Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-10-17
A CHINESE EXECUTION.

The killing OF Chang Yen Hoon. the
former Chinese minister TO the United
States. by order OF the empress dow
ager, reveals fully the sentiments Of
the Chinese authorities toward the for
eign powers With that atrocity added
to those previously on record, 1t Is ex-
tremely difficult to entertain any hope
OF a reconciliation and peaceful al
raugemcnt, without the establishment
OF an entirely new government.
Ex-MinIster Hoon is said to have
been an ardent supporter Of the reform
movement In China. Two years ago
his death was decreed on that account,
but he was much thought Of both in
this country and Great Britain, and
through the efforts in his behalf Of the
American and English representatives
In Pekin. his death sentence was com
muted TO Punishment TO an obscure
province His execution at this time
Is an open affront 10 the powers whose
representatives exercised their good Of
fees In his behalf II Is a notice TO
them that China IS not ready for re-
forms. Any sane ruler would under the
circumstances in which that country is
placed, have shown a disposition to-
ward peace, by treating kindly high
official with friends among the nations
whose righteous Indignation has been
provoked, But Chlnas ruler prefers
a different course. she orders executed
| her own subjects who are friendly to
the foreigners. and among them a man
distinguished FOR learning and wearing
the decorations given 10 him By the
Queen OF Great Britain, and the En-
perors OF Russia and Germany. What
hope Of a friendly settlement Is there
with a potentate who thus strikes a
defiant attitude in the face Of those
who, perhaps, would befriend her II
she would take but one step toward
reconciliation? The powers demand the
punishment Of those guilty Of murder
ing the foreigners. The empress replies
by killing one Of the most distinguished
friends Of those foreigners. What, then
are the chances OF peace?
Russia It is said is cordially sup
porting the policy Of the United states
looking toward the preservation Of the
empire, but 1t Is not doubted that this
position Is maintained for the purpose
OF covering up the traces Of the Rus
sian annexation Of the northern parts
OF the country, which appears 10 be
going on without interruption while the
| diplomats exchange notes 1t is not
easy 20 perceive on what principles OF
justice, or on what grounds recognized
by International law, the powers still
Keep large military forces in Chinese
soil. but presumably this Is in the al
legged interests Of civilization. But II
so, they should unite on some plan OF
action which civilization can approve
Of, and carry {; cut without further de-
lay.
Il has been suggested that the young
emperor be freed from the domination
OF the empress and given the full ex-
ercise OF authority. surrounded by men
In whom the foreign governments have
confidence Thus It is thought possible
that a solution Of the problem would
be found, by which the integrity Of the
empire is preserved. and the rights OF
the foreigners respected. But II We
understand Chinese social conditions
correctly, the present emperor car
never be- freed from the duty Of obedl.
ence 90 the empress dowager as Ions as
she lives. Such. we believe. are th'
Chinese Ideas OF parental. or patriarch
al, prerogatiyes. A new dynasty would
have 10 De elevated 10 the throne. Of
better sun. the imperial authority
should Dee apportioned among viceroy'
friendly 90 western progress. ina
would bring reform more speedily thar
any operation Of pouring new wine int
the old bottle. or putting new patel
q