The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-06-19
METHODS OF DEFENSE.
Catholic Missionary Writes Detailed
Account OF the Method By Which
Missions Are Protected Against
the Boxers,

NEW YORK. June 1S.-Rev. c. Erin
OF the Catholic Mission at Kiang Nan
where there is now danger from the
Boxers. has written an account OF how
the members Of his community meet
ali attacks Of the natives. He says;
Those sections Of our mission which
border on southern Chang Tung are
no less infested with bands Of robbers
and murderers than Chang Tung it.
self. These brigands organize in eg-
ular companies under a supreme chief
and subordinate leaders. They live to-
gether In villages and districts which
become their headquarters.
AT ordinary times they attend to
their usual work at home and in the
fields and behave. TO all appearances.
like peaceful citizens. But suddenly an
order comes to take the field and they
march forth in a body. impose contri-
buttons on other villages. burn and even
kill without scruple. If they have a
grudge against some Mandarin they
assemble in sufficient numbers TO form
a large army. and are not afraid to
fight pitched battles with the troops
sent out against them. II is not hard
to see Row much trouble such men can
give. and indeei lie, to the mis-
sionaries.
But the missionaries, on their side,
have devised a plan for protecting
themselves and their Christians, which
is not the least OF their successes in
China. AS soon as the inhabitants OF
some village have been converted, the
fathers. while attending to the duties
Of their apostolic ministry, see that
they are thoroughly drilled and taught
TO watch the enemy and defend them
selves in case Of necessity. The Man
darins look with favor on these meas
ures, which are Of great assistance to
them, and they are always ready to
send reinforcements when notified Of
a threatened attack. Thuc 1t happens
that. when The marauders fall upon a
Christian village. they are greeted with
a sharp fire Of guns and cannon, and
are generally beaten back with heavy
losses.
10 get true idea Of one of our
mission centres in the districts which
the robber bands have hitherto terror
lied at pleasure. picture to yourself
every Christian village as a small
stronghold. fortified at every point of
vantage. In the centre of the village
stands the residence of the commander,
who is none other than the missionary.
This residence is a regular citadel,
surrounded by high walls and fianked
at its corners by four towers well for
titled also. There are no doors. The
going in and out is effected by means
of ladders which are each time drawn |
back within.
During the day the father attends to
his duties and the Chinese to their |
work. At nightfall every one is at
home again and if danger has been sig-
nailed they all retire within the fort, |
sentries being appointed to keep watch |
from the towers. At the first cry of |
alarm the men are up in arms and |
the father directs the defense. If the
enemy has been reported in larger
numbers than usual. the missionary |
has taken care to ask the Mandarin
for additional help. and is therefore
well prepared to repulse the assail-
ants.
As a result of these measures the
brigands become little by little dis |
and leave the Christian vii !