Profanation of a Christian cemetery
This diplomatic dispatch, dated 30 October 1900, originates from the Portuguese Consulate in Canton and comprises a series of translated communications sent to the Minister and Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon. The document records events between 20 and 29 October 1900 concerning political unr...
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| Summary: | This diplomatic dispatch, dated 30 October 1900, originates from the Portuguese Consulate in Canton and comprises a series of translated communications sent to the Minister and Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon. The document records events between 20 and 29 October 1900 concerning political unrest and diplomatic affairs in southern China during a period of regional instability. It details a formal protest by foreign consular representatives—including those of Portugal, Britain, Germany, and the United States—over the desecration of the foreign cemetery in Canton by Chinese soldiers. The Viceroy of the region responded by authorising punishments, including floggings, imprisonment in Mambuí prisons, cangue penalties, and public proclamations at the cemetery entrance, following recommendations from the Council of Inflataerra. The British consul initiated coordinated diplomatic pressure, which the Portuguese consul supported. Additionally, the dispatch reports on military movements linked to a local rebellion directed against the Manchu authorities, not foreigners, with uprisings noted in Wen Chan and Kwangsi province. Reinforcements of 1,000 men returned to Canton after reportedly restoring order. A separate incident involving the suspected deliberate destruction of the Vicariate’s Yamen by dynamite is mentioned, though officials attempted to conceal the cause. The document provides insight into foreign diplomatic intervention, colonial perceptions of Chinese authority, and internal Qing dynasty unrest at the turn of the twentieth century. |
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