The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-21
SOLDIERS WITH UMBRELLAS.
Why the Chinese Emperor's Body
guard Failed to Do Duty.

Pail Mall Budget.
A typical Chinese soldier is the private OF
the Imperial Banner Corps. which is known
as the Sheng Chi Wing, or Pekinese Field
Force. 1t earned the latter name as the
Chinese warrior earns that of braveon the
lucus a non lucendo principle-for it never
would take the field If 1t could possibly
avoid 1t. and then with mental reservations
concerning fighting.
The corps was called into existence after
the invasion of Chill by the Allies in 1860;
the late Emperor and his advisors deeming
it wise to borrow the lightning of success
ful barbarians. and to fight them with their
own devices. Accordingly some 10000 men
from the eight banner corps Of Manchu
clansmen were enrolled as a species of I'M
peria1 bodyguard matchlocks and jngals
were substituted for their beloved bows and
arrows and eventually they were supplied
with krupp field guns, bought at fancy
prices from German pioneers.
Having obtained which weapons and been
reviewed by Prince Kung and the grand
secretaries, China's modern army went COM
fortably TO sleep for thirty years. The
longevity of its rank and file is only equailed
to that of the United States pensioners;
every man of the original 1900 is still alive.
or, at all events. his name is borne the
roster ana creQIted with the monthly FOUR
ounces of silver. For the honor of belonging
to the corps passes from father 10 son
without reference 10 any higher authority.
and without affecting the en1ciency of the
force.
During the instruction in Mar.churia
QsSD, when the rebels were carrying ali be-
fore them and were expected to desc end on
the capital, the Picking Field Force was
awakened by Imperial edicts 10 81, unde-
sired sense of it's duties and position, ana
for three months It's members Ware dis
turbed in their usual peaceful vocat!ons. At
that time it was discovered-and off1cialiy
hushed UP by passages OF coin-that nine
tenths of the arms originally issued to the
force had been either pawned or K st; the
Krupp guns had been stripped of eyscy mov-
able and marketable piece of metal, and no
ammunition was forthcoming.
These, however, were details easily rem
edied in the hour of need, since fiintlocks
and saftpetre are always to be had for the
buying; more serious Was the fact that
not one clansman in a hundred had any
knowledge of the firearms wha tsoever. or
had ever been called upon to drill. BY the
end OF the year, however, the worthy
Bannermen were turned out somehow to
pass muster and the guns, by dint of pol
ishing and paint, looked bravely enough.
Regular parades We're instituted, ana volley Obey
burghers of Picking to revel in the belief
of military protection.
past year, edict summoned the force to
assist in forming the northern line OF de-
found in its ranks certain vestiges of drill
and equipment; that is to say, nearly every
man had a gun of some sort hidden in the
recesses OF his store-bed, and recognized
his ability to active service
The writer was privileged to witness th4
mastering of the first draft-about 4.ood
mcmillan which no more curious spectacla
has been seen among men for several cent
uries. Looking at the fearful and Won
irresistibly. carried back to the middle ages,
to the days of halbert and arquebuse; the
nineteenth century and it's work We're but
the shadow of a dream
The day-Sept. 4WaS a rainy one, and
the capital, as usual. a Stygian impasse
ness, 1900 Celestials, called to it by lot,
left their homes for the chances of horrid
war. From the evil novels and filthy by
lanes which the PekineSe love they went
forth, carrying each man his rusty weapon,
some private commissariat and the inevi-
mustered to the roll call, umbrellas open
and arms as-you-please. The authorities,
recognizing the need of some encourage
ment. issued a months pay in advance
an occurrence without precedent in history
new uniforms were then served out, and.
the, place of the first camp having been
settled, each man was allowed to get there
before nightfail according to his own lights
few only were told off to escort the guns.
The evolutions of these amateur artillery
men were novel and interesting, but any
forecast of the war based their tao
tics and discipline was distinctly in favor
of a Japanese walkover. With much rough
persuasion of ponies who had never drawn
a gun carriage before, they got their six
Krupps in sight of the Hata gate, by which
they were to leave the city. Here, how
ever, the mud became impossible, and the
street was speedily blocked. Then the rain
began, piling Pelon the Ossa of their
woes, and the first thought of every man
was to keep his pigtan dry, which is a
point of honor with the Chinese.
The scene became lively with innumer-
able umbrellas and much swearing; until,
to the relief of all concerned the blue
button In charge turned his pony's nose
homeward. In the twinkling of an eye
nothing visible remained of the Picking
Field Force but six Krupp guns, imbedded
in the mud For thirty-six hours they
stood there in the rain, uncovered and un-
protected a monument to the folly Of
Western innovationsi
Such is the Chinese soldier of the North
"a faithful, sober and reliable man in times
of peace, asking nothing better than to eat
the governments rice, own a government
gun and compete for prizes in archery; but
in war an arachronism, equally ayerse to
getting wounded wet. And in this, his
aversion to danger and discomfort, the hon.
est fellow is but initiating those who guide,
govern and squeeze him. With good leaders
he might Ego far
There Is something pathetic withal in the
spectacle of these simple citizens going
forth to be arrayed against the engines OF
modern warfare. Is it any wonder that
after one experience of Cuttings and VIM
chesters they refuse to stand up behind
their matchlocks and be slaughtered? Is
gaudy coat from him and shouIderinga his
food-laden umbrella the Bannerman takes
leave-French leave-of war and its tumults
and sets his face homeward? 1t is, under
the circumstances, the best thing he can
do.