Chapter 10 1909~1912: years of apprenticeship 1909~1912: years of apprenticeship -8

dear mom: It's not quite right for you to say that, in your letter of September 8th you wrote: "To be left alone for a few weeks is also one of the best forms for an apprentice." I think it may be said that after this incident , I am no longer an apprentice.And it's not over yet, it's not even close!I won't talk about it with you anymore, because I attached my report to you, and besides, you should already know that a similar thing happened in Hankou. I am sending you some precious photos, their value is immeasurable, because they are unique and can only be taken in Chengdu in the world.You can see explanations about them behind the photos.You can go to the Illustrated newspaper, the one in St. George's Street, and ask them if they can make copies, and you can leave them with them as long as you don't destroy them.You have to tell them that I don’t want any remuneration, but just mark it under the photo: “Provided by Mr. J.L, the person in charge of the Consulate General.”

Beside colleagues whose presentation of events was superficial, Jules delivered some news brilliantly and objectively with an astonishing composure. On October 21, he exemplified this composure when he recounted that he had finally found Bangsi Dangdi, who was missing in Tibet: I finally got a message from Mr. Bonsdowne: he had been stuck in Taxian Tower for a month and couldn't get out.My telegram asking him to come back was sent to Daowu.He set off from Daowu immediately, and arrived at Taxian Tower six days later, which was the 26th day of the seventh lunar month.All access has been blocked.A postman took a detour to the consulate to deliver his letter to me.Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided it would be best not to correspond.The whole of Tibet seems to be in lockdown.

Newspapers from Beijing published official comments that did not exactly match my report.I've expressed how difficult it is to get information, so I never deny that I, too, can make mistakes.But in a situation like this, I feel compelled to stick to the message that I've been calling wrong...it's useless to insist that the governor has fought for "seven days and seven nights".It would not even be correct to say that the Yamen was "raided" on September 7th.I have irrefutable proofs on this matter, and I am absolutely the only European present who has them, though it is extremely difficult to obtain them.This is the photo of the corpse that fell at the gate of the yamen, and these photos have been sealed by the government to prevent it from entering the circulation field.All, absolutely all photographs show unarmed people, mostly civilians, young and old.Someone still held a fan in his crushed hand.Not a single one had a gun in their hands.

Now in Chengdu, prices have become very expensive.We Europeans have enough money to spend, but for the public, raising prices is a very cruel thing.Coal and firewood were no longer to be found, and some administrations made acquisitions in vain.Coal and firewood are the most in demand.We, too, will soon be short of some European foodstuffs, and the effects of this deficit may be great on women and children.Money became rare: we withdrew it from banks where it could be withdrawn.Official offices also stopped paying salaries.Someone confirmed to me that the military pay office, which usually pays soldiers on the 26th of the lunar month, did not send out money today.

Shortly after the Wuhan revolution, the central and southern provinces declared independence, with Shanghai not far behind.When the empire was facing collapse, Yuan Shikai was reappointed as the supreme military chief.This reappointment shows the desperation of the Empire.Because Yuan Shikai had been removed from office since 1909 because of his new ideas and expanded influence.This was the last chance for the Empire to fight for survival, but it actually contributed to its own demise.Yuan Shikai led the army to recapture Hankou and Hanyang.But he soon understood that the foreigners had abandoned the Manchu government.And he can twist the situation to his personal advantage.

Under the shadow of the chaotic Chinese political situation at that time, Jules continued to write letters to his mother.He also received two letters from his father.The encouragement of his peers and the tenderness of his father added a bright color to the gloomy atmosphere around Jules. Paris, November 9, 1911 Dear Jules, I have read your letter and report with great interest.You've had a tough time my little one and this is your chance to show your worth.You will no doubt persist and act as you did from the start, being the positive, enthusiastic and calm officer you are.This is a great start to a career.I applaud you from the bottom of my heart and congratulate you!

Of course we are concerned, dreading the burden and inevitable fatigue that such a dire event will place on you. News from China can only reach us through the British and American press.It is said that the movement was carried out among Chinese people, and foreigners were not involved.This is actually their reluctance to provoke European or American powers to intervene.The Chinese understand this, which is a good sign. Fortunately, you have a jovial nature that is very precious in an environment like this! My dear little one, may God bless you!You have been very happy in your life so far, and I think this is a new opportunity for you.You can face such a serious event with potentially huge consequences with the responsibility of a professional diplomat.

hug you wholeheartedly alfred k Paris, November 24, 1911 Dear Jules, I was very pleased to receive your letter of October 12 this morning.It proves that the communication in Chengdu has not been completely interrupted, and you continue to use a good attitude to prove your calmness and courage.We don't miss you for a minute.Your mother is very careful not to show anxiety.But I sensed her concern, and indeed there was concern. Your report is very interesting, the various facts bring a better understanding of the truth.If I understand correctly, the people of Chengdu are not malicious, but rather docile.The medical services provided to them in France and Europe made them feel good.Let these kind services continue until the unrest is over!Look what it is, my little fellow!At this point you are riding fast.

Farewell, dear Jules, keep up your work, and everything will be all right.Remember that I love you so much and I bless you more than ever before. hug you affectionately alfred k Chengdu, November 19, 1911