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Report about Li Hong Zhang

Resource type
Title
Report about Li Hong Zhang
Abstract
This diplomatic report, dated August 10, 1900, was issued by Joaquim Almeida Castelo Branco, Counselor of the Portuguese Consulate in Canton (Guangzhou), and addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon. It provides a firsthand account of the political situation in southern China during the Boxer Rebellion, with particular emphasis on the role of Li Hongzhang, the influential Qing statesman and Viceroy of the Two Kwangs (Guangdong and Guangxi). At the time, Li was seen as a stabilizing force amid widespread anti-foreign unrest sweeping northern China. The report details his diminished authority following the 1898 coup against the Guangxu Emperor, his strategic retreat to Canton, and his efforts to maintain order through military readiness, including reliance on the Black Flag Army. Notably, it recounts his aborted attempt to travel to Shanghai aboard an American warship—an initiative discouraged by foreign diplomatic authorities—and his eventual departure from Canton, which precipitated significant anxiety among both foreign residents and local elites. The document underscores the rapid deterioration of stability following his exit: European communities initiated evacuations, commercial activities declined sharply, and public order weakened under the interim viceroy, referred to as "Se," who lacked sufficient authority and military support to govern effectively. The report offers critical insights into foreign diplomatic perceptions of Qing regional governance, the fragility of political control during periods of national crisis, and the complex interplay between local power structures and international interests.
Date
Agosto 1900
Language
pt-PT
Short Title
Report about Li Hong Zhang
Archive
Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Loc. in Archive
Caixa 574
Call Number
S16.E24.P12.-87279
Link
Notes

Transcription

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_001 ===

Transcription:
CONSULADO
DE
PORTUGAL
EM
CANTÃO
N.º. 10
A

106
Cantão 11 de agosto de 1900.

110
15-2400

S. E. Sr.

Tenho a honra de informar a
V. Ex.ª que o novo encarregado da Legação,
o juiz de Direito, D. Magalhães me officiou
para que eu fosse conferenciar com elle
sobre a crise na China.

Cheguei a Macau a 6 à tarde, e no
dia 7 de manhã regressei a Cantão.

Aquelle funcionario pedio-me, além
das informações que lhe dei, que escrevesse
se um pequeno relatório a respeito da
politica de Li Hung Chang, e do seu suc---
cessor nos dois Kiangs, a fim de o apre---
sentar a V. Ex.ª o Ministro na China, que
e' esperado hoje em Hongkong.

Nos dias 8 e 9 fiz aquelle trabalho que
lhe enviei hontem, 10, e que tenho
a honra de enviar tambem a V. Ex.ª
bem como, por transcripção, o officio
de remessa, em que me refiro ao
officio da Legação, datado do 8, que
confirma o pedido verbal feito, e em
que me são pedidos também alguns
esclarecimentos sobre as forças de terra

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_002 ===

Transcription:
[ILLEGIBLE]

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_003 ===

Transcription:
alfarismos que preciso, e depois, por
escrito ou verbalmente, terei a hon---
ra de me apresentar a N.º S. com o
que tiver a dizer sobre o assunto.
Deus guarde, etc.

Deus Guarde a N.º S.

Ilmo. e Exmo. Sr. Ministro e Secretario d'Estado
do Negocio Estrangeiro.

Joquim Almeida Castelo Branco
conselheiro

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_004 ===

Transcription:
CONSULADO
DE
PORTUGAL
EM
CANTÃO

Cantão 10 de agosto de 1900.

Relatório sobre Cantão

L. Hung Chang e o V. Rei interino do Canto,
Política d'uma e Santos.

Tranquilidade em Cantão.
Ouça, probabilidades d'uma
revolução imediata.

Os "Bopes", no S. de China.
Os "Bandeirantes Negros".
Missionários.
Defesa de Hainan.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_005 ===

Transcription:
CONSULADO
DE
PORTUGAL
EM
CANTÃO

Cantao de __________ de 190 .

Li-Hung Chang ao Vice-Rei interino de Cantão
Politica Suma e Soutros.

Li-Hung Chang tem sido considerado pelos
estrangeiros o único homem d'Estado
que tem algum valor na China, e a
forma porque foi recebido na Europa
ha tres annos, e a significação do Japão
para elle ir aceitar as condições
da paz, depois da ultima guerra,
creio que o comprovaram. Se que
sem elle não ha negociações pos---
siveis entre a China e os Potencias.

Contudo a sua influencia poli---
tica começou a declinar, depois
do golpe d'Estado de setembro de 1888,
a ponto de procurar retirar-se
da politica activa, logo que viu que as
exigencias do partido da Imperatriz
iam além. So limites que elle causi
serava perigosos para a conservação
da dynastia, sendo então mandado,
como Vice Rei, para Cantão, a pretexto
de reprimir qualquer tentativa de
revolta contra a Imperatriz. E isso com
pensou-se, porque se era conveniente
te tel-o afastado da corte, para que
se mais offensiva a corrente dominante

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_006 ===

Transcription:
que appoiava a sepulcão do actual
fim, era se boa política nos ali---
minar o seu nome. Da lista
daquelles que, na hora do perigo,
estariam ao lado do throno.
Para isso não houve declinçãos
que a imperatriz lhe não concedesse
depois. Sua ma ainda para Cantor
inclusive os honras de parente
da família imperial.
A revolução que devia rebu---
tar em setembro do corrente
anno, foi precipitada pelo aconte---
cimento. Sua ultima recusava
se mais, em Paoingfu, e Li Hung
Chang que, como grande reformista
moderado, era contrario a' revolu---
ção, certamente por conhecer as
forças. Se que a China e as Poten---
cias dispõem, mostrava nõs
sua importância aos dos tur---
bios. So N. esperando talvez que
a marcha da revolta, determi---
nasse o throno ou os estan---
feiros a chamarem---o como
mediador.
Como não o chamasssem, deci---
diu-se a ir, como tal, por sua

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_007 ===

Transcription:
[ILLEGIBLE]

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_008 ===

Transcription:
a actividade e energia que as
circunstancias exigiam, mas
que a sua lequipitude não
permittia.
No entanto elle e o outro
Vice Rei iam fazendo meios
mias ao thesouro, conservando-se
ni uma attitude---quando a estr
lebri e os botereios, peseando o
tempo que o revolucionario ganhovar
em enformar as suas fileiras.
Li Hung Chang ia, aleu d'inc
levantando corpo de tropas, cau
prando armamento, reforçando
as guarnições dos fortes, ao mes
mo tempo que confiava o com
mando superior das suas força
ao chefe dos "Bandeirinhas Negras", o
conhecido inimigo do europeu,
dizendo apenas que taos preparati
de guerra eram para defender
Cantão, sem accrescentar qual
era o inimigo que receiava.
Nos poucos mezes, que antevé das
penhando o cargo de Vice Rei dos
Dois Kwanngs, mostrou Li Hung Cha
uma severidade notavel, mas

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_009 ===

Transcription:
Consulado
de
PORTUGAL
em
CANTÃO

Cantão de __________ de 190 .

Sendo o specitor em Cantão para
cima de 3.000 pessoas, applicando
a pena de morte aos crimes
mais malignos.

Para se avaliar a sua direcção
politica, e como elle julgava dever
seguir o partido do mais forte,
basta lembrar o que se passou
a' sua sahida de Cantão.

Havia tempo que elle pensava, ou
lhe fora lembrado, que seria sahir
de Cantão a bordo d'um navio
de guerra americano, pelo que
veio para aqui a cambonreira
"Princeton," a fim de o conduzir
a Shanghai.

Claro está que tal politica
não convinha a' diplomacia,
que procurou diminuillo. Sino,
conseguindo por fim, passados alguns
semanas, que L. Ching-Chap, depois
de adiar um nem numero de
vezes a sua partida, apresentasse
consul americano, apresentando a
prescindido do serviço da corte
meia, pois resolvia definitivamente
ficar em Cantão. A Princeton, posto
e no dia imediato o Vice-Rei

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_010 ===

Transcription:
aumentava a sua partida para
Shanghai a bordo d'um navio
mercante de bandeira inglesa.
O corpo consular declarou
ante, que procuraria chegar até
Pekin, para salvar os prisioneiros
europeus, e restabelecer a paz com
as Potências; mas que antes
d'isso conferenciaria com os ou
tros Vicereis para procederem de
comum acordo, no canto
de que até então os estrangeiros
seriam protegidos em Cantão.
Em Hangkow foi recebido com
todos os honras devidos ao seu
elevado cargo, consequência tal
vez da forma força sabida de
Cantão; mas, em Shanghai nem
os consulados o receberam, nem
aceitaram o convite para o jantar
que o Saotai lhes oferecera, na
que se esperava que L'Kung Chau
assistisse.
Ali naufragou a sua missão,
por circunstâncias a que a falta
de tempo me não deixa referir.
Quando se soube que L'Kung
Chau ia partir de Cantão ninguém

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_011 ===

Transcription:
occultou ao receio de que a sua
fem publica fosse attacada, pois
era opiniao geral, tanto entre os
europeus, como entre os chineses,
que o governador "Ta", que o ficava
substituindo, não tinha força
nem energia para manter
a tranquilidade que havia em
Cantão, caso fôssemos acercaça
da sua consequência do reverso,
soffrida pelas tropas estrangeiras
em Siuetin, e que tanta força
moral leva aos descontentes
de S. Os europeus, sem faltam,
preparavam-se para a luta im---
portante armamento, alguns
enviados faziam retirar os seus
materiais separados, pelo pa---
râncio, outros requisitavam
carboneiros, e todos, mesmo
mais pahis de Cantão os seus
lheos e creanças, dos mais res---
pectivos nacionalidades.
Já na ultima semana de
julho, e ainda Li Heng Chang
estava em Cantão, ninguém du---
vidava que a concessão fosse
attacada, se bem que todos, contudo

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_012 ===

Transcription:
que o Vice Rei suffocaria qualquer
tentativa de revolta. De facto, com
o systema de terras postos por este
em pratica, Thamseem não foi
atacado, e todos se convenceram
então que emfrento elle aqui até
nem podiam n' actuações, esta
decisão, que nada de anor
mal aconteceria.

Os negociantes chineses, ricos, e
as direcções dos hospitais, e mas
estabelecimentos de benificencia
fizeram abaixo asipar a
Littlengchang pedindo-lhe que
ficasse, pois ninguém duvidava
que logo que elle sahisse, começasse
aqui a revolta.

Em fim o Vice-Rei partio, os
poucos senhores europeus, que
ainda havia em Thamseem
sahiram para Macau e Hongkong,
o creado europeu, abandonou
vam as casas onde serviam
grande numero de chineses.
ricos retiravam de Cantão, e
os negociantes chineses recusava
se a receber os mercadores
que importavam da Europa

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_013 ===

Transcription:
CONSULADO
DE
PORTUGAL
EM
CANTÃO

Cantao de __________ de 190

e da America, teus em firme,
exceção de Cantão de 24 man---
das para Hongkong, por falta
de segurança em Shanghau.

No entanto o Vice Rei interino
"Se", que estava no Tóto, se meios
estabelecer a tranquilidade dos
interesses, insistindo que não
tinha razão de ser o pânico
que começava a manifestar---
se, e que o seu fim político era
fazer todo o possível para que a
guerra se limitasse ao N., para o
que procuraria evitar que no S.
se fizesse qualquer passo que pre---
parasse a quebra de relações
com os representantes estrangeiros.

Effectivamente elle tem conseg---
uido manter a ordem, se bem
que os esforços continuaram sem
resultado, convencidos que os acor---
damentos do N. se forem evita---
dos aos estrangeiros, podem deter
minar no S. um movimento
revolucionário que o Vice Rei inte---
rino não poderá reprimir,
já que por ser um homem obscuro
sem a energia precisa na sua

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_014 ===

Transcription:
momento de perigo, já porque
as minas tropas não precisaram
te aquellas que o estrangeiro
apra necessárias, por saberem que
elas, estão descontentes, por
falta de pagamento, pelo que
alguns soldados começaram
a desertar, sem que "Tê" os pos
se contar.

Tranquilidade em Cantão;
bouco, probabilidades d'uma
revolução imediata.

Em Cantão não tem havido alte
rações na ordem publica até
hoje, devido certamente ás me
didas de rigor de Li Hung Chang,
e que o Vice-Rei interino "Tê" tem
deliberado manter, comprando
lhe falta a energia do seu antec
essor. Assim no tempo de
Li Hung Chang, um chinês que se
encontrasse um empregado
do hospital, fez ameaça de
lhe cortar a cabeça, foi preso
imediatamente, e decapitado
inseguida; um acto que

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_015 ===

Transcription:
com alguns amigos, discutia politica n'uma loja, e que dizia meo meu entusiasmo que seria bom incendiar Flamengo, por poso e suppor a morte apocotona da jaiolo.
Agora como o Vice Rei inte- rino já se recusou a alçar-se não tivemos de abandonar os seus postos, por falta de segurança no interior da Província, já se fallo aberto- mente nas ruas da cidade contra os estrangeiros, o que bem mostra que estes não se enganavam quando diziam ter pouca confiança na sua fidelidade ao governador Te.
Mas circunstancias actuais fazem que nos formos pôr a rebentar a revolução em Cantão.
Ou pela população das ruas, a que se lhe juntaria parte da força armada constituída pelos milícias, ou tropas irregulares, dependendo da fidelidade dos outros forças, e poder ser suffocada em ato, duvidou.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_016 ===

Transcription:
eu acredito que actualmente seja alterada a ordem publica pa este meio.
Ou então dirigida clara ou occultamente pelo mar Sancio, e m'esto caro Terencio, de se o principio, as tropas regulares contra nós, e o ataque a Chameen e' certo.
No entanto eu devo dizer que não me parece muito provavel, que tal facto se de fôr ora, por estar convencido que os mandarins nada fez não m'ere sentido em quanto ao acontecimento do N. Mo, não indicarem o caminho que tem a seguir, em honra mia com a conveniencia que para ello resultará de se porem um mes em guerra com o mundo civilisado.
Se a guerra se limita ao N. ainda os mandarins s'agui posso alimentar a esperança de salvar o I., e m'ere caro o que lhes convem e' reprimir qualquer tentativa revolucionaria.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_017 ===

Transcription:
Cantão de ______ de 190 .

CONSULADO
DE
PORTUGAL
EM
CANTÃO

Te os campeões, que as
potencias hão de exigir a' china
pelo agravos recebidos, em especial
as províncias do S. em
se as províncias do "yang tze", se
levantarem, e' natural que
a revolta seja muito geral, ten---
do a guerra consequencias
immediatas.

Por agora parece me que os
municipios de Cantão, e os
mercantes a quem mais con---
vem a paz, tem a força
precisa para conter as mas---
sas populares, tanto mais
que o movimento não po---
derá ser geral, porque os caute---
mentes, embora apoiem
o ideal dos "Boces," não aju---
dariam com eles, que no N.
estão considerados como ini---
migos n meticas, os Cantões
que ali se dedicavam ao
commercio, e cujo numero
e' representado por algumas
milharos.

Por isso creio que, enquanto
não for possível o ataque a uma

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_018 ===

Transcription:
ou outra missão. So, estabeleçido no 1. mas haverá qui revelar cas alguma, por ora, de cha nacta tão serio que fora a refe tir-se em Macau.

A dar-se, ao se sara como consequencia do acontecimento do N., e primo dentro de uma espaço de tempo mais ou menos longo.

No entanto devo lembrar que os ministros em Pekin foram colhidos de surpresa pelo acontecimento do fim de maio, e que Sir Robert Hart, pelo que os jornais disseram, escreveu, dias antes, do avançamento do ministro alemão, a uma camara de comuna rio (acrio que a do Shanghai) dizendo que a revolta do N. não tinha importância.

E os homens de Taula se periciam ne informaram, mais facil é que eu tam bem me suponha me previsto que faço.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_019 ===

Transcription:
Os "Bopers", no S. da China.

Em mão mei mesmo S. da China
ha "Bopers". propriamente dito,
não o; membro, da sociedade
secreta d'quella mane, mas,
creio que sim. O que e' certo
e'que em Cantão ha muias
ntos, sociedades, secretas, que
a historia nos ensina que
quando ha grande, revolução
na China, todas as sociedades,
secretas, se unem e ligam
para o mesmo fim, quando
este é contra a dynastia rei---
nante, ou contra os estrangeiros
e indígenas, convictos ao
christianismo; e assim me
cêem mais uma vez por
ocasião da revolta do "Taiping",
E'por natural que ainda
Sento nç as sociedades secretas,
compranto independente, mas,
dos outros em tempo de paz,
se liguem em tempo de guerra,
manif. Tanto, se sob o nome
generico de "Bopers", por ser este
o que domina a mitura.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_020 ===

Transcription:
- e que dirige o movimento revolucionario.
Sabe-se que o principio
de associaçao se seguido na
China como uma direito
e uma dever, e que o fialor,
o nacio, o municipio, e em
final todo o documento,
tem andado sempre apénia
os, obedecendo a uma dis---
ciplina mais rigorosa que
a das tropas regulares, e que os
proprio soldados, todo filiados
a uma ou a outra asso---
ciaçao de classe, facilmente
fazem as suas armas, ao
serviço d'uma sociedade,
que lhes retribuem com o
auxilio economico---507
multidão.
E por isso, a historia o diz
que a situação se torna grave
todo, a vezes, que ha altercações
da ordem publica, visto as
tropas fraternizarem sempre
com a população, que tem
tudo a ganhar e nada a
perder com qualquer revolução.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_021 ===

Transcription:
CONSULADO
DE
PORTUGAL
EM
CANTÃO

Cantão de __________ de 190 .

Os "Bandeiras Negras"

Tem-se falado muito a respeito destes tropas, como se os bandeiras negras que vivem fossem bandidos por cujo se terminar, que levam a todo o parte o terror e a morte; e muitos escritores as tem referido a ellas, tentando provar que o seu prestígio é tal que quaisquer forças, inimigas que lhes não sejam afectos ao tem o recurso de fugir quando vejam flutuar o seu pano bre estandarte. Mas eu creio que tudo isso não passa de phanteria de quem tal tem escrito, e que os próprios chefes meyos as consideram como estando em igualdade de circunstancias, ou, em outros tropas regulares.

Todos sabem que o seu chefe Liú, era o capitão, Seum bando de piratas, atrevido e valente, e que durante a guerra no Tuntin combateu ao lado da tropa.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_022 ===

Transcription:
chineses, foi o mais terrível inimigo do francezo, a quem fez soffrer serios revéses, já por ser um habil general, já pela disciplina que mantinha nas suas tropas, o que me foi confirmado por um official de marinha franceza que fez aquella campanha, e que hoje comanda a corveta "Comete".
Receitando cuidadosamente os seus homens, dando-lhes as maiores metas modernas, pagando-lhes regularmente, e mantendo-os sob uma disciplina de ferro, constituiu um corpo de tropas capaz de luctar com forças iguais, europeias.
Por outro lado, elle, o chefe, fazendo uso d'uma tactica nova, preparando habilmente as emboscadas, e seus movimentos, ganhou muitos justiçicos partigio, que lhe facilitou depois desbaratar, por varias vezes, os piratas de Kuang-ti, mas que se opuseram quasi

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_023 ===

Transcription:
for completo na Tarracosa,
quando ali combatera contra
os japoneses, no ultimo freno.
Hoje estou um homem velho,
mas lhe restam 10. 600 anos por
saber glorios, sendo o mesmo
que ainda o tenho entre os
chineses, mas com valor para
os estrangeiros.
Diz-se que Li Hung Chang o
mandou regir por terra
para Pekin com 10. 000 ho
mens, o que elle ne receveu
cumprir, sem dispo os 20. 000,
que lhe não foram dados, pelo
que continuava em Cantão,
como general em chefe dos
tropas chinesas, mas não dos
tartaros.
Ha dois dias que mandou
embarcar em juncos de
guerra, uns 3. 000 ou 4. 000
homens, que se conservam
defronte de Shamen, sem que
se conheca qual o destino
que iam tomar, mas que se
diz agora se vão para Manchúria
para onde Lin deve também partir muito
[ILLEGIBLE]

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_024 ===

Transcription:
Missionários

Falar do Missionário, ao correr da penas, como agora estou fazendo, é ha tanto deli---
cado, por me não ser pos---
sível detiver a zona as mi---
nhas circunstancias, que rodeiam
a vida. Aquella, propagação
da Fé na China. Porque se o
podesse fazer, talvez justificar
a minha maneira de ver
a respeito de serem eles um
dos factores, que determina---
ram o actual estado de cous---
as procurando crear partidos e
conveniências pessoais, com---
merciaes, e politicas, de pre---
ferencia ao cumprimento
da sua santa Missão, que
deveria em toda de paz,
ter contribuido para que
não de guerra, e a peior
das guerras, a religiosa, co---
mo pela maior parte se
considerava a revolução
actual.
Mas como não entrou a

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_025 ===

Transcription:
CONSULADO
DE
PORTUGAL
EM
CANTÃO

Cantão de __________ de 190 .

descrever os causos da crise
que determinaram entre os
três cursos, a perseguições aos
christãos, eu direi apenas que
pela maior parte, os mesmos
mais usam e abusam dos
direitos garantidos pelos Tratados,
obrigando os mandarins a
fazer uma justiça que deve
sempre estar em harmonia
com as leis e a consciência,
pois não ha reclamação
que o missionário faça,
perante os mandarins, a
favor dos chineses, que se digam
christãos, que não deva ser
resolvida a favor d'estes, no
caso, para tal conseguirem
propositam os ministros,
por alguns dias, continuam
no depósito a ser tão buskirts,
ou poltêitos como eram
dantes, tendo os missionários
obtido, além dos alfaneques,
para as suas estatísticas,
multinúmeras conveniências,
fenoas, prestígio entre os me---
nos populares, mas ne im-

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_026 ===

Transcription:
portando com o odio dos
mansionarios, que em tempo
de paz pouco podem fazer
contra ellas, mas que agora
lançam tudo de todos
os meios para manterem
a sua inquação, instigam
as multitudes contra todos
os missionarios, e mais
christo, do que tem revelado
seus abominaveis mas
sacres em que tanto justo
tem pago pelo que muito
outros tem feito.
Como não tenho tempo
para exemplificar e justificar
o meu modo de ver o
respeito da questao religiosa
na China, só acrescento
nei agora que com o que
acima dito, não pretendo
mentir no contrario
do minhas, ou os mis---
sionarios, mas me
apertar onde se podem
ir procurar os abusos
que tem havido.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_027 ===

Transcription:
Defesa do Shamoon

A ilhota artificial do Shamoon
e que tem sensivelmente a for---
ma elyptica, esta separada da
cidade chinesa por um canal
que a acompanha em todo
o seu comprimento, e que
tem um kilometro para
mais ou menos de extensão.

A muralha da ilhota, ea
do lado da cidade, não tem
perfeito, e estão ao mesmo
nivel; deforma que o canal
sempre cheio de "sampases"
e qua com mais uns 30
juncos, pequenos, de guerra,
que para ali vieram a titulo
de protegerem a concerto,
pode nel facilmente atravessar
em qualquer ponto logo que
aqueles barcos se desloquem
para servirem de pontes, que
sendo tantas quantos os chi---
neses quizerem, e que lhes per---
mite fazer um ataque si---
multaneo a uma extensão
de quasi um kilometro.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_028 ===

Transcription:
e se o plano d'attaque for bem feito e bem executado, o que é pouco provável, ninguém pode evitar que os chineses, incendiariam a concessão, e matassem ao residente, que não poderiam chegar a muralha que fica do lado do rio, e paralella ao canal, porque entre os chineses, e as canhoneiras que estão no porto se mettem de primeiro os repis sencias, dos estrangeiros, o que inutiliza o uso da artilharia de bordo, que só pode servir para bombardear a cidade e os fortos do porto.
Como chamam, então, pois, defensavel, organizarem se um plano chamado de "protocóp", e que se reneu em desembarcarem os marinheiros, dos canho meiros, e auxiliares pelo rio luntain, tentarem opor-se a invasão dos chineses, alegue

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_029 ===

Transcription:
13.
161

Cantão de ________ de 190 .

CONSULADO
DE
PORTUGAL
EM
CANTÃO

os nossos combatentes, teriam
tempo de recolher a bordo
de qualquer navio que esteja
no porto, caminho que será
forçoso depois seguido pelos
que constituírem a linha
de fogo, devendo então as
cannonerias, bombardear
a ribeira e os portos do porto,
ou seguir rio abaixo para
fazerem calar os fortalezas,
que ha até a' Bocca Sepin, a
fim do residentes, porem
em algum navio, se o
houver, ou em lanchas, passar
até além do ultimos, fortes
(Bocca Sepin, a 40 milhas de
Cantão) pela frente, ou por
detraz dos fortalezas, segundo
as circunstancias.

E' natural que seja isto o
caminho a seguir, pois que
a respeito de defensar Chauco
os technicos, não pensam
n'isto, por tal defesa ser
impossivel, sendo opiniao
unida que a tal linha
de fogo que se pretende a

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_030 ===

Transcription:
estabelecer nos chegara a for
mar se, porque me recordo
os attaques tos procurando
embarcar inmediatamente
sem querer saber de nenhuma
masa, como e' dito hoje
sem rebuço, por quantos
os estrangeiros, em Skamene.
A dita cunha que sobre
o armamento houve nos
jornais de Houphouy esta
me a fortuna e justifica
as minhas palavras.
Muitos pensam que o
perigo cerca para os que
embarcarem, mas isso
e' um erro, porque todo
o porto esta sob as lateres
do porto, que o rodeiam
e que estao armados com
artilheia moderna.

Consulado de Portugal em
Cantão 10 agosto 1800.

Joaquim Antonio Carlos Cunha
consul geral

Translation

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_001 ===

Consulate
of
Portugal
in
Canton
No. 10

106
Canton, 11 August 1900

110
15-2400

Your Excellency,

I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the new Chargé d'Affaires of the Legation, Judge Don Magalhães, communicated with me, requesting a meeting to discuss the current crisis in China.

I arrived in Macau on the evening of the 6th and returned to Canton on the morning of the 7th.

In addition to the information I provided him, the said official requested that I prepare a brief report on the political conduct of Li Hung Chang and of his successor in the Two Kiangs, for submission to Your Excellency, the Minister in China, who is expected to arrive in Hong Kong today.

On the 8th and 9th I completed this work, which I dispatched to him yesterday, the 10th, and which I now have the honour to forward also to Your Excellency. Enclosed herewith, by way of transcription, is the covering letter of transmission, in which I refer to the Legation’s communication dated the 8th, confirming the verbal request made, and in which certain clarifications are likewise sought regarding the land forces.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_002 ===

Translation:

The text provided is illegible and cannot be translated.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_003 ===

Alfarismos that I require, and thereafter, whether in writing or verbally, I shall have the honour of presenting to N.º S. anything I may have to report on this matter.
God preserve, etc.

God preserve N.º S.

Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir, Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,

Joquim Almeida Castelo Branco
Counsellor

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_004 ===

Translation:

Consulate
of
Portugal
in
Canton

Canton, 10 August 1900.

Report on Canton

Li Hung-chang and the Acting Viceroy of Canton;
the policies of the one and the sanctity of the other.

Canton remains tranquil.
Assessment of the likelihood of an immediate revolution.

The "Boxers" in southern China.
The "Black Flags".
Missionaries.
Defence of Hainan.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_005 ===

Consulate
of
Portugal
in
Canton

Canton, ________ 190_.

Li-Hung-Chang to the Acting Viceroy of Canton,
on Supreme Politics and Other Matters.

Li-Hung-Chang has been regarded by foreigners as the only statesman of any real worth in China. The manner in which he was received in Europe three years ago, and Japan’s willingness to negotiate peace terms with him following the most recent war, I believe, have confirmed this view. Indeed, it is widely thought that without him no negotiations between China and the Powers are possible.

Nevertheless, his political influence began to wane after the coup d’état of September 1888, to such an extent that he sought to withdraw from active politics as soon as he perceived that the demands of the Empress Dowager’s faction extended beyond those limits which he deemed dangerous for the preservation of the dynasty. He was then appointed Viceroy of Canton, ostensibly to suppress any attempts at revolt against the Empress Dowager. This, it was believed, was done because while it was convenient to keep him away from court, it was also necessary to prevent him from becoming more openly opposed to the dominant faction.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_006 ===

The question of supporting the burial of the current matter hinged on whether it was sound policy to align oneself with him. This related to inclusion on the list of those who, in times of danger, would stand by the throne. From that point onward, the Empress granted him no refusals. Her Majesty even extended to Kang Youwei the honours due to a member of the imperial family.

The revolution, which had been expected to break out in September of the current year, was accelerated by these events. The Emperor, then residing at Baodingfu, continued to refuse compliance. Li Hongzhang, as a leading moderate reformer opposed to revolution—certainly owing to his awareness of the military forces available to both China and the foreign powers—demonstrated to the turbulent factions the weight of his position. He may have hoped that the progress of the uprising would prompt either the throne or the provincial authorities to summon him as mediator.

When no such summons came, he resolved to act independently in that capacity.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_007 ===

[ILLEGIBLE]

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_008 ===

The activity and energy required by the circumstances were evident, but his composure would not allow for decisive action. Nevertheless, he and the other Viceroy continued to make ever-greater demands on the treasury, adopting an attitude of观望—while the revolutionary took advantage of the delay to organise his forces.

Meanwhile, Li Hung-chang was raising troops, purchasing arms, and reinforcing the garrisons of the forts, while at the same time entrusting supreme command of his forces to the leader of the "Black Flags," the notorious enemy of the Europeans, stating merely that these military preparations were intended for the defence of Canton, without specifying which enemy he feared.

In the few months preceding his appointment as Viceroy of the Two Kwang, Li Hung-chang displayed remarkable severity, yet

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_009 ===

Translation:

Consulate
of
PORTUGAL
in
CANTON

Canton, ___ of 190_.

The population of Canton exceeded 3,000, with the death penalty imposed for the most serious crimes.

To judge its political orientation, and to understand how it was thought he ought to align himself with the stronger party, it suffices to recall what occurred upon his departure from Canton.

It had long been suggested—either by his own consideration or on advice—that he should leave Canton aboard an American warship; accordingly, the gunboat "Princeton" arrived here with the purpose of conveying him to Shanghai.

Clearly, such a course was diplomatically inappropriate, and attempts were made to dissuade him. Eventually, after several weeks and repeated postponements of his departure by L. Ching-Chap, he presented himself to the American consul, declaring that he had renounced the services of the court and had resolved definitively to remain in Canton. The Princeton, however, departed the following day, shortly after the Viceroy’s arrival.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_010 ===

His departure for Shanghai aboard a British-flagged merchant vessel was delayed. The consular body had previously declared its intention to proceed to Peking in order to secure the release of European captives and restore peace with the Powers. However, before taking this step, it intended to hold consultations with other Viceroys so that all might act in concert, while ensuring in the meantime that foreigners would continue to be protected in Canton.

At Hankou he was received with all the honours due to his high office—perhaps as a consequence of the firm stance adopted in Canton. In Shanghai, however, the consulates neither received him nor accepted the invitation to the dinner hosted by the Taotai, at which Li Hung-chang's attendance had been expected.

There his mission foundered, due to circumstances which time does not permit me to detail. When news spread that Li Hung-chang was about to leave Canton, no one

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_011 ===

There was growing concern that the foreign community might come under attack, as it was widely believed—both among Europeans and Chinese—that Governor "Ta", who had remained in office as a temporary replacement, lacked the strength and resolve to maintain order in Canton. This apprehension intensified following news of the reverse suffered by foreign troops at Siuetin, an event which significantly emboldened dissident elements in the region. Europeans were clearly preparing for hostilities: substantial quantities of arms were being gathered, some envoys were evacuating their families and possessions by river, others were securing supplies of coal, and nearly all—even those previously most unwilling—were sending their wives and children out of Canton, irrespective of nationality.

By the last week of July, even while Li Heng Chang was still present in Canton, observers were in no doubt that the foreign concession would be attacked, though all parties continued to hope otherwise.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_012 ===

The Viceroy would suppress any attempt at rebellion. Indeed, given the land system he had implemented, Thamseem was not attacked, and all became convinced that even if they confronted him directly, they could take no effective action—this conviction ensured that no disturbances occurred.

The wealthy Chinese merchants, together with the directors of hospitals and other charitable institutions, jointly submitted a petition to Li Hongzhang, urging him to remain, as there was no doubt that upon his departure, revolt would immediately break out in the region.

Eventually, the Viceroy departed. The few European residents still present in Thamseem left for Macau and Hong Kong. European staff abandoned the households in which they had been employed, and a large number of wealthy Chinese withdrew from Canton. Moreover, Chinese merchants refused to receive traders bringing in goods from Europe.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_013 ===

Consulate
of
Portugal
in
Canton

Canton, ___ of 190_,

and from America, yours faithfully,
except for the Canton mail of the 24th, which was diverted to Hong Kong owing to
insecurity in Shanghai.

However, the acting Viceroy "Se", who was at Tóto, employed all available measures
to restore calm with regard to commercial interests, insisting that there was no justification
for the growing panic,
and declaring that his political aim was to do everything possible to confine the conflict to the North; to this end, he would strive to prevent any action in the South that might
provoke a rupture of relations
with foreign representatives.

Indeed, he has succeeded in maintaining order, although efforts elsewhere have continued without success. It is believed that if the agreements reached in the North are imposed upon foreigners, this could
trigger a revolutionary movement in the South which the acting Viceroy
would be unable to suppress,
given that he is an inconspicuous figure lacking the necessary vigour for such a task.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_014 ===

There is a moment of danger, partly because my troops do not include those forces which the foreigner considers necessary, knowing that they are discontented owing to arrears of pay, with the result that some soldiers have begun to desert, making it impossible to rely upon their numbers.

Canton remains tranquil; however, there are few indications of an imminent revolution.

In Canton, there have been no disturbances of public order up to the present, undoubtedly due to the strict measures enforced by Li Hung-chang, which the acting Viceroy "Tê" has decided to maintain, despite lacking the energy of his predecessor. For instance, during Li Hung-chang’s tenure, when a Chinese man employed at a hospital threatened to cut off someone’s head, he was immediately arrested and promptly decapitated—a measure that exemplifies the severity applied at the time.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_015 ===

Translation:

I was discussing politics with some acquaintances at a shop, and in the course of conversation, carried away by enthusiasm, I remarked that it would be good to set fire to Flamengo and imagined the apocalyptic downfall of jaiolo.

Now that the interim Viceroy has already declined to assume office, we have been compelled to abandon our posts due to growing insecurity within the Province. Open hostility toward foreigners has already surfaced in the city streets, which clearly indicates that those who expressed little confidence in their loyalty to Governor Te were not mistaken.

However, the present circumstances lead us to consider instigating revolution in Cantão—either through the urban populace, who would be joined by elements of the armed forces consisting of militias or irregular troops, or depending on the allegiance of other military units, though there remains uncertainty as to whether such an uprising could be swiftly suppressed.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_016 ===

Translation:

I am of the opinion that public order might presently be disturbed through this medium, or else openly or covertly directed by Mar Sancio. In this connection, Terencio, I am convinced that the deployment of regular troops against us, and an attack upon Chameen, is inevitable.

Nevertheless, I must say it appears to me highly improbable that such an event will occur immediately, as I am persuaded the mandarins have done nothing to indicate, in my view, the course they intend to pursue. They have not revealed the path they mean to take, nor considered the consequences for myself, or the disadvantages that would arise from engaging in war with the civilised world for even one month.

If the conflict remains confined to N., then the mandarins might still cherish the hope of saving I., and in my judgment, what best serves their interests is to suppress any revolutionary attempt.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_017 ===

Canton, ______ 190.

CONSULATE
OF
PORTUGAL
IN
CANTON

The indemnities which the Powers will demand from China for the injuries sustained, particularly in the provinces along the Yangtze, are likely to provoke widespread revolt should those provinces rise up, and war would ensue with immediate consequences.

At present, it seems to me that the municipal authorities in Canton and the merchants who have the most to gain from peace possess sufficient strength to restrain popular unrest. This is all the more probable because the movement cannot become general: although moderates may sympathise with the Boxers’ ideals, they would not actively support them. In the North, the people of Canton engaged in trade are regarded as enemies of the movement, and their number is estimated in the several thousands.

For this reason, I believe that, as long as it is not possible to launch an attack on a

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_018 ===

Or another mission. Thus established on the 1st, yet certain matters must now be disclosed concerning an event of such gravity that action in Macau would become necessary.

Should this occur, it will follow as a consequence of the incident at N., likely after a longer or shorter interval.

However, I must recall that the ministers in Peking were taken by surprise by the affair at the end of May, and that Sir Robert Hart—according to press reports—wrote only days before the German minister’s démarche to a chamber of commerce (I believe that of Shanghai), stating that the revolt at N. was of no significance.

And had those in Taula been better informed, it would be easier for me to suppose that I too might have foreseen what I now report.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_019 ===

The ‘Bopers’ in South China.

In southern China proper, there are no ‘Bopers’ as such—certainly not members of a secret society by that name. Yet I believe they do exist in effect, if not in name. What is certain is that in Canton there are very many secret societies. History shows that whenever a major revolution occurs in China, all such societies unite and combine forces toward the same end, particularly when that end is directed against the reigning dynasty or against foreigners and native converts to Christianity. This was clearly evident once again during the Taiping Rebellion. It is therefore natural that, although these secret societies act independently of one another in times of peace, they coalesce in times of war. Often, they do so under the generic designation of ‘Bopers’, since this is the term most commonly used in popular parlance.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_020 ===

It is well established that the principle of association, observed in China as both a right and a duty, has ensured that the family, the clan, the municipality, and ultimately the entire community, have always acted in unison, bound by a discipline stricter than that of regular troops. Soldiers themselves, nearly all belonging to one or another class association, readily place their arms at the service of a society which sustains them economically.

This explains why history demonstrates that public disturbances rapidly assume a serious character, given that the troops invariably fraternise with the populace—a people who stand to gain everything and lose nothing from any revolution.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_021 ===

Translation:

Consulate
of
Portugal
in
Canton

Canton, ________ 190_.

The "Black Flags"

Much has been said concerning these troops, as though the Black Flags still in existence were mere bandits whose sole purpose was destruction, spreading terror and death wherever they went. Numerous writers have spoken of them, seeking to show that their reputation is so formidable that any opposing forces not sympathetic to them would take flight at the mere sight of their black banner waving in the distance. Yet I believe all this to be nothing more than fantasy on the part of those who have written thus, and that even the foremost military commanders regard them as no more effective, or at best equal, to other regular troops.

It is well known that their leader, Liu, was formerly captain of a band of pirates—daring and courageous—and that during the war in Tonkin he fought alongside government forces.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_022 ===

The Chinese proved to be the most formidable adversaries of the French, inflicting serious setbacks—not merely because they were led by a capable general, but also owing to the strict discipline maintained within their ranks. This was confirmed to me by a French naval officer who participated in the campaign and now commands the corvette "Comète".

By diligently attending to the welfare of his troops, arming them with the most modern weapons available, ensuring regular payment, and enforcing iron discipline, he succeeded in forming a military force capable of effectively engaging European troops of equal strength.

Furthermore, the commander himself, employing innovative tactics, skilfully laid ambushes and coordinated troop movements, winning over numerous local partisan bands. This support enabled him on several occasions to defeat the pirates of Kuang-ti, although these same partisans later came close to opposing him.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_023 ===

I completed my service in Tarracosa, where I had fought against the Japanese in the previous campaign. Today I am an old man, yet still have ten thousand years of glory ahead—just as I continue to be held in high regard among the Chinese, and am now likewise esteemed by foreigners.

It is said that Li Hung-chang ordered him to march overland to Peking with 10,000 men, a task he was unable to fulfil, having never received the promised 20,000 troops. As a result, he remained in Canton as commander-in-chief of the Chinese forces, though not of the Tartar troops.

Two days ago, he dispatched some 3,000 to 4,000 men to board war junks. These forces are currently stationed off Shamen, and their intended destination remains unknown. However, it is now reported that they are bound for Manchuria, to which Lin is also expected to depart very [ILLEGIBLE]

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_024 ===

Translation:

Missionaries

To speak of the missionary question offhand, as I am doing now, is a particularly delicate matter, since I cannot confine myself solely to circumstances affecting my own experience—namely, the propagation of the Faith in China. Were I able to do so, I might perhaps justify my view of missionaries as one of the factors that contributed to the present state of affairs: having fostered factions and advanced personal, commercial, and political interests, rather than fulfilling their sacred mission. That mission, which above all ought to have been one of peace, might otherwise have helped prevent not only war, but the worst kind of war—the religious war with which the present revolution was widely associated.

But since it did not enter into my purpose

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_025 ===

Translation:

Consulate
of
Portugal
in
Canton

Canton, ___ of 190_.

To describe the causes of the crisis which arose among the three Powers—the persecutions directed against Christians—I shall simply state that, for the most part, they have increasingly asserted and overused the rights guaranteed by the Treaties, compelling the mandarins to administer a form of justice that must always remain consistent with the laws and their conscience. For there is no claim brought by a missionary before the mandarins on behalf of individuals declaring themselves to be Christians that should not be decided in favour of those individuals. To ensure this outcome, the missionaries expect that officials, even if only for a short time, continue to be treated as harshly—or as leniently—as they were before. The missionaries have obtained, in addition to customs exemptions for their statistical records, numerous privileges, favours, and a position of influence among the lower classes, but not without provoking resentment among the general population.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_026 ===

Carrying with them the hatred of the mansionarii—who in times of peace can do little against them, but who now resort to every possible means to uphold their injustices—they incite the populace against all missionaries and, more broadly, against Christ Himself, whose abominable secrets they claim have been revealed—secrets for which many an innocent person has suffered on account of the actions of others.

As I have no time to elaborate upon or justify my views regarding the religious question in China, I merely add that, by what I have stated above, I do not intend to defend either myself or the missionaries; rather, I seek only to indicate where one might look to find the abuses that have occurred.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_027 ===

The artificial islet of Shamoon, roughly elliptical in shape, is separated from the Chinese city by a channel running along its entire length, approximately one kilometre in extent.

The wall on the side of the islet facing the city is neither complete nor continuous, and stands at the same level as the surrounding ground; thus, the channel—permanently filled with sampans and some thirty small war junks stationed there to protect the settlement—can easily be crossed at any point once those vessels are positioned to serve as bridges. Given that the number of boats is sufficient to accommodate any force the Chinese may deploy, this arrangement permits a simultaneous assault across a front of nearly one kilometre.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_028 ===

If the attack plan were well devised and effectively executed—which is unlikely—there would still be nothing to prevent the Chinese from setting fire to the concession and killing the residents. They would not be able to reach the city wall along the riverside, which runs parallel to the canal, since between the Chinese forces and the gunboats stationed in the port lie the foreign settlements. This positioning renders naval artillery ineffective, as it can only be used to bombard the city and the port fortifications.

How, then, can the position be considered defensible? A plan has been proposed, referred to as "protocóp", whereby sailors, gunners, and auxiliaries would assemble and land along the Luntai River with the aim of resisting a Chinese invasion.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_029 ===

Translation:

The Canton of ________ of 190.

CONSULATE
OF
PORTUGAL
IN
CANTON

our combatants would have time to re-embark on any vessel present in the port—a course that those forming the line of fire would subsequently be compelled to follow. The gunboats should then bombard the riverside and port areas, or proceed downstream to silence the fortresses as far as Bocca Tigris, while the residents meanwhile transfer, either aboard a ship if available or by launches, passing beyond the last forts (Bocca Tigris, 40 miles from Canton), either ahead of or behind the fortifications, depending on the circumstances.

It is reasonable to expect that this will be the course adopted, since, with regard to the defence of Chauco, technical experts do not consider it feasible, such a defence being deemed impossible. There is unanimous agreement that the proposed line of fire cannot be maintained.

=== Doc.11 Relatorio sobre Li Hongzhang_page_030 ===

It has come to my attention that there is an intention to establish a military force; I recall immediately the attacks which were attempted in efforts to board vessels, and I wish to have no involvement with whatever associations foreigners may form, as is now openly discussed by many in Skamene. The aforementioned matter concerning armaments was reported in the newspapers of Houphouët and serves to confirm my position and substantiate my statements. Many believe that danger attends those who embark, but this is a misconception; indeed, the entire port lies under the protection of its surrounding fortifications, which are equipped with modern artillery.

Consulate of Portugal in Canton,
10 August 1800.

Joaquim António Carlos Cunha,
Consul General

Citation
Report about Li Hong Zhang (Caixa 574). (1900). Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros. https://ribacau.com/docs/LiHongZhang
Primary Sources