Evening journal., 1900-07-06
CONDITIONS IN CHINA

While no definite information has
reached London as to the real condi-
ton Of affairs at Pekin, there is moth
ing to bring assurance, or even hope,
that the foreigners, who have made
such a terrible struggle for life in the
British legation have escaped death at
the hands OF the infuriated mob. Chi
nese advices hint OF fresh outrages in
the attacks to avert the outcome Of
which the helpless women and children
may have been slain by their own de-
tenders. Prince Tuan, the usurper, is
ruling with the hand Of despot, and
he is said to have removed from the
throne the emperor and dowager en-
press by means Of poison. Anarchy
reigns elsewhere in China, and the at
tack on Tien-Tsin is still kept up by
the Boxers and their allies.
A news agency dispatch from Shang-
hal. dated July 4, after reiterating the
statement that there has been heavy
fighting at Tien-Tsin, adds that only
the arrival of 900 Japanese prevented
the capture of the town.
The Chinese minister in London has
received replies from the viceroys of
Nankin and szechuan, saying they will
be responsible for the lives and prop
erty of foreigners in their provinces, as
requested by the British foreign office.
Germany has, it is said, refused Eng
lands request to endeavor to induce
Russia to agree that Japan shall un-
dertake the work of pacifcation in
China, on the ground that such course
might impair the good relations be-
tween Germany and Russia.
The German Chamber of Commerce
Of Shanghai has warned Emperor Will
liam not to underestimate the gravity
of the situation, but to send troops pro-
portionate with the forces Of the other
powers.
A cablegram received by the State
Department from Consul General
Goodnow, at Shanghai, declares there is
imminent danger of an extension of the
Boxer rebellion to the southern Chi
nese provinces unless the international
forces are increased.
According to a St. Petersburg dis
patch, the senior Russian naval COM
mander at Taku telegraphed to St.
Petersburg for instructions as TO the
disposal of the Chinese prisoners in his
hands. and the reply he received was
that Russia was not yet in state Of
war with China.
Replying to questions in the British
House yesterday, Secretary Brodriclx
said he thought It doubtful if any Or
ganized government existed in China
with which Great Britain could con-
slider herself at war. The government,
he also said, had no confirmation Of
the reported massacrNs at Pekin.
In the British House Of Commons
yesterday, Parliamentary Secretary Of
the Foreign Office St. John Brodriclx
said the government had information
that Read Admiral Kempff opposed
the attack on TalSu forts on the ground
that it would force the Chinese regu-
lars into an alliance with the Boxers.
Admiral Bruce telegraphs that all the
allied admlrals at Taku are working in
perfect accord, and that the position of
the American forces is identical with
that of the other Powers.
Major William Stephenson, assistant
surgeons, has been ordered toproceed to
Taku, China, and report to Brigadier-
General A. r. Chaffee, commanding the
United States forces there.
The Second, Fifth and Eighth Regi-
ments OF infantry have been ordered to
leave Cuba at once. They will be sent
either to China or the Philippines as
occasion may require.