Chapter 23 Section 23

When Li Hongzhang returned to Xianliang Temple, the Prime Minister's Yamen had sent Tiao Chen to him.The Englishman in the previous article was called Dun John. Ten years ago, he was introduced by the British Minister Wade, and met Li Hongzhang once.In his impression, this person is cautious, capable and quite trustworthy.Therefore, Li Hongzhang attached great importance to his statement and was eager to read it. It was originally in English, but it was translated into Chinese overnight by Wu Tingfang, a member of the Western Affairs Committee of Beiyang Yamen.Then John Dun was invited to discuss face to face.

"I've seen the report you wrote for Beitang. I'm going to ask you for advice today." After Wu Tingfang translated Li Hongzhang's words, Dun John replied: "There is a Taoist surnamed En in Shenji Camp, who is my friend. He came to tell me: it is not suitable to build the Beitang in the inner city, near the palace. Can this church be demolished? I told him that demolition of a church is a taboo for blasphemy and must not be reckless. He asked me to think of a way, and I thought about it for a long time. I thought there was only one way that could be done. That is, in the capital, find another place of comparable size and build a new church according to the original size of the North Church in exchange. Priest End asked me to write a written document and took it away.”

"So that's how it is!" Li Hongzhang asked, "Who is in charge of Beitang now?" "It's an Italian named Deliapo, whom I also know." "Which church do you belong to?" "Belonging to the Church of France." "About the demolition of the Beitang, can you negotiate with Deliabu?" "No, no!" Dun John waved his hands again and again: "The previous host was called Dole Bliss, he was peaceful in nature, courageous and resourceful, if you discuss with him, you may succeed. The current Delia is from last year's Dole Bliss. After Bliss passed away, he was transferred from the Xuanhua Mansion. This person is timid and has no opinion. Discussing with him must be a big fuss, and it will be a waste of time."

"Then," Li Hongzhang asked, "shall we discuss with the French envoy?" "It's even more impossible. France will definitely interfere with it, and it won't help." Dun John said, "If this matter is to be successful, we can only send someone to Paris to discuss with the president of the church to which the North Church belongs. After obtaining his permission, the French envoy will There will be no further hindrance." In the report, John Dunn once volunteered, so Li Hongzhang asked him: "If you are invited, you are British, how can it work?"

"Although I am British, I believe in Catholicism. As a Catholic, I represent China in negotiations." "If I ask you to do it on your behalf, what is your plan for this negotiation?" "First," Dun John said, "I want to ask the Chinese government to give me a letter of appointment as a proof; second, when I arrive in Paris, I first need to contact several prestigious people and ask for their assistance; third, I have met President of the French Catholic Church, I am going to say this...." John Dunn's argument is: Catholicism has always received preferential treatment and protection when it preaches in China.For example, in the previous year, there was a rift between China and France, and they fought each other. However, the French priests were protected by the Chinese government and preached as usual, and they were not expelled from the country.This extra sympathetic favor should not be forgotten.

The system of Beitang is too high, and according to Chinese custom, it is intolerable to look down at the court.Now the Chinese government is willing to allocate another base to another party and bear the cost of building a new church. This is an act of reason and reason.If the Chinese government's request is accepted, the Chinese government can also issue a special decree: All foreigners who preach in China, as long as they keep their own place and do not break the law, the governors of all provinces will protect them and are not allowed to bully them. "I think," said John Dun-John, "that on the whole it should be possible to obtain consent. Then I shall go to Rome to see the Pope, and everything will be done. My only concern now is that the President of the French Catholic Church, although I sympathize with China's request, but I am afraid that he will not dare to make decisions, so I have to report to the French government. That would be troublesome."

"Yes! If so, how can you deal with it?" "Or you can ask the British Minister to France to mediate, or ask De Trilin to assist, and he will preside over Beitang, and the French Minister will go to talk. This can only be done by ear. At that time, I will directly talk to De Trilin from Paris. Secret telegram negotiation." De Trilin is a German, and now she is a guest minister in China, serving as the tax department of Tianjin Customs.Li Hongzhang knew that John Dun had a deep friendship with him, so he thought the method was quite practical and decided to accept it. "Mr. John Duncan," Li Hongzhang asked, "If I ask you to do it on my behalf, how long will it usually take?"

"Five or six months." "What about the cost?" "The travel expenses are estimated to be five thousand silver dollars." Li Hongzhang nodded in agreement.With an idea, he asked again: "When I encounter Catholic missionary cases in China, I have always negotiated with France. If you can see the Pope and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Holy See, then if there are missionary cases in the future, you will directly deal with the Holy See without going through France. Yes or no?" "Why not? If China really has such an intention, the Holy See must welcome it very much." John Dun said, "Recently, I have heard from Catholic priests from all over the world that China treats priests very kindly. However, missionary cases, once negotiated by the French Minister and Prime Minister's Office, often become complicated. , inserted into other incidents, and blackmailed many parties, so that the Chinese government misunderstood that Catholics are difficult to get along with. This is by no means the original intention of the Holy See. If China can send a minister to the Holy See, the Holy See will also send a representative to China. There is no need for France to discuss things directly. Handle it on your behalf."

"I'm afraid the French government will be unhappy with this approach." Li Hongzhang asked, "What do you think?" John Dun also said that the Chinese people who believe in Catholicism rely on France to protect them because the Chinese government regards them as aliens.If the imperial court has a strict edict not to discriminate against the Christians, then it is only natural for the Chinese people to be protected by the Chinese government. Why would France come forward to advocate for their interests?As for the teaching plan, there are representatives of the Holy See who can negotiate, and France cannot intervene unreasonably.Therefore, as long as China has a legitimate attitude and appropriate measures, there is really no need to worry about the likes and dislikes of the French government.

Hearing these words, Li Hongzhang couldn't help secretly screaming "ashamed", and at the same time made a decision to take this opportunity to entrust Dun John to contact the Holy See for the establishment of diplomatic relations. "You can transfer the five thousand silver dollars from Panchuan that you want. However, the letter to the Pope of Rome can only cover the general idea, so it is inconvenient to explain too clearly." Li Hongzhang solemnly urged: "This time I entrust you to handle this matter." Things must be kept secret, and must not be publicized.

Please be careful at all times, act with the camera, and don't disappoint the appointment.If the matter is successful, of course we will be rewarded in addition. " "Yes! I will try my best to do it." John Dun said, "After I leave China, I will report all the situation during the journey by secret telegram at any time. Sir, please designate a contact person." Li Hongzhang thought for a moment and asked, "How is De Cuilin?" "Very good!" John Dun replied happily, "I think he is the most suitable person." Li Hongzhang was very happy.The beginning of the matter was very smooth, as far as the present is concerned, it is enough to explain to the Empress Dowager Cixi.