264 APPENDIX I. 



Captain Basil Hall, of whose well-known book he wa.>, in fact, joint author. In 

 the following year they sent out Dr. Bettelheim, a German or Hungarian by 

 birth, and a converted Jew. He had married an Englishwoman, and was 

 himself a naturalised British subject. Though a most zealous and indefatig- 

 able worker, he was not in holy orders, but his knowledge of medicine was 

 doubtless of great use in enabling him to obtain an influence over the natives. 

 His efforts at first seemed likely to be successful ; free communication with the 

 people was permitted, and no obstacles were put in the way of his teaching 

 them. In a short time, however, probably owing to the action of the Japanese, 

 who were no doubt \drtually masters of the country even at that time, their 

 attitude towards him became entirely changed. Difficulties arose as to his 

 teaching, and he was requested to leave the island. This he declined to do, 

 and thenceforward, though he was subjected to no persecution or actual ill- 

 treatment, every eftort was made by the authorities to get rid of him. The 

 lower classes were apparently not permitted to hold communication with him, 

 and a system of constant espionage over his movements was instituted. 

 Petitions were sent to Hongkong, begging that the English Government might 

 see fit to remove him,^ but it was in vain, and the missionary still remained 

 at his jjost, in spite of the result of his labours being, to say the least of it, 

 unsatisfactory. The conduct of the Liu-kiu authorities must not be too hastily 

 condemned, for if the matter be regarded without l^ias from their own stand- 

 point, it must be admitted that the very residence of Dr. Bettelheim upon the 

 island was, if not contrary to their laws, at least in defiance of their wishes. 

 At that time the exclusive policy followed by the Japanese was in force in 



^ One of these documents, presented to the commander of H.M.S. Reynard, when 

 Bishop Smith visited the island in 1850, is perhaps worth giving, from its amusing style 

 of Ml formA paiqjeris pleading, which appears to have been characteristic of the attitude 

 usually assumed towards foreigners: — 



"The dutiful petition of Ma Leang-tsae (and others), the Vice-Governor-General of 

 Lew-chew, entreating his Excellency to look down in compassion, and take away Bettel- 

 heim and his family to his home, that oiir little country may be at rest. We lie hid in 

 a corner of the sea ; the soil is barren ; and the jieople are destitute. During the i)eriod 

 of Bettelheim's residence here, both officers and people have been employed in procuring 

 his supplies, to the neglect of their avocations and the prejudice of public business. The 

 upper classes are liable to expenses on account of sacrificial offerings and public granaries, 

 and the common people are at the expense of jiroviding for themselves their daily support, 

 which things greatly impoverish us. If Bettelheim do not soon return to his home, our 

 distress must increase still further, and the country will not be able to stand erect. On 

 a previous occasion, in the eleventh month of last year, when the English sent an envoy 

 hither, we transmitted a special dispatch, requesting that Bettelheim might be removed. 

 As yet no answer has come. But as your honourable ship has just arrived while we are 

 in expectation of the reply, we beg your Excellency to receive Bettelheim and his family 

 on board your honourable shiji, and take them to their home. Thus not only will your 

 humble servant ever be thankful, but also the whole country, both officers and people, 

 will be everlastingly obliged by your high favour. 



" An urgent petition. 



"In Taou-kwang's reign, the thirtieth year, the first day of the ninth mouth." 



