The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1900-07-17

Ketteler was asSassinated by a flolous
mob one morning while on his way TO the
Tsung Lii Yamen. On the previous dag
the German Minister had written a letter
appointing q time for calling at the Isuhg
Ii Yamen. But the Iamen, fearing he
might be molested on the way. did not
consent to the appointment as suggested
by the Minister. Since this occurrence
the anarchists assumed a more bold and
threatening attitude, and consequently
it was not deemed wise TO carry out the
project Of sending the diplomatic corps
to Tien Tsin under an escort. Moreover,
orders We're issued 10 the troops de-
tailed for the protection of the Legations,
to keep stricter watch and take greater
Drccaution against any emergency.
ATTACK ON TAKU FORTS.
ITO our surprise. on the goth cf the
fifth moon (June 16th) foreign saval)
officers at Taku called upon LO Jung
Kwang. the general commanding, and de-
handed his surrender Of the forts, notify
ing him that failing to receive compli-
ance they would at 2 o'clock the next
day lake steps to seize the forts by
force. Lo Jung Kwang being bound by
the duties Of his office TO hold the forts
how could he yield to the demand? Oh
the day named they actually fired first
upon the forts, which responded and after
fighting all day then surrendered The
first conflict Of forces began, but certainly
the initiative did not come from our side.
Even supposing that China were not con-
scious of her true condition, how could
she take such a step as to engag in
war with all the powers simultaneously,
and how could she, relying upon the sup
port of an anarchistic populace go into war
with the powers Our position in this
matter ought to be clearly understood by
all the powers. The above is a state
ment Of the wrongs we have suffered, and
how china was driven to the unfortunate
position from which she could not escape.
THE BOXERs WILL BE PUNISHED.
'Our several Ministers will make known
accurately and in detail the contents of
this decree and the policy Of China to
the Ministers CT Foreign Affairs in their
respective countries and assure them
that military authorities are still en-
Joined to afford protection to the Lega-
lions as hitherto, to the utmost of their
power. AS for the anarchists, they will
be severely deal with as circumstances
permit.
The several Ministers will continue in
the discharge of the duties Of their office
as hitherto without hesitation and with
out doubt. This Geographic decree is to
be transmitted for their information.
Respect this"
WASHINGTON GREATLY PLEASED.
The document gave great satisfaction
here as it showed that assuming there
was some foundation for the first reports
that the Immortal GGvprnmppt had en-
couraged the Boxers, and even partici-
pated in the attacks upon the Legations,
an effort is about to be made to retrieve
the mistake.
The note is said to have originated
with the Privy Council. and at the State
Department this body is declared to be
Identical with the Tsung Ii Yamen, being
the power next to the Throne, and the
one which deals exclusively with foreign
powers. The curious means adopted of
forwarding the note are supposed to have
been resorted to because what amounts
to martial law in civilized countries is
now in force in Pekin and Shan Tung, so
that the Tsun Ii Yamen would ma & rally
confide the message to the War Board,
now in supreme control, to secure its
transmission to Shanghai. The announced
purpose of the Chinese Government to
protect the foreign ministers IS gratifying
to the officials here, for they have all
along been more or less doubtful of the
authenticity CT the several dispatches
which have emanated from Shanghai, re-
s-ecting the relations between Prince
Ching and the Legations.
OUR PLANS NOT TO BE CHANGED.
1t is said that the note does not call
for answer from the State Department
at this stage, and will not materially
affect the military plan laid down by our
Government. Such forces as we can land
in China will be pushed forward with
rapidity to Pekin.
The only consideration that would in
duce the Administration to relax that
program at any point would be the re-
opening of communication with Minister
CoDger and his release from any sort of
duress or restraint. Possibly now that
the Tsung Ii Yamen is communicating
with the outer world, it will permit the
foreign Ministers in Pekin, il they are
alive, to do the same. Our Government
probably will suggest to the Tsung Ii
Yamen through Minister WI here, that
this be done. Much will depend upon the
response.