The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1889-11-16
A sR,oANp PRIEST.
A Loyal and Patriotic Buddhht League
for Purposes of Robbery.

for Purposes OF Robbery.
The most disturbed portion Of the
province of ChelSiang embraces some
districts within the prefecture OF
Hangchow, which border upon Kiangsu
and Anhui. The confguration OF the
country, which is intersected by
streams and covered with dense
Jungle, affords safe retreat for bands
OF robbers, whose doings have caused
, much trouble to the authorities. Some
two months ago number OF despe-
radoes, headed by strolling Buddhist
priest, made their appearance In the
Linan district and, having procured n
supply OF arms, engaged in prepara-
tions for an insurrectionary movement.
The military authorities, having OBJ
tanned secret information Of their in
tentions, moved troops against them,
and n battle ensued in which the priest
Mt the head OF his men, who were
obstinate stand against the oppos-
ing force, but was obliged in
the end to seek safety in flight.
He and number OF his follow
ers were subsequently captured, and
in their possession were found an oath
OF allegiance to the cause woven on n
piece of red silk, false seals, and other
formal emblems OF authority. The
priests evidence, as given at his trial.
was to the following effect: He was
thirty three years of age, a native of
Anhui, and had neither father nor
mother alive. Being without family
membranes. he came to Chekiang us
peddler in medicines, lost his capital
and took to q rowing life. He and
twelve other men whom he met in his
travels formed themselves into sworn
brotherhood under the style OF the
Loyal and Patriotic League" of which
he was to form the head. Each mem
ber was to invite his friends to join
the cause, and an entrance fee of one
dollar was levied to provide for tho
working expenses. Their motto was:
"IIelp the poor and bespoil the rich,
join heart and hand and play the part
of valiant men," Being afraid of ap-
prehension by the authorities, who
were keeping a sharp lookout for him.
he abandoned society for time,
shaved his head, and became priest.
The abbot of the temple which he
joined being ignorant of his
antecedents kept him for few
days and then sent him on
q begging mission to procure funds
for the restoration OF the temple. Be-
fore leaving the abbot gave him ten
dollars to cover his expenses on the
way. but as soon as he got TO the foot
of the hill on which the temple was
situated he gave up all thoughts Of re-
turning and proceeded to join his
former companions. Their number.
however, was too small to organize n
successful rising. and to give the move
ment more important character he
theatrical costume. and procured falso
seals, banners and other devices by
which he worked upon the imagina-
tions of the simple rustics. In the end
he was captured, after severe strug-
gle, by the imperial troops. He has
been summarily decapitated under the
regulations promulgated for the pun
ishment of local brigands, and as
warning to others his head will be ex-
posed in the district which was the
scene of his offenses. A number of his
have been similarly dealt
with, and the officers who effect
ed their arrest have been recommended
to the throne for the bestowal OF fitting
s.-Peking Gazette.