Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-08-06
THE CHINESE TROUBLES.

China it is said is beginning to make
important concessions. In this, 1t 10 BE-
lieyed 10 Washington, she is animated
by hope that an assault by the allied
armies on Pekin may be averted.
Consul John Goodnow, the United
States representative at Shanghai, c.
lied to the State department yesterday
that Sheng, the Chinese Director Oi
Posts and Telegraphs, has just com
municated to him an Imperial
edict, dated July 30, ordering Gen
Jung La to provide an escort for the
foreign Ministers from Pekin to Tien-
tsin as soon as the Ministers fix the
date of their departure. The edlct says
that messages not in cipher will be for
warded to the Ministers. "But not
understanding this" cables Mr.. Good
now, "plsiu messages were returned to
some Consus August 4.
A dispatch to the Paris Temps from
Shanghai says the imperial edict au-
thorizes the Ministers TO communicate
with their Governments "without res-
friction" which would amount to a.
lowing cipher messages. 1t also says
the departure OF the Ministers for Tien-
tsiu has been "ordered."
It is said in Washington that the
Ministers will probably prefer to re-
main in Pekin until the arrival of the
allied forces. This is partly explained
by the fear OF treschery should they
leave their present comparatively Sc
cure position.
Consul Jsmes w. Ragsdale, at Tien.
tsin, has received a message from Ed
win H. Copger, United States Minister
10 Pekin, under date OF July q. This
message is as follows:
"All well. No fighting since the Is b
by agreement. Enough provisions.
Hope for speedy relief"
Taken in connection with the com.
munication from Sheng this is believed
TO make it reasonably certain that the
Ministers are still safe.
The advance of the allied armies on
Pekin is believed to be in active pro-
gress. A Tientsin dispatch, dated Au
gust 2, sent by way of Shanghai yes
terday, says that 1000 Russian and
Japanese troops reconnoitered a Chi
nese position seven miles north of Ten
tsiu. They found large body Of troops
there, VINO showed strength in rifle
fire, but weakness in artillery. the
Russians shelled the position, but ap-
pear to nave accomplished nothing. A
Shanghai dispatch says it is rumored
that the advance guard Of the allies has
been repulsed. The Chinese are stated
to be showing surprisingly good gen.
eralship and are preparing to cut the
communications Of the allies.
A Tientsn dispatch to the London
Daily Express says that the main body
OF the allies moved July 80, but that
the Americans and British did not start
until August 2. General Chafee's de.
lay, it is stated, was due to difficulties
of debarkation, but the slowness OF the
British was pronounced inexplicable.
This does not agree with the current
official belief in Washington, which is
to the effect that the Americans and
British were leading the advance.
An uncon6rmed report from ShaDg-
hal states that Ii Hung Chang has com
mitted suicide.
The Belgian vice consul at TientsiD,
VI. A. Ketels, says that the Chinese in
Pskin are certifying their position out
side the British legation.
The Governor OF Moukden is report
ed to have urged the massacre of
Christians. Nearly all the missions
have been destroyed
General Ii Ping Hong was appoint
ed to command the troops in the north
OF the Chinese Empire.
TIE Chinese are reported to be forti-
flying the Yaug Use river, according to
their statement, as precautioD
against the Boxers. Chinese troops are
being secretely brought to the treaty
ports.
There are indications that Germany
is preparing another expedition TO
China. The Emperor and Minister
Won Buelow take different views of the
situation.
A dispatch from Tientsin says: The
Boxers are rsiding villages south OF
this place. One thousand Moham-
medans have been massscred. The
Chinese are said to be operating from
Shan Hsi-Kwan TO Tung Chow. 1t is
reported that the Japaue e are landing
troops at Shsn-Hsi Kwsn and will
march on Pekin from that place. The
Emperor and Dowager Empress are be-
lieved to be still in Pekin. Their
flight or death wonld produce a great
change.