writes the Superior of the mission in the aforementioned letter, “I inform Your Lordship that, since the 18th of this month, the Reverend Father Francisco de Paula Sità has been completely surrounded on all sides within the chapel of Tang-Won, a market town belonging to the district of King-Tchuen. Eight neighbouring villages have risen in revolt, led by certain scholars protected by the local Magistrate, whose note I enclose herewith. The homes of Christians have been forcibly broken into and looted; seven of them, having fallen into the insurgents’ hands, were dragged away, taken captive, and severely injured. The chapel has been stoned, and a house located behind it has been destroyed. All communication with Father Sità—day and night—has been entirely cut off. The poor Christians, after being robbed and mistreated, were taken to the sub-prefectural tribunal at King-Chou, where the mandarin continues to hold them in custody, refusing permission for them to be visited or relieved of the suffering they endure.”

In a postscript, the Reverend Superior of the Hainan Mission added: “Just now, a considerable number of women and children have arrived, having fled from the same locality; they report that in the flourishing Christian community near Cat-Chi, the Christians have likewise taken flight. The religious images, confessionals, and altar of the chapel—everything—has been destroyed. We fear an uprising spreading to neighbouring Christian communities. Send assistance without delay. Father Sità has had neither food nor drink for three days and is unable to leave or dispatch anyone.”

Page 5

--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Page 2] [Main Text] to market. — He is threatened with death should he dare to leave. — As Your Excellency can see, it is urgent that energetic measures be taken to put an end to the incidents that have occurred on the island of Hainan; otherwise, we shall regretfully witness disasters that will severely damage the interests of the Portuguese missions on that island. — The Superior of the mission informs me that persecution threatens to spread to all Christian communities on the island unless prompt assistance is dispatched and a firm stance is adopted towards the insurgents. — I therefore request that Your Excellency be pleased to make representations to His Excellency the Viceroy for the measures required in this case, reserving the right, at a later stage and based upon reliable evidence, to claim appropriate compensation for the damages inflicted upon the Portuguese mission on that island. — Finally, I wish to inform Your Excellency that the translation of certain Chinese characters appearing in the margin has been rendered according to the Hainanese dialect. — God preserve Your Excellency. Episcopal Palace, Macau, 26 March 1908. — Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir João Damaso da Costa de Moraes, His Majesty’s Consul General for Portugal in Canton. — Governor of the Diocese, (Signed) Fr. José da Costa Nunes.

[Seals]
[Top right-hand corner] (Circular seal with partially legible inscription: “EPISCOPAL PALACE OF MACAU” and “1908”, featuring a central coat of arms)

[Handwritten marginal annotations]
[Left-hand side, vertical column:] dse:2 5. Consultant Canton to Xuehli of Two Kuangs. (Telegram)

[Archival references]
[Bottom right, below horizontal line:] CHBONG, Viceroy of the Two Kuang Provinces. — The chapel at T'am-Uan in Ching-Chou-Fu is surrounded by the populace and the missionary is confined within. Eight neighbouring villages have risen in revolt, led by several licentiates protected by the Magistrate of Ching-Shan district. The homes of Christians have been forcibly entered and their possessions looted. Seven Christians who fell into the hands of the insurgents were beaten and wounded before being taken to the prefectural authorities at Chiung-Chou, where they remain detained. Sacred objects present in the chapel have been stolen, and a house located immediately behind the chapel has been destroyed. I request that Your Excellency be pleased to issue telegraphic orders to local authorities to suppress the disturbance. I intend to pay you a visit tomorrow to discuss this matter.

Page 6

--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1] [Main Text] and I request that you inform me of the time. I await your reply by telegram.
General Consul of Portugal
MORAES
27 March 1908

Dr. L. Translation.
General Consul of Portugal.

I acknowledge receipt of your telegram. Regarding the matter concerning Catholics in Chiung-chou (Hainan), I have issued telegraphic instructions to the *tântai* [provincial governor or high official] and the prefect to suppress (the populace) with the utmost urgency, to protect (the missionaries and Catholics), to investigate the cause of the disturbance, and to punish the offenders. In response to your request, I shall be pleased to receive you at my Yamen [official residence or administrative office] tomorrow at three o'clock in the afternoon.

[Viceroy’s Seal]

Translation made by
(Ass.) J.V. JORGE

Episcopal Administration of the Diocese of Macau
No. 59

Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir João Manuel da Costa de Moraes, General Consul of Portugal in Canton.

Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir José da Costa Nunes, Governor of the Bishopric.

31 March 1908

[Seals]
Top right: [Circular seal with partially legible text: “CONSULADO GERAL DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO” (“General Consulate of Portugal in Canton”) and date “1908”]
Centre left: [Circular seal with legible text: “CONSULADO GERAL DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO” (“General Consulate of Portugal in Canton”)]

[Marginal annotations]
Left margin: Dr. L from Ntelli de Bris Kungs to Consul in Canton (Telegram) ner (Ass.) J.V. JORGE.

[Signatures]
Centre bottom: [Illegible handwritten signature, possibly “José da Costa Nunes”]

[Archival references]
Footer: General Consulate of Portugal in Canton. No. 62. Prov. 304.

Page 7

--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1] [Main Text] Ecclesiastical Administration of the Diocese of Macau. No. 58.

Most Reverend and Most Excellent Sir,

I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the Superior of the Mission in Hainan, in a letter dated the 28th of this month, stated to me as follows: "I am now about to depart with the Mandarinate to inspect the damage caused to the chapel and to the homes of Christians, for the purpose of determining compensation. Upon my return from visiting the affected localities or persecuted Christian communities, I shall provide Your Excellency with a full account of all that has occurred."

A religious sister recently arrived from Hainan informed me that the situation has now calmed; owing to measures taken by the Magistrate of Qiongzhou at the request of the French Consul on that island. With the assistance of several Chinese soldiers, the missionary who had been held prisoner was released, and order has been restored.

May God preserve Your Excellency.

Episcopal Palace, Macau,
31 March 1908.

Most Reverend and Most Excellent Sir,
João Damaso da Costa de Moraes,
General Consul of Portugal in Canton.

The Governor of the Bishopric,
(signed) Fr. José da Costa Nunes.

Ecclesiastical Administration of the Diocese of Macau. No. 59.

Most Reverend and Most Excellent Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s dispatch dated 28th of this month, accompanied by a copy of the telegraphic instruction sent by His Excellency the Viceroy to the Taotai and Prefect of Hainan, ordering them to take energetic measures to bring an end to the persecution taking place on that island.

According to private information received from a religious sister from Hainan, who arrived in Macau yesterday, order has been restored and the missionary previously held in custody has been released, due to the actions taken by the Magistrate of Qiongzhou.

I express my gratitude to Your Excellency for your effective cooperation in this matter, having promptly undertaken all necessary steps to put an end to the distressing incidents occurring on the island of Hainan.

Your Most Reverend and Most Excellent Excellency,

General Consulate of Portugal in Canton.

No. 62. Proc. 304. Canton.

[Margin Notes]
[On the left-hand side, vertically:]
Doc. 4. From the Governor of the Diocese to the Consul in Canton
Doc. 5. From the Governor of the Diocese to the Consul in Canton
Doc. 6. From the Consul

[Seals]
[Top right corner]: (Circular blue seal with partially legible, but indecipherable text)

[Signatures]
[At the conclusion of the main text, below the signature of the Governor of the Bishopric, there is a handwritten signature in black ink; however, it cannot be transcribed with certainty due to ambiguity.]

[Archival References]
Canton, No. 62. Proc. 304.

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--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1] [Main Text]
2 April 1908.

Illustrious, Excellent and Reverend Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s letters nos. 58 and 59, dated 31 March last, and I thank Your Excellency for the promptness with which you were pleased to transmit to me the news received from Hainan. I was very pleased to learn that Father Situ has been released, and that the grave incidents and uprising in the eight villages, as reported by the Reverend Superior of the Mission, ceased upon the arrival of a contingent of soldiers dispatched by the Mandarinate of King-toa.

I respectfully request that Your Excellency be so kind as to send me all further information received at the earliest possible opportunity, so that I may inform our Minister accordingly and, in consultation with him, seek appropriate indemnification for the losses sustained.

May God preserve Your Illustrious and Excellent Lordship.

Yours faithfully,
Father José da Costa Nunes,
Reverend Governor of the Bishopric of Macau.

The Consul General;
(Signed) João da Costa de Moraes.

[Signatures]

Santo Conformidade and Comunidade Geral de Patyúl.
Invoice date: 11 April 1908.

[Seals]
Centrally positioned below the signature: circular seal with partially legible inscription reading "GOVERNO DA REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA" and "GOVERNADORADO DE MACAU".

[Marginal annotations]
On the left, in a vertical column:
am Cautel
as
Governador do Bispado

On the right, in a vertical column:
8
(written alongside a number)
(written alongside a number)
(written alongside a number)

[Archival references]
Not visible.

Page 9

--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Page 1] [Main Text]
Consulate General of Portugal in Canton. No. 63, Proc. 304.
Canton, 1 April 1908.

Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s telegram of 30 March, instructing: "Report with rigorous accuracy and without exaggeration all current circumstances in Hainan," and I confirm my despatch of yesterday stating: "Information provided by me is a faithful reproduction of the official communication from Macau; if any exaggeration occurred, this has not yet been ascertained. No response has been received to the telegram dispatched to Hainan."

On 27 March, I received an official letter from the Governor of the Bishopric of Macau (which I forwarded to Your Excellency in copy with my previous despatch), and at the same time another official letter from the Governor of Macau, enclosing a copy of the communication he had received—identical in every respect to the letter from the Governor of the Bishopric. In view of this correspondence, I sought information from the French Consul as to whether he had any news regarding these serious events. As no one appeared to have knowledge of what had transpired, I resolved to telegraph the Superior of the Mission at Hoihao for information, and simultaneously telegraphed the Viceroy of Canton requesting urgent measures. The latter complied, sending three telegrams to Hainan containing orders to protect the Missions and Christians, and demanding telegraphic reports.

The French Consul likewise telegraphed his colleague at Hoihao for news, and the British Consul also sent a telegram in the same direction. To date, however, none of the six telegrams dispatched has received any reply. It is said that messages destined for Hainan, due to the poor quality of the indirect telegraphic service, take no less than two days to arrive—sometimes as many as six or more. Hence, the delay should not be considered surprising, particularly when compared to a letter, which may reach its destination in two or three days.

Your Excellency’s telegram instructs me to report with "rigorous accuracy and without exaggeration." I do not believe I have ever reported otherwise during the 26 years I have served in the consular career, and I therefore regret that Your Excellency might suppose otherwise. Whether or not the information received and transmitted contains exaggeration, I cannot say. Even if such were the case, responsibility does not lie with me, since the reports were based on official communications, the veracity of which it is not my place to question.

[Margin notes]
Left-hand margin: From the Crucial Canton to the Minister of E. M.

Page 10

--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1] [Main Text] Given that I have already informed Your Excellency of the occurrence, I also notified the French Consul, since it is France that has been entrusted with the protection of Catholics and Catholic missions throughout China. We do not have in Hainan any Vice-Consul or consular agent who could provide me with information; consequently, I have no means of verifying with strict accuracy what is taking place there. I am therefore obliged to rely on reports received from the Diocesan Government of Macau—reports which, although originating from the mission in Hainan itself, are insufficient for me to assume full responsibility for their veracity.

Should these reports be accurate—and as stated above, I could not judge them otherwise—it was my duty to communicate them immediately to Your Excellency, as I have done, limiting myself to summarising succinctly the contents of the correspondence received.

Given the general political situation in China, particularly in the south, which remains one of latent rebellion, and considering that unrest is evident everywhere, it is highly probable that the population may have risen up against the missionaries over some trivial matter, attacking the mission and destroying whatever they encountered, instigated by the literati—who are invariably the leaders of such disturbances in China—and even protected by certain Mandarins. In China, acts of popular violence against missions or foreigners have almost always occurred with the tacit approval or connivance of local authorities. Your Excellency has recent examples in the boycott against the Japanese, which was permitted and indeed encouraged by the Canton authorities, and in the case of the Viceroy defying the Wai-wu-pu (Foreign Office), under the pretext that the populace opposed the surrender of the *Tatsu Maru*, etc., etc.

The Chinese administration in Canton at present amounts to anarchy, and if this Viceroy remains in office, the situation will deteriorate further each day. He is an elderly man devoid of intelligence and energy, entirely swayed by those around him. The *Tatsu Maru* affair was prejudiced and exacerbated by advice given to the Viceroy by King, the Commissioner of Customs in Canton. Tasked with examining the case and reporting on it, King acted worse than a truly ignorant Chinese official might have done, going so far as to challenge the opinion expressed by the Inspector-General of Customs himself.

[Marginal Notes]
[On the right-hand margin: vertical writing in illegible Chinese characters.]

[Seals]
[No seals visible.]

[Signatures]
[No signatures visible.]

[Archival References]
[No archival references visible.]

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[Page 1] [Main Text]
Sir Robert Hart, who is respected by all, and whom his subordinates ought to respect even more. It is certain that in the case of the *Tatsu Maru*, foreign opinions were divided; however, all those who are acquainted with the facts as they truly stand are on our side. To oppose reason and justice can only result from being misinformed or from one’s interests clouding one’s judgment.

I hereby confirm my telegram dispatched to Your Excellency earlier today, stating:
"Official communication from Macau reports missionary released as consequence of protection afforded by competent authority, requested by French Consul at Hainan. Public order restored = (signed) Consul."

I shall continue to forward to Your Excellency any further information I receive on this matter.

God keep Your Excellency.

Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,
Counsellor Baron de Sendal,
Plenipotentiary Minister of Portugal in Peking,

O. Consul General,
– (signed) J. da Costa de Moraes.

Enclosing the relevant document transmitted via despatch No. 65 from the General Consulate of Portugal in Canton; Process No. 304, Canton, 2 April 1908.

Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,

In addition to my despatch of yesterday, I have the duty to send Your Excellency copies of the communications received from the Governor of Macau (Governor of the Bishop), to which reference was made in my telegram yesterday. I also acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s telegram instructing: "With all possible urgency, adhere strictly to the instructions in my telegram of the day before yesterday regarding Hainan = (signed) Sendal," to which I replied immediately:

"Hainan lies approximately two days’ journey by sampan from here, and the incident occurred three days ago in the interior. In order to report with strict accuracy, it is indispensable to dispatch a trustworthy agent; however, I do not have the necessary funds available. I cannot assume responsibility for the accuracy of information originating from the Mission. I request instructions. = (signed) Control."

Indeed, given that Portugal has no consular agent stationed on the island of Hainan, it becomes extremely difficult to inform Your Excellency with precise accuracy about events occurring there. Although the information received thus far—and upon which I have reported to Your Excellency—has been official in nature, having been communicated through correspondence from the Governor of Macau, it remains, by necessity, a reproduction of the reports originally received by that authority from the Superior of the Mission in Hainan.

[Marginal annotations]
On the left-hand side: "Dec. 8 / From the Chin Office in Canton to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in His Illustrious Lordship’s office in Peking"

[Seals]
Top right: (Circular seal illegible, with partially visible inscription: "GOVERNOR OF MACAU" and "PORTUGAL IN CHINA")

[Signatures]
No signature visible.

[Archival references]
No archival reference visible.

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--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---

[Page 1] [Main Text]

…and although they justify my conduct, they do not seem to me sufficient grounds for me to assume responsibility for them before Your Excellency. I could only take such responsibility upon myself after sending a trusted person to the site of the incidents to carry out an inquiry. For this purpose, it would be necessary for me to be authorised to incur these expenses. To reach Hoihao, the capital of Hainan Island, one must first travel to Hong Kong; from there, take one of the steamers operating on that route, which require at least 24 to 30 hours of navigation. From here to Hong Kong takes eight hours by the barrier steamers. From Hoihao to the site of the incidents, I am told it takes two or three days or more, as it is inland and there are no easy means of transport. As Your Excellency will certainly see in document no. 4 from the Governor of the Bishopric, the Superior of the Mission was preparing to go with a delegate of the civil authority to the location of the incident to assess the damages caused to the Mission and to the Catholics. Will this assessment be made without exaggeration, Your Excellency? It is possible; yet, given its nature, it would be difficult to submit a formal claim to the Chinese authorities without first verifying its accuracy. This is all I deem necessary to bring to Your Excellency’s learned attention for appropriate consideration.

God preserve Your Excellency.

Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,
Baron de Sandal,
Extraordinary Envoy and Plenipotentiary of Portugal in Peking.

V. ol. King.
Consul General,
(signed) J. da Costa de Moraes.

Sent: one copy.

[Main Text continued]

Ecclesiastical Government of the Diocese of Macau, No. 63. Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir:

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s letter dated the 2nd of the current month. As soon as I receive the report from the Reverend Superior of the Hainan Mission, I shall forward it to Your Excellency.

I should inform Your Excellency that, by mistake, two letters dated 31st March last were sent to You on the same subject—one of which was intended for His Excellency the Governor of the Province of Macau.

Episcopal Palace, Macau, 6th April 1908.

Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,
João Damaso da Costa de Moraes,
Consul General of Portugal in Canton.

The Governor of the Bishopric,
(signed) Fr. José da Costa Nunes.

[Margin notes]
[On the left-hand margin, handwritten in black ink]: From 9 Sr. governa do Nepal ou Chin em Canto
[Stamps]
[Not visible – (illegible)]
[Signatures]
[At the end of the main text, following "Pe."]

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[Page 1]
[Main Text]

Consulate General of Portugal in Canton. No. 66. Proc. 304.
Canton, 8 April 1908.

Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s Reverendissimo letter No. 63 of 6 April, in which you were pleased to inform me that of the two letters Nos. 58 and 59 of 31 March, only one was addressed to me, the other being intended for His Excellency the Governor of Macau.

As soon as I received Your Excellency’s communication, I re-examined the two aforementioned letters and observed that, although one was not intended for me, both were nevertheless addressed to me. I therefore accepted them as such. One of the letters served merely as an acknowledgment of receipt, without Your Excellency enclosing the letter received from the Reverend Superior of the Mission; it contained only a summary of statements made by a nun recently arrived from Hainan. The other letter, by contrast, enclosed the correspondence from the Reverend Superior of the Mission. For this reason, I naturally assumed it to be a complement or supplement to the first, particularly as it provided additional official information—which, being formally communicated, carries greater weight. Moreover, it clarified that the measures taken by the Mandarinate had been implemented at the request of the French Consul, a detail which I found especially noteworthy.

May God preserve Your Most Reverend Excellency.

Most Illustrious, Most Excellent, and Most Reverend Sir,
Father José da Costa Nunes, Governor of the Diocese of Macau.

The Consul General,
(signed) J. da Costa de Moraes

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top right corner] [UNCLEAR: best interpretation]

[Seals]
[Top right corner] (Illegible seal)
[Centre, below main text] (Circular seal with legible inscription: "CONSULADO GERAL DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO")

[Signatures]
[At bottom, below main text] Fr.

Page 14

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[Page 1] [Main Text]
Most Illustrious and Excellency Sir,
General Consul of Portugal in Canton,

I have the honour to inform Your Excellency of the distressing events which have recently occurred within the Christian community of Tang-von, which I consider necessary to report for the successful resolution of this matter, as well as for the full redress and satisfaction due to the Mission, to the missionary Father Francisco de Paula Situ, and to the Christians of the said community, following the affront and injury inflicted upon them on 18 March 1908. The principal instigators of the persecution, along with their names and places of residence, are listed in Document No. 1.

In order to quell more swiftly the outbreak of persecution—which threatened to spread to neighbouring Christian communities—I appealed to the French Consulate, requesting that it employ all available means to ensure the immediate restoration of tranquillity. This was done; however, serious reasons now lead me to believe that the said Consulate is not attending to this highly significant matter with the diligence it requires. Therefore, before its inaction compromises our position, I respectfully urge Your Excellency to assume responsibility for this case. After the Portuguese Mission in Hainan, Your Excellency is the direct party concerned, as the dignified representative of the Government of His Most Faithful Majesty, whom God preserve.

I proceed to transcribe below the spurious pretext advanced by the perpetrators in an attempt to justify these unjust and barbarous actions:

“During the 29th year of Kuang-hsu,* the missionary Father Philippe Lau-pour, wishing to prevent disputes arising from discrepancies in the measurement standards used at the Tang-von market, arranged—jointly with the local authorities—for the production of uniform and fair measures, which were then rented out on market days—at a rate of two *cashes* per sao each. All proceeded smoothly until the 33rd year of Kuang-hsu. From that point onward, the heads of the Chinese school, named Zhang Ruijing and Zhang Ruijiu, compelled the Christian in charge of renting out the Mission’s measuring devices to hand over these instruments to them. At the beginning of this year, they returned a portion of the measures; however, the Christian was only able to use them for four days. Thereupon, Zhang Ruijing, director of the school, together with his two brothers, seeking to collect the rental income for themselves to benefit the school, brought false accusations against the Christian before the Sub-Prefect—despite the fact that the measures had been manufactured at the expense of the Mission. (See letter, Document No. 2, addressed to the District Mandarinate. See also Document No. 3: Concession granted to the Mission, signed by the merchants and leading figures of the Tang-von market.)”

---

*Note:* The original text uses "Kuang-si", but this appears to be a transcription error or variant rendering of "Kuang-hsu" (Guāngxù), the reign era of the Qing Emperor Dezong (r. 1875–1908). Given the date of the incident (1908), the reference is almost certainly to the Guangxu era. The translation corrects this based on historical context.

Page 15

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[Page 1] [Main Text]
The surrounding areas. More than four hundred accepted the invitation. On the following day, 18 March in the evening, these same people, all armed, surrounded the market to prevent Christians from escaping. "They violated and looted Christian homes, stole the two horses belonging to the Missionary, and took seven Christians prisoner, three of whom were seriously wounded." Some sought refuge in the chapel with the Missionary. Father Sitú went out, attempting to calm the agitated crowd, but in vain. Later, he wrote to the headmaster of the Chinese school, inviting him to come to the chapel to discuss matters; however, the latter disregarded the invitation entirely, tearing up the letter in the presence of the messenger.

The poor Christians were taken to the Chinese school, where they were deprived of food, subjected to ill-treatment, bound in fetters, and one individual was suspended for several hours. One of the prisoners was a merchant from Hoi-hao who had been present on business; he was robbed of a jade bracelet and 49 Spanish dollars. Two others came from the neighbouring market at Dong-fat-si, and were therefore unconnected to the incident—demonstrating that the persecution is not limited to Christians in the immediate vicinity, but extends to Christians more generally.

According to reports received on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of the current month, the chapel has been surrounded night and day by a large number of non-Christians. The Missionary, under siege, has no means of communication and is deprived of the most basic necessities of life. One Christian was arrested within the courtyard of the chapel. The seven individuals taken prisoner were transferred to Kiung-chou, where they were handed over to the Sub-prefect; they remain incarcerated as of now. No medical attention has been provided. One suffers from a fractured leg, and two others are in a pitiful condition. It was one of the principal instigators of the uprising who accompanied them during their transfer. The Sub-prefect received and escorted them in an unusually courteous manner—contrary to his usual practice—even accompanying them into the courtyard itself, which I witnessed personally.

I venture to hope, Sir, that you will do everything in your power to urge the Chinese authorities to apprehend and punish severely, in accordance with the law, those responsible for instigating this uprising; that the Mission, the Missionary, and the Christian community be compensated for damages sustained; and that additional indemnity be granted should any of the Christians die as a result of their injuries, or if they are rendered unable to work and support themselves, &c., &c.

Second letter. 23 March 1908.

[Marginal Annotations]
[On the right-hand side, vertical column of handwritten characters:] n ei u
[Top right corner:] 77

[Seals]
[Top right:] (Circular seal with partially legible inscription: “.AL DE PORTUGAL EM CHINA”)

[Signatures]
[No visible signature.]

[Archival References]
[No archival reference visible.]

Page 16

--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1] [Main Text]
Sir, I have the honour to inform you that Father Francisco de Paula Sitú has returned today to King-chow. He has provided me with the following information: the detachment of soldiers and subordinates sent by Sub-Prefect King-sane to the market at Tang-von was divided into two groups—four unarmed soldiers were assigned simply to guard the Father, while eight others carried a strict arrest warrant against Christians, which was personally verified by the Father himself. These twelve men first approached the schoolmasters—instigators of this persecution—and in concert with them spread a most serious and dangerous rumour, asserting that the local authorities of King-chow had specifically dispatched them to arrest Christians and forcibly bring the Father to the city. As a result, public agitation has flared once more, and a mob suddenly attacked the chapel, breaking in, tearing up religious images in the Father’s presence, and subjecting him to verbal abuse, threats of death, physical shoving, and blows to the body.

Furthermore, these individuals hurled stones at the chapel roof, causing significant damage to part of the structure. All of this clearly indicates that the Sub-Prefect was fully complicit with the leaders of this uprising.

Sir, I am reliably informed that the troops dispatched by the Taotai turned back halfway to their destination. The seven Christians who were taken prisoner were brought to the local school, where they were subjected to grievous acts of humiliation; among other atrocities, they were forced to ingest their own excrement and endure similar indignities.

The merchant from Hoi-hao whom I previously mentioned to you is now in imminent danger of losing his life. The Sub-Prefect, seeking to eliminate him, sent for me with instructions to hand the man over. I deemed it prudent not to comply.

Once again, Sir, I earnestly urge you to request that the Chinese authorities apprehend the principal instigators of this disturbance. I should also wish, if I can be granted an escort, to depart the day after tomorrow in order to personally verify the extent of the damage and to reassure the Christian community. Most of the chief perpetrators are currently residing here, while others remain at large in Hoi-hao, openly mocking us whenever we encounter them.

I beg to remain, Sir, your most obedient servant.

Third letter, 25 March 1908.
To the French Consul.

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 23rd of the current month.

[Margin Notes]
[Top right]: [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] (illegible mark)

[Stamps]
[Top right]: [SEAL: "EMBAIXADA DE PORTUGAL EM CHINA" ("Portuguese Embassy in China"), with date "28"] (Circular seal with legible text and partially visible date)

[Signatures]
[Bottom, centred]: [SIGNATURE: "M."]

Page 17

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[Page 1] [Main Text]
Hier je suis allé au Consulat, je regrette infiniment de n'avoir pu vous parler. Le Sous-préfet m'a envoyé appeler plusieurs fois, je n'ai accédé à son désir. Plus tard ayant appris qu'un des chrétiens prisonniers était en danger de mort, je suis allé à la prison. Le Mandarine profita de l'occasion pour me rencontrer. Il voulait me remettre les chrétiens; je fis quelques objections, que je ne pouvais les recevoir sans en avoir fait part au Consulat. Il me répondit qu'il pouvait disposer de ses prisonniers à son gré, que si je ne voulais pas les recevoir, il les mettait en liberté! Une demi-heure plus tard son secrétaire et son interprète accompagnèrent les sept chrétiens chez moi, chargeant son secrétaire de me dire, que le Mandarine prenait la responsabilité de faire rembourser les dépenses faites, et en cas de mort ou que les blessés grièvement soient dans l'impossibilité de gagner leur vie, d'obliger les coupables à payer une indemnité. Ce matin j'ai accompagné les blessés au dispensaire, où M. le docteur Heitre les a examiné et pris note de tout. M. le Taotai vient de me prévenir que le Sous-préfet se rendra sur les lieux demain. Les dépositions faites par les soldats du Taotai sont en contradiction avec celles faites par les soldats du Sous-préfet. Les soldats du Taotai confirment que les émeutiers ont causé beaucoup de dégâts. (voir lettre du Taotai Doc. No. 4). Le Missionnaire et tous les chrétiens de l'endroit sont partis ce matin accompagnés par quatre soldats. Daignez, &c. &c.

No dia 29 de Março (27 da 2ª lua) partimos eu e o Delegado do Taotai com destino à dita christiandade de Tang-vun a fim de examinar pessoalmente os estragos feitos na capella e nas casas dos christãos. Chegamos no mesmo dia às 6 horas da tarde e em acto contínuo fomos à capella: — à entrada, na 1ª casa que serve de residência ao Missionário, encontrei tudo na maior desordem: ornatos em seda e papel rasgados e feitos rodelas pelo chão; uma imagem com moldura de pau preto, um relógio de sala desapareceram, a mobília partida e os taboados de dois quartos despeçados e a madeira espalhada pelo chão; na 2ª casa, que é a capella, vi, com horror, o altar por terra e ao pé deste três imagens rasgadas, vidro e molduras tudo partido; os castiçais, flores, um lustre, via-sacra, toalhas do altar, o frontal do mesmo e uma cortina de seda, tudo quebrado, rasgado, destruído;

[Margin Notes]
No marginal annotations visible.

[Stamps]
[Circular blue seal, top right corner, with partially legible inscription: "CONSULADO GERAL DA REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA EM PEQUIM" and "CHINA"]

[Signatures]
No signatures visible.

[Archival References]
No archival references visible.

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--- TRANSLATION INTO MODERN UK ACADEMIC ENGLISH ---

[Page 1] [Main Text]
Yesterday I went to the Consulate; I deeply regret not having been able to speak with you. The Sub-prefect sent for me several times, but I did not comply with his request. Later, upon learning that one of the imprisoned Christians was in danger of death, I went to the prison. The Mandarin took advantage of the opportunity to meet with me. He wished to hand over the Christians to me; I raised certain objections, stating that I could not accept them without first informing the Consulate. He replied that he had full authority over his prisoners and that, should I refuse to receive them, he would release them himself. Half an hour later, his secretary and interpreter brought the seven Christians to my residence, instructing the secretary to inform me that the Mandarin assumed responsibility for reimbursing any expenses incurred, and furthermore, in the event of death or if the injured were seriously wounded and unable to earn a livelihood, he would compel the perpetrators to pay compensation. This morning I accompanied the injured to the dispensary, where Dr Heitre examined them and recorded all details. Mr Taotai has just informed me that the Sub-prefect will visit the site tomorrow. The testimonies provided by the Taotai’s soldiers contradict those given by the Sub-prefect’s soldiers. The Taotai’s troops confirm that the rioters caused extensive damage. (See letter from the Taotai, Doc. No. 4.) The missionary and all the local Christians departed this morning, escorted by four soldiers. I remain, respectfully, &c. &c.

On 29 March (27th day of the 2nd lunar month), I departed together with the Taotai’s delegate for the aforementioned Christian community of Tang-vun, in order to personally inspect the damage inflicted upon the chapel and the homes of the Christians. We arrived on the same day at six o’clock in the evening and proceeded immediately to the chapel. Upon entering, in the first building—which serves as the missionary’s residence—I found everything in utter disorder: silk and paper vestments torn and scattered in pieces across the floor; an image with a black wooden frame and a parlour clock had disappeared; furniture was smashed, and the floorboards of two rooms had been pried apart, with the wood strewn about the ground. In the second building, which is the chapel, I witnessed, to my horror, the altar lying overturned, and beside it three torn religious images, with broken glass and shattered frames; candlesticks, flowers, a chandelier, the Stations of the Cross, altar cloths, the altar frontal, and a silk curtain—all broken, torn, and utterly destroyed.

[Margin Notes]
No marginal annotations visible.

[Stamps]
[Circular blue seal, top right corner, with partially legible inscription: “Consulate General of the Portuguese Republic in Peking” and “China”]

[Signatures]
No signatures visible.

[Archival References]
No archival references visible.

Page 18

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[Page 1] [Main Text]

The vestments have disappeared and the chapel roof is completely riddled with holes! We proceeded to the third and final house, where we found the door leading to the rear forcibly broken open and lying on the ground. From there, we went on to examine the houses of the Christians and ascertained that only two had been robbed; their roofs were damaged, and furniture, ornaments, clothing, sitting-room items such as lamps, etc., kitchenware, etc.—all had been broken, torn, and destroyed. Returning to the city, I wrote to the Taotaes, informing him of all that I had witnessed (see Letter No. 5). I asked the Missionary when the heathens had caused such extensive damage to the chapel; he replied that part occurred at the very beginning, when they broke down the door, and part on the 20th or 21st day of the second lunar month, when he departed accompanied by four soldiers and the remaining Christians, bound for the city. Upon my return (on the 24th of the lunar month), I learned that on the morning of the 22nd day of the second lunar month, twenty soldiers from the Taotae arrived and found the chapel already in the condition in which you have just seen it.

I enclose further correspondence, designated as No. 6, exchanged with the local authorities—some letters requesting immediate action, others gently pressing the matter. I place full trust and deposit all matters into Your Excellency’s hands, confident that through your esteemed intercession I shall obtain complete redress for all sacrilegious injuries committed against the Holy Images, the chapel, and the Catholic faith, as well as for all insults directed at the Missionary—who was besieged for three days without food or water—and for all the hardships, sufferings, and losses endured by the Christians. Finally, I entreat Your Excellency to be so kind as to secure from His Excellency the Viceroy that the guilty parties be severely punished and compelled to pay compensation of at least $300,000 réis. Should any further explanation be required, I beg you to kindly write. May God preserve Your Excellency.

Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,
General Consul of Portugal in Canton.

Kiung-chow, 4 April 1908.
Superior of the Mission,
(signed) Fr. Manuel Maria Marques

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