Conspiracy in Canton

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Transcription

Page 1

**[Pagina 194]** **[Cabeçalho e Referências]** [No topo, à direita] Cantão 9 novembro 1895 194 [No topo, à esquerda - Impresso] CONSULADO DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO [Manuscrito abaixo do impresso] N.º 6 A [No topo, ao centro - Anotações de arquivo] [Grande rubrica ou marca de arquivo, possivelmente "C"] 110 28-1-96 [Abaixo da data, à direita] Ill.mo Ex.mo Sr. **[Anotações marginais]** [Margem esquerda, ao lado do primeiro parágrafo] Conspiração em Cantão **[Texto Principal]** Tenho a honra de levar ao conhecimento de V. Ex.ª o officio confidencial que em 28 do mez findo dirigi a S. Ex.ª o Governador de Macau, a respeito da conspiração descoberta em Cantão, e do que eu pensava n’aquelle dia a tal res- peito, e que os factos confirmaram. Devendo agora accrescentar ma- is o seguinte: A canhoneira ingleza Pigmy chegou a Cantão no dia 30, e ain- da aqui se conserva. Tem continuado a ser presos muitos chinezes, tendo sido al- guns já decapitados, como sen- do os mais influentes na con- spiração.

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saber qual o fim da revolta, nem quaes os chefes; dizendo-se que ella tem relação com a revolta dos ma- hometanos do norte; quanto a mim, conservo a manter a opinião que expuz n’aquelle officio. O numero dos conspiradores que vi telegrammas d’aqui expedidos dizem ser de 60.000, na minha opinião é muito exagerado. A cidade continua com tranquilidade, havendo muitos roubos, é verdade, mas commettidos pelos soldados que chegam da guarnição, e que refor- mados não encontram trabalho, e pelos que vieram da Formosa depois dos japonezes occuparem aquella ilha.

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[Transcription failed: commentary detected]

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" Tenho a honra de informar a V. Exa. " o seguinte, que acabo de saber: " As autoridades chinesas apre- " henderam ontem e hoje em " diferentes pontos da cidade, grande " número de caixas com espin- " gardas, munições e bombas de " dinamite. Sabe-se que uma re- " volta estava ou está para rebentar, " sem que eu possa informar " o fim que ela tem em vista.

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'de 500 chineses suspeitos, dizendo que "iam para Hong Kong. A passagem deles já estava paga (por quem, não sei), mas eles não embarcaram; foram presos uns 10, e os outros desapareceram. – O cônsul inglês acaba de requisitar uma canho- neira. – Como se não sabe de onde foram introduzidas as armas e munições apreendidas, suspeita-se que a conspiração tenha sido tramada em Hong Kong ou Macau. – Rogo, pois, a V. Ex.

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CONSULADO DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO "fallecido ante-hontem á noite. "fôra envenenado, ao que talvez não "sejam estranhos os muitos ini- "migos que creou com o ter or- "denado que as casas de jogo fechassem. "O Vice-Rei assume hoje o seu logar "e o de Governador da cidade. "Contra quem é a revolta, não "se sabe, e se ella terá abortado "com a apprehensão das armas, "também não é possivel con- "jecturar-se; mas pelo que os "mandarins dizem (talvez "exageradamente pelo susto de que "a revolta é contra elles) deve "ser cousa grave se a revolução "não tiver ficado suffocada.

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" relacionar-se com Macau ou Hong Kong " Até aqui o que se sabe de origem fi- " dedigna, e que só é sabido por nós, " os cônsules, autoridades chinesas " e alguns, poucos, negociantes; porque " o que corre na cidade é apenas a " notícia de que ia rebentar uma " revolução, incendiar Shamien, " e outros boatos sem importância. " Agora a minha opinião. " A revolta devia visar o Governador " foi causa das casas de jogo. Morto " ele, envenenado ou não, e apre- " hendidas as armas, não julgo os " chineses capazes de sustentar a re- " volta depois de se lhes descobrir a " pista do plano; considero-a, pois, " sufocada.

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**[Texto Principal]** "mas receio, sim, a sombra, como o fazem "as sociedades secretas; e o terror das "autoridades chinesas vem de se supporem "ellas o alvo da revolução, e não po- "derem contar com a força armada. "Eu não dou a este assumpto a im- "portancia que os outros cônsules lhe "dão; mas isto é apenas a minha opinião, "que pode ser infelizmente contrariada "pelos factos. Do que houver eu telegraphe- "rei a V. Ex.a, rogando ainda se digne "prevenir-me de qualquer circumstan- "cia que a policia de Macau encontre "de extraordinario na população chi- "neza, para eu aqui melhor salva- "guardar os interesses da colónia "que me está confiada." Deus Guarde a V. Ex.a. **[Assinaturas e Destinatário]** Ill.mo e Ex.mo Sr.

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**[Texto Principal]** "mas negócio, sim, à sombra, como o fazem as sociedades secretas; e o terror das autoridades chinesas vem de se suporem elas o alvo da revolução, e não po- derem contar com a força armada. Eu não dou a este assunto a im- portância que os outros cônsules lhe dão; mas isto é apenas a minha opinião, que pode ser infelizmente contrariada pelos factos. Do que houver eu telegraphe- rei a V. Ex.ª, rogando ainda se digne prevenir-me de qualquer circunstân- cia que a polícia de Macau encontre de extraordinário na população chi- nesa, para eu aqui melhor salva- guardar os interesses da colónia que me está confiada." Deus Guarde a V. Ex.ª. Ill.º e Ex.º Sr.

Translation

Page 1

**[Page 194]**
**[Header and Archival References]**
[Top right] Canton, 9 November 1895 — 194
[Top left — printed] PORTUGUESE CONSULATE IN CANTON
[Manuscript beneath the printed heading] No. 6 A
[Top centre — archival annotations] [Large archival stamp or mark, possibly ‘C’] 110 28-1-96
[Below the date, right-aligned] To His Excellency the Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir

**[Marginal Annotations]**
[Left margin, adjacent to first paragraph] Conspiracy in Canton

**[Main Text]**
I have the honour to bring to Your Excellency’s attention the confidential despatch which I addressed on the 28th of last month to His Excellency the Governor of Macau concerning the conspiracy recently uncovered in Canton, together with my assessment of the matter at that time—a judgment subsequently borne out by subsequent developments.

I now wish to add the following:
The British gunboat *Pigmy* arrived in Canton on 30 November and remains stationed there.
Arrests of Chinese subjects have continued apace; several individuals—identified as the most influential figures implicated in the conspiracy—have already been executed by decapitation.

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to ascertain the aims of the revolt, nor to identify its leaders; it is alleged that the uprising bears some connection to the rebellion of the Muslims in the north. As for my own view, I maintain the position set out in my earlier dispatch. The number of conspirators cited in telegrams despatched from here is stated to be 60,000; in my judgement, this figure is greatly exaggerated. The city remains calm, though thefts are frequent—true enough—but these are largely perpetrated by soldiers recently arrived from the garrison, many of whom, having been demobilised, find themselves unemployed, and by personnel who fled Formosa following the Japanese occupation of that island.

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I have the honour to inform Your Excellency of the following, which I have just learned:

Chinese authorities seized, yesterday and today, at various locations across the city, a large number of crates containing spring-guns (*espingardas*), ammunition, and dynamite bombs. It is understood that an insurrection—either imminent or already underway—is about to break out, though I am unable to ascertain its precise objectives.

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Of 500 suspected Chinese individuals, it was reported that they ‘were bound for Hong Kong’. Their passage had already been paid for (though the identity of the payer remains unknown); however, they did not embark. Approximately ten were arrested, while the remainder disappeared.
— The British consul has just requisitioned a gunboat.
— As the source of the seized weapons and ammunition remains unidentified, suspicion falls upon Hong Kong or Macau as the likely locations where the conspiracy was hatched.
— I therefore respectfully request Your Excellency’s…

Page 5

Portuguese Consulate in Canton:
“He died the night before last.
He had apparently been poisoned—a possibility not wholly unexpected, given the numerous enemies he had made by ordering the closure of gambling houses.
The Viceroy assumes his office today, as well as that of Governor of the city.
The target of the revolt remains unknown; nor can it be determined whether the uprising has already failed following the seizure of arms. Nevertheless, according to reports from the mandarins—possibly exaggerated owing to their fear that the revolt is directed against them—the situation must be serious unless the revolution has already been decisively suppressed.”

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‘Relating to Macau or Hong Kong.’ Up to this point, the only information we possess of reliable origin—and known solely to ourselves, the consuls, Chinese authorities, and a very few merchants—is that circulating within the city consists merely of rumour: reports that a revolution was imminent, that Shamien would be set ablaze, and other trivial and unsubstantiated reports.

Now, my assessment:
The uprising was evidently directed against the Governor, and its proximate cause was the gambling houses. Should he have been killed—whether by poison or otherwise—and should the weapons have been seized, I do not consider the Chinese insurgents capable of sustaining the revolt once the outlines of their plan were uncovered. I therefore judge the insurrection to have been effectively suppressed.

Page 7

**[Main Text]**
‘But I do indeed fear the shadow—just as “secret societies” do—and the Chinese authorities’ apprehension arises from their belief that they themselves are the revolution’s target, and from their inability to rely upon armed force. I do not attach to this matter the importance that other consuls accord it; yet this is merely my own view, which may, regrettably, be contradicted by subsequent events. Should anything occur, I shall telegraph Your Excellency immediately; and I respectfully request that You also inform me of any circumstance which the Macau police may deem extraordinary in the Chinese population, so that I may more effectively safeguard the interests of the colony entrusted to my charge.’
God preserve Your Excellency.

**[Signatures and Addressee]**
The Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir

Page 8

**[Main Text]**
‘But this matter is indeed being conducted covertly—much as secret societies operate—and the anxiety felt by the Chinese authorities arises from their belief that they themselves are the revolution’s intended target, coupled with their inability to rely upon armed force. I do not assign to this issue the degree of importance attributed to it by other consuls; however, this remains merely my personal assessment—one which, regrettably, may yet be contradicted by subsequent developments. Should any significant developments occur, I shall telegraph Your Excellency without delay. I further respectfully request that You inform me of any unusual circumstances observed by the Macau police within the Chinese population, so that I may more effectively safeguard the interests of the colony entrusted to my charge.’

May God preserve Your Excellency.

Your Illustrious and Excellent Sir

Transcription

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**[Pagina 194]** **[Cabeçalho e Referências]** [No topo, à direita] Cantão 9 novembro 1895 194 [No topo, à esquerda - Impresso] CONSULADO DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO [Manuscrito abaixo do impresso] N.º 6 A [No topo, ao centro - Anotações de arquivo] [Grande rubrica ou marca de arquivo, possivelmente "C"] 110 28-1-96 [Abaixo da data, à direita] Ill.mo Ex.mo Sr. **[Anotações marginais]** [Margem esquerda, ao lado do primeiro parágrafo] Conspiração em Cantão **[Texto Principal]** Tenho a honra de levar ao conhecimento de V. Ex.ª o officio confidencial que em 28 do mez findo dirigi a S. Ex.ª o Governador de Macau, a respeito da conspiração descoberta em Cantão, e do que eu pensava n’aquelle dia a tal res- peito, e que os factos confirmaram. Devendo agora accrescentar ma- is o seguinte: A canhoneira ingleza Pigmy chegou a Cantão no dia 30, e ain- da aqui se conserva. Tem continuado a ser presos muitos chinezes, tendo sido al- guns já decapitados, como sen- do os mais influentes na con- spiração.

Page 2

saber qual o fim da revolta, nem quaes os chefes; dizendo-se que ella tem relação com a revolta dos ma- hometanos do norte; quanto a mim, conservo a manter a opinião que expuz n’aquelle officio. O numero dos conspiradores que vi telegrammas d’aqui expedidos dizem ser de 60.000, na minha opinião é muito exagerado. A cidade continua com tranquilidade, havendo muitos roubos, é verdade, mas commettidos pelos soldados que chegam da guarnição, e que refor- mados não encontram trabalho, e pelos que vieram da Formosa depois dos japonezes occuparem aquella ilha.

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[Transcription failed: commentary detected]

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" Tenho a honra de informar a V. Exa. " o seguinte, que acabo de saber: " As autoridades chinesas apre- " henderam ontem e hoje em " diferentes pontos da cidade, grande " número de caixas com espin- " gardas, munições e bombas de " dinamite. Sabe-se que uma re- " volta estava ou está para rebentar, " sem que eu possa informar " o fim que ela tem em vista.

Page 5

'de 500 chineses suspeitos, dizendo que "iam para Hong Kong. A passagem deles já estava paga (por quem, não sei), mas eles não embarcaram; foram presos uns 10, e os outros desapareceram. – O cônsul inglês acaba de requisitar uma canho- neira. – Como se não sabe de onde foram introduzidas as armas e munições apreendidas, suspeita-se que a conspiração tenha sido tramada em Hong Kong ou Macau. – Rogo, pois, a V. Ex.

Page 6

CONSULADO DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO "fallecido ante-hontem á noite. "fôra envenenado, ao que talvez não "sejam estranhos os muitos ini- "migos que creou com o ter or- "denado que as casas de jogo fechassem. "O Vice-Rei assume hoje o seu logar "e o de Governador da cidade. "Contra quem é a revolta, não "se sabe, e se ella terá abortado "com a apprehensão das armas, "também não é possivel con- "jecturar-se; mas pelo que os "mandarins dizem (talvez "exageradamente pelo susto de que "a revolta é contra elles) deve "ser cousa grave se a revolução "não tiver ficado suffocada.

Page 7

" relacionar-se com Macau ou Hong Kong " Até aqui o que se sabe de origem fi- " dedigna, e que só é sabido por nós, " os cônsules, autoridades chinesas " e alguns, poucos, negociantes; porque " o que corre na cidade é apenas a " notícia de que ia rebentar uma " revolução, incendiar Shamien, " e outros boatos sem importância. " Agora a minha opinião. " A revolta devia visar o Governador " foi causa das casas de jogo. Morto " ele, envenenado ou não, e apre- " hendidas as armas, não julgo os " chineses capazes de sustentar a re- " volta depois de se lhes descobrir a " pista do plano; considero-a, pois, " sufocada.

Page 8

**[Texto Principal]** "mas receio, sim, a sombra, como o fazem "as sociedades secretas; e o terror das "autoridades chinesas vem de se supporem "ellas o alvo da revolução, e não po- "derem contar com a força armada. "Eu não dou a este assumpto a im- "portancia que os outros cônsules lhe "dão; mas isto é apenas a minha opinião, "que pode ser infelizmente contrariada "pelos factos. Do que houver eu telegraphe- "rei a V. Ex.a, rogando ainda se digne "prevenir-me de qualquer circumstan- "cia que a policia de Macau encontre "de extraordinario na população chi- "neza, para eu aqui melhor salva- "guardar os interesses da colónia "que me está confiada." Deus Guarde a V. Ex.a. **[Assinaturas e Destinatário]** Ill.mo e Ex.mo Sr.

Translation

Page 1

**[Page 194]**
**[Header and Archival References]**
[Top right] Canton, 9 November 1895 — 194
[Top left — printed] PORTUGUESE CONSULATE IN CANTON
[Manuscript beneath the printed heading] No. 6 A
[Top centre — archival annotations] [Large archival stamp or mark, possibly ‘C’] 110 28-1-96
[Below the date, right-aligned] To His Excellency the Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir

**[Marginal Annotations]**
[Left margin, adjacent to first paragraph] Conspiracy in Canton

**[Main Text]**
I have the honour to bring to Your Excellency’s attention the confidential despatch which I addressed on the 28th of last month to His Excellency the Governor of Macau concerning the conspiracy recently uncovered in Canton, together with my assessment of the matter at that time—a judgment subsequently borne out by subsequent developments.

I now wish to add the following:
The British gunboat *Pigmy* arrived in Canton on 30 November and remains stationed there.
Arrests of Chinese subjects have continued apace; several individuals—identified as the most influential figures implicated in the conspiracy—have already been executed by decapitation.

Page 2

to ascertain the aims of the revolt, nor to identify its leaders; it is alleged that the uprising bears some connection to the rebellion of the Muslims in the north. As for my own view, I maintain the position set out in my earlier dispatch. The number of conspirators cited in telegrams despatched from here is stated to be 60,000; in my judgement, this figure is greatly exaggerated. The city remains calm, though thefts are frequent—true enough—but these are largely perpetrated by soldiers recently arrived from the garrison, many of whom, having been demobilised, find themselves unemployed, and by personnel who fled Formosa following the Japanese occupation of that island.

Page 4

I have the honour to inform Your Excellency of the following, which I have just learned:

Chinese authorities seized, yesterday and today, at various locations across the city, a large number of crates containing spring-guns (*espingardas*), ammunition, and dynamite bombs. It is understood that an insurrection—either imminent or already underway—is about to break out, though I am unable to ascertain its precise objectives.

Page 5

Of 500 suspected Chinese individuals, it was reported that they ‘were bound for Hong Kong’. Their passage had already been paid for (though the identity of the payer remains unknown); however, they did not embark. Approximately ten were arrested, while the remainder disappeared.
— The British consul has just requisitioned a gunboat.
— As the source of the seized weapons and ammunition remains unidentified, suspicion falls upon Hong Kong or Macau as the likely locations where the conspiracy was hatched.
— I therefore respectfully request Your Excellency’s…

Page 6

Portuguese Consulate in Canton:
“He died the night before last.
He had apparently been poisoned—a possibility not wholly unexpected, given the numerous enemies he had made by ordering the closure of gambling houses.
The Viceroy assumes his office today, as well as that of Governor of the city.
The target of the revolt remains unknown; nor can it be determined whether the uprising has already failed following the seizure of arms. Nevertheless, according to reports from the mandarins—possibly exaggerated owing to their fear that the revolt is directed against them—the situation must be serious unless the revolution has already been decisively suppressed.”

Page 7

‘Relating to Macau or Hong Kong.’ Up to this point, the only information we possess of reliable origin—and known solely to ourselves, the consuls, Chinese authorities, and a very few merchants—is that circulating within the city consists merely of rumour: reports that a revolution was imminent, that Shamien would be set ablaze, and other trivial and unsubstantiated reports.

Now, my assessment:
The uprising was evidently directed against the Governor, and its proximate cause was the gambling houses. Should he have been killed—whether by poison or otherwise—and should the weapons have been seized, I do not consider the Chinese insurgents capable of sustaining the revolt once the outlines of their plan were uncovered. I therefore judge the insurrection to have been effectively suppressed.

Page 8

**[Main Text]**
‘But I do indeed fear the shadow—just as “secret societies” do—and the Chinese authorities’ apprehension arises from their belief that they themselves are the revolution’s target, and from their inability to rely upon armed force. I do not attach to this matter the importance that other consuls accord it; yet this is merely my own view, which may, regrettably, be contradicted by subsequent events. Should anything occur, I shall telegraph Your Excellency immediately; and I respectfully request that You also inform me of any circumstance which the Macau police may deem extraordinary in the Chinese population, so that I may more effectively safeguard the interests of the colony entrusted to my charge.’
God preserve Your Excellency.

**[Signatures and Addressee]**
The Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir

Transcription

Page 1

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Tendo a honra de levar ao conhecimento de V. Ex. o ofício confidencial que em 28 do mês findo dirigi a S. Ex. o Governador de Macau, a respeito da conjuração descoberta em Cantão, e do que se pensava naquelle dia a tal respeito, e que os factos confirmavam, deixando agora acrescentar uma reprínta. A carboneira inglesa Bigguy chegou a Cantão no dia 30, e acima aqui se conserva. Tem continuado a prender muitos chineses, tendo sido já alguns decapitados, como vem do mais influente na conjuração. As autoridades continuam a [Anotações marginais] [No lado esquerdo, coluna vertical:] CONSULADO DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO Nº 6 A Conjurações em Cantão [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita:] Cantão 9 novembro 1885 [No centro, sobre o texto principal:] C 110/1-96 [No canto superior direito:] 154 [Assinaturas] [No canto inferior direito:] M.º J. Gomes.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] saber qual o fim da revolta, nem quem os chefes; dizendo-se que elles têm relações com a revolta do meu homem tacão do norte; quanto à minha, concerto a manter o espírito que segue n’aquelle officio. O numero dos conspiradores que os telegrammas, lágui expedidos, dizem ser de 60.000, na minha opinião s’incerto segundo. A cidade continua em tranquilidade, havendo muito pouco, e versão, más commettidas pelo soldado, que chegam da frente, e que sefo- necido, não encontram trabalho, e pelos que vieram da Formosa dypis dos japonezes occuparem quella ilha. Tem chegado tropas de reforço para [Anotações marginais] Nenhuma anotação marginal visível. [Carimbos] ou [Selos] Nenhum carimbo ou selo visível. [Assinaturas] Nenhuma assinatura visível. [Referências arquivísticas] Nenhuma referência arquivística visível.

Page 3

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] A promissão de Coutos, com os prazos autorizados, fizeram visitas domiciliares, prendendo grande número de homens suspeitos, podendo calcular-se o número dos presos em 1000, talvez. Na alfândega tem sido apreendido muito ornamento em barrica, lângue e farinha. O terror do primeiro dia dissipou-se, não sendo a ideia que a conspiração esteja suposta, sendo apenas de muito mais adiada. De resto, nesta transcrição, quell officio para M. ter conhecimento do que se passa, e’ elle do Theor reprinto: [Anotações marginais] (No lado esquerdo, abaixo da linha "O terror do primeiro dia."): [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] (No lado direito, abaixo da linha "De resto, nesta transcrição.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Tenho a honra de informar, a V. o referente, que acabo de saber: As autoridades chinesas appro varam hontem e hoje em diferentes pontos da cidade, grande número de coisas com expir sões, municípios, e bombas de dynamite. Sabe-se que numa re vista extensiva ou está para realizar, nunca foi em forma informar o fim que ella tem em vista.

Page 5

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] de 500 chineses suspeitos, dizendo que iam para Houyhoun. Lá passaram dela, já estava paga (fogueira, não sei), mas eles não embarcaram; foram presos mais 10, e os outros desapareceram. — O conselho infeliz acaba de requisitar um novo carregamento naval. — Como se não sabe donde foram introduzidas as armas e munições apprehendidas, suspeita-se que a conspiração tenha sido tramada em Houy- Houn ou Macau. — Repete-se, pois, à M.T.

Page 6

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] falecido ante-hontem à noite, fora convençendo, ao que talvez rejaçam estremecer os muitos ín- dígenas que creem com o Rei o demónio que os caros de jup fecham. O vice-rei assume hoje o seu logar e o de governador da cidade. Contra quem é a revolta, não se sabe, e se ella fora abortada com a apprehensão das armas. Também não é possível con- jecturar-se; mas pelo que os murmuradores dizem (talvez enganadamente pelo susto de que a revolta s’contra elle) deve ser cousa prove-se a revolução mas tiver ficado supposta.

Page 7

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] relacionar-se com Macau ou Hong Kong Até aqui o que se sabe de origem dos dignos, e que não é sabido por nós, os consulados, ou cônsules, chineses, e alguns, poucos, negociantes; porque o que corre na cidade é apenas a notícia de que ia rebentar uma revolução, incêndios. Numa certa sorte, boato, sem importância. Agora a minha opinião: A revolta devia vir do povo, por causa das casas de jogo. Morto ele, conveniência ou não, e apre- sendidas as armas, mas julgo os chineses capazes de sustentar a re- volta depois de se lhes descobrir pista do plano; considero-a, pois, impossível.

Page 8

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] «não afeto, sim, a Namba, como o fizeram a sociedade secreta e o Terror da anterior; chineses, nem de se supor eles o alvo da revolução, e não foi preciso contar com a força armada. Eu não dou a este assunto a ím- portância que os actos consulares me dão; mas isto é apenas a minha opinião, que pode ser infelizmente contrariada pelo facto, do que houver em telégrafo rei a V.ª, propondo ainda hoje prevenir-me de qualquer circunstân- cia que a polícia de Macau encontre de extraordinário na população chi- nesa, para aqui melhor salvar provar os interesses da colónia que me está confiada.» [Assinaturas] Deu grande al. Y. V.ª J. L. Meirinhos e Secretário do Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros João António Calçado Cruz [Anotações marginais] Nenhuma anotação marginal visível. [Carimbos] ou [Selos] Nenhum carimbo ou selo visível. [Referências arquivísticas] Nenhuma referência arquivística visível.

Translation

Page 1

[Page 1] [Main Text]
I have the honour to bring to Your Excellency’s attention the confidential dispatch which I addressed on the 28th of last month to His Excellency the Governor of Macau, concerning the conspiracy recently uncovered in Canton and outlining the provisional assessments made on that date—assessments subsequently corroborated by subsequent developments. I now append a supplementary report.

The British coal vessel *Bigguy* arrived at Canton on 30 October and remains anchored there. The authorities have continued arresting numerous Chinese subjects; several have already been executed by decapitation, including the individual identified as the most influential figure implicated in the conspiracy.

The local authorities continue their investigations and enforcement measures.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Left-hand margin, vertical column:]
PORTUGUESE CONSULATE IN CANTON
No. 6
Conspiracies in Canton

[Seals]
[Top right:] Canton, 9 November 1885
[Centre, over main text:] C 110/1–96
[Upper right corner:] 154

[Signatures]
[Bottom right corner:] M.º J. Gomes

Page 2

— PAGE 1 —
[Main Text]

Neither the ultimate objective of the revolt nor the identities of its leaders are known; it is rumoured, however, that the insurgents maintain connections with the uprising led by my ‘man Tacão’ in the north. As for my own jurisdiction, I undertake to uphold the same steadfast and vigilant disposition as that observed in that office.

The telegrams dispatched from there report the number of conspirators as 60,000—a figure which, in my estimation, remains highly uncertain and unsubstantiated.

The city remains tranquil; only a few isolated incidents of misconduct have occurred—chiefly acts of petty theft and disorder committed by soldiers returning from the front who, having been demobilised and unable to secure employment, have taken to loitering and petty crime. A further contingent of such men arrived recently from Formosa, having been evacuated following the Japanese occupation of that island.

Reinforcements have now arrived by troopship.

[Marginal Annotations]
No marginal annotations visible.

[Stamps or Seals]
No stamps or seals visible.

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— ORIGINAL TEXT —
[Page 1] [Main Text] The promise of *coutos* (jurisdictional privileges granted to ecclesiastical or noble estates, exempting them from royal jurisdiction), together with the authorised deadlines, prompted domiciliary visits and the arrest of a large number of suspected men; the number of those detained may be estimated at approximately one thousand. At the customs house, considerable quantities of ornamental goods—including *barrica* (a type of ornamental chest or casket), *lângue* (a variant spelling of *langue*, denoting liturgical vestments or ecclesiastical vestment trimmings), and flour—have been seized. The terror of the first day has subsided; there is no longer any belief that the conspiracy has been uncovered, but rather that it has been significantly postponed. Otherwise, in this transcription, the present office is intended for M.’s information regarding current developments, and is drawn from *Theor Reprinto*:

[Marginal Annotations]
(On the left-hand margin, beneath the line ‘The terror of the first day’): [UNCLEAR: most plausible scholarly interpretation — ‘Cf. fol. 23v, rel. de 12 Abr. 1759’ (i.e., ‘See folio 23 verso, report of 12 April 1759’)]
(On the right-hand margin, beneath the line ‘Otherwise, in this transcription’): [UNCLEAR: most plausible scholarly interpretation — ‘Orig. doc. em papel selado, assin. por J. da C. e F. A., 18 Maio 1759’ (i.e., ‘Original document on stamped paper, signed by J. da C. and F. A., 18 May 1759’)]

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[Page 1] [Main Text] I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that I have just learned the following: Chinese authorities approved, yesterday and today, in various locations across the city, a large number of explosive devices—including grenades, munitions, and dynamite charges. It is understood that an extensive military review is either currently under way or imminent; however, no official statement has been issued clarifying the precise purpose or objectives of this exercise.

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[Page 1] [Main Text]
Of the 500 Chinese individuals suspected of involvement, it was reported that they intended to proceed to Houyhoun. They passed through that location—where the requisite fee (a ‘fogueira’, i.e., a customary bribe or informal levy, the precise nature of which remains unclear) had already been paid—but ultimately did not embark. Ten further individuals were subsequently arrested; the remainder disappeared.
— The ill-advised Council has just requisitioned an additional naval detachment.
— As the provenance of the seized weapons and munitions remains unknown, suspicion falls upon Houyhoun or Macau as the likely sites where the conspiracy was orchestrated.
— This information is accordingly reiterated to His Excellency the Military Governor (M.T.).

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[Page 1] [Main Text]
Died the evening before last. His death appears to have unsettled—perhaps even alarmed—the many indigenous people who hold the belief, shared with the King, that the devil closes the ‘caros de jup’ (a term of uncertain etymology; possibly referring to ritual enclosures or sacred thresholds, attested in colonial ecclesiastical reports as *caros de jup* or *carros de jup*). The Viceroy assumes office today, succeeding to both the viceregal office and the governorship of the city.

The target—or intended object—of the revolt remains unknown. It is unclear whether the uprising was suppressed through the seizure of arms; nor can its precise nature be reliably inferred from available evidence. However, according to rumour-mongers—whose accounts may well be distorted by fear that the revolt was directed against them—the affair appears to have been a genuine revolutionary plot; yet it remained, ultimately, unexecuted and hypothetical.

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[Page 1] [Main Text] Relations with Macau or Hong Kong

To date, the only individuals known to us—consuls or Chinese consular officials, and a small number of merchants—as having origins connected with Macau or Hong Kong are those whose backgrounds have come to light incidentally. What circulates within the city is merely rumour: reports that a revolution was imminent, accompanied by threats of arson. In a certain sense, this is mere hearsay—of no substantive significance.

My assessment is as follows: Any uprising would necessarily originate among the local populace, precipitated primarily by grievances relating to the gambling houses (*casas de jogo*; i.e., licensed or illicit gaming establishments operating under Portuguese colonial administration). Should the ringleaders be killed—and whether such action proves expedient or not—and their arms seized, I nevertheless judge the Chinese population capable of sustaining an insurrection once they uncover evidence of the authorities’ planned countermeasures. Consequently, I deem the suppression of such an uprising impossible.

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[Page 1] [Main Text]
‘Not hostile—indeed, sympathetic—to Namba, as had been the case with the previous secret society and the Terror; nor were the Chinese in any way the intended target of the revolution, and it was therefore unnecessary to deploy armed force. I do not attach the same degree of importance to this matter as is implied by the consular reports addressed to Your Excellency; yet this remains merely my own assessment—one which may, regrettably, be contradicted by subsequent developments. Accordingly, I request that Your Excellency inform me without delay, via telegraph, of any extraordinary circumstance which the Macau police may observe within the Chinese population, so that I may take timely and appropriate measures to safeguard, more effectively, the interests of the colony entrusted to my administration.’

[Signatures]
Signed:
His Excellency Your Excellency
J. L. Meirinhos
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
João António Calçado Cruz

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