'The Protestant Missionaries, British, American, Swedish, and German, resident in Shantang and' Honan Provinces, in conference assembled at Weibien (15-23 October, 1898) unanimously passed the following overture We desire to draw the attention of the Diplomatic Body in Peking to the immense loss of life, property, and money, caused by the frequently re-occurring outbreaks of the Yellow River. The destruction of life and property it would be difficult to estimate. At the present time there are large tracts of land under water, which should be affording sustenance to thousands of the population. Thousands are not only destitute of food and clothing but are homeless, without shelter from the approaching winter. Grain has been washed away or spoiled; animals drowned or sold for present means of subsistence, household utensils and building materials are being sold to meet the necessities of the owner thus suddenly rendered destitute by the flood.
But we would respectfully draw attention to the larger questions connected with these outbreaks wf the Yellow River. Their frequent recurrence; the many appeals made and so nobly responded to both by foreigners and natives; the great suis of money used by the Government for the relief of the suffering people; an the still more enormous sums constantly set aside by the Government for the repairing of damages and in the attempt to conserve the river. We are so impressed by the gravity of these facts and the suffering of the people that we cannot but hope that Your Excellencies will be moved, if but for the sake of humanity, to do what is possible to urge upon the Chinese Government the necessity of trying new plans for controlling the waters of the Yellow Ris The methods hitherto adopted have proved quite inadequate and are of doubtful utility. Your petitioners respectfully suggest that the Chinese Government be pressed to appoint " commission of foreign experts to make " full investigation and report on the best means of preventing these calamities and of utilising those waters, which we feel assured might thus cease to be an unmitigated evil and become a source of material prosperity. We have no technical knowledge at our disposal, but venture to suggest that a reservoirs or Jakes among the mountains of south-west Shansi; the construction of one or more additional outlets or channels to provide for overflows issu and Shantung; may help in the solution of a problem which is admittedly a difficult one.
In conclusion we would point out that at present the Yellow River is practically valueless for commercial purposes. Only junks of light draught can navigate the river, and so, what should be a valuable natural highway is almost useless. A glance at the map will show how great its utility would be, if, under a proper system of conservation, it were made to subserve the interests of the country at large.
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed) By order of the Conference, F. H. Caanrany, Secretary,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.