1895
Following the murder of Christian missionaries in China, representatives of the Chinese community in Brisbane met in the St John’s Cathedral precincts to condemn the killings. This is one of the most sympathetic descriptions of 19th century Chinese Australians I have seen. Normally the Chinese were seen as a menace to mining and trade, and portrayed with condescension at best and with bitter hatred at worst.
MEETING OF CHINESE RESIDENTS.
A meeting of Chinese residents of Brisbane to protest against the recent massacre in Kucheng was held in St. John’s schoolroom last night, when there were about fifty Chinese present. Tea was provided prior to the meeting for those present. The Venerable Archdeacon David occupied the chair at the meeting.
The Chairman, in opening the meeting, expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present. They had met as Chinamen of Queensland to protest against the mas-sacres which had taken place at Kucheng. He wished to say as an Englishman and a Christian that of course they could all feel the position in which the Chinamen were place with regard to the Christian missionaries in China. Through the whole history of Christianity there had always been persecution at first. Our forefathers, when the Christian missionaries came to them, persecuted them and put them to death because they did not understand what they wanted them to do. They liked their old religion and did not like the new one. But now, of course, for centuries English people had learned how Christianity had helped civilisation and how it had helped men to do their duty and lead good and pure lives. He hoped the same thing would gradually take place In China. They as Chinamen would feel, he took it, that the laws in Queensland had had care of them, that the Government looked after them, and protected them from injury, and they were able to live here in quietness and peace They wanted by their meeting tonight to express the wish that the Chinese Government and Chinese laws should do the same for English strangers in China.
The Rev. King Tim acted as Interpreter.
Leong Lung Hing said: We are assembled here this evening not merely as representatives of a single nation, but as the individuals and members of the whole created race. News has reached us from our country China, that innocent blood has been taken in a most shameful manner, and I think I give voice to the opinions of all present when I say that we sympathise most deeply with the friends and relations of those who fell while doing the noble work of spreading one of the grandest and best religions with which the human race is blessed. I should at this stage like to state that I truly believe that the Government of China, if it were strong enough would search out the defaulters and deal out to them punishment which they so well merit; but the weakness hangs heavy over the governing power, and hence it is an Impossibility for them to do as they would wish. I cannot speak anything but in praise of the way in which we are treated in this land and I would that the same liberty were dealt out to you Europeans when visiting our land. The Christian religion has done a lot for China and will do still more. In my mind it is an awful calamity that such a thing has taken place in Kucheng. I will conclude by again expressing my deep sorrow at the treatment which has been dealt out to the missionaries In China and my heartfelt sympathy for the bereaved ones of those who have sealed their religion with blood. I sincerely trust that the history of China will not contain any further deeds of such darkness and crime.
For the benefit of those of his countrymen who were not cognisant with the English language, the speaker then gave the address in Chinese.
Kum Ching said: I have been a resident in this country for sixteen years, and though there is a special tax imposed upon people of my race who come here, I must say that when here we have the protection of the Government and all the rights of free citizenship on equal terms with the colonists from European nations. I am sure that the whole of the Chinese community will feel the deepest sorrow at the outrages that have taken place In our country, and the deepest sympathy with the relatives and friends of the victims. Our meeting tonight is sufficient to show that. We know that the ladies and gentlemen who went out to our country had in their hearts the noblest intentions and looked for only the good of all people. One of our own writers has spoken of the nobility of a death under circumstances such as those reported at Kucheng. I would not wish Australians to think that the Chinese are all savage people. We have a great population, including many ignorant men, whose evil passions are easily roused, and we have also people who regard very seriously the attempts made to supplant their religion, and who have spread very evil reports about the missionaries. The great founder of Christianity, Christ, himself said when crucified, ” Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Let that remark be applied to the Chinese who were guilty of the massacre of Kucheng. We Chinese in Queensland have known what it Is to live under a friendly Government, and I hope that we shall see the day when our own people will understand that strangers need not be enemies.
Kum Ching also gave his address in Chinese.
The Rev. E. C Osborn, with the Rev. King Tim acting as interpreter, expressed his gladness at the number met together to protest against the massacre which had taken place at Kucheng. He was sure that no Chinese in Brisbane agreed with the work which had taken place. As secretary to the Board of Missions he would promise that a copy of the resolution they would pass would be forwarded to the proper quarter. As an Englishman he would like to express his gratitude to those who by their presence showed the sympathy they felt towards the friends and relatives of those who had been massacred, and also the way in which they had shown their feelings as regards the massacre.
Leong Lung Hing then moved-“That this meeting desires to express its heart-felt sympathy with the relatives and friends of those who have been mas-sacred In Kucheng.” The motion was carried unanimously.
The Ven. Archdeacon David expressed his pleasure at the unanimous way in which they had passed the resolution.
A Chinese hymn was sung by those present, after which Mr. David pro-nounced the benediction.
In a few graceful words Leong Lung Hing proposed a vote of thanks to the Archdeacon for presiding, which was carried with acclamation.
Brisbane Courier (Qld.: 1864 – 1933), Wednesday 4 September 1895, page 6
Moreton Bay and More 