The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1900-07-14
A. DECREE FROM CHINA.
WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE
Could Not Stop the BOxers-Tried to
Keep Peace-FOrefEners Will be
Protected as Far as Possible.

Washington, July 3.--An imperial de-
cree dated Sd day Of 9th moon June 29)
was received by telegraph by Minister WI
from the toatai of Shanghai, transmitted
on July from the treasurer OF the Chin
Lii province, who received it by special
courier on June 80 from the board of war,
who in turn received it from the privy
council in Picking. The decree is as fol-
lows:
''The circumstances which led to the COM
mencement of fighting between Chinese
and foreigners were of such complex,
confusing and unfortunate character as to
be entirely unexpected.
sour diplomatic representatives abroad,
owing to their distance from the scene OF
action, have had no means OF knowing
the true state of things, and accordingly
can not lay the views Of the government
before the ministers of foreign affairs
Of the respective powers to which they
are accredited. Now we take this oppor-
tunity Of going fully into the matter for
the information of our representatives
aforesaid.
"In the first place there arose in the
provinces of Chilli and Shan Tung band
of rebellious subjects who had been IN
the habit Of practising boxing and fencing
in their respective villages, and at the
same time clothing their doings with spir-
itual and strange rites. The local author
tiles failed to take due notice OF them at
the time. Accordingly the infection
spread with astonishing rapidity. Within
the space of month it seemed to make
its appearance everywhere, and finally
even reached the capital itself. Every one
looked upon the movement as supernat-
ural and strange, and many joined it.
"Then there were lawless and treacher-
GUS persons who sounded. the cry OF
down with Christianity About the md
die of the fifth moon these persons began
to create disturbances without warning.
Churches were burned and converts were
killed The whole city was in ferment.
A situation was created which could not
be brought under control.
"Our position in this matter ought to be
clearly understood by all the powers. The
above is a statement of the wrongs we
have suffered and how China was driven
to the unfortunate position from which
she could not escape.
sour several ministers will make known
accurately and in detail the contents of
this decree and the policy of China to
the ministers of foreign affairs in their
respective countries and assure them
the military authorities are still strictly
enjoined to afford protection to the lega-
tons as hitherto, to the utmost of their
power. As for the anarchists, they will
be severely dealt with as circumstances
permit.
"The several ministers will continue in
the discharge of the duties of their offices
as hitherto without hesitation or doubt.
This Geographic decree to be transmitted
for their information"
Lasted for -Four Days.
Berlin, July 1.-THE German minister
at Tientsin cables that the foreign set
Elements were continually bombarded by
the Chinese from July to July 8. On
July 6 1000 Boxers attacked the French
settlement and were routed by the Rus
SLAMS. The British and Japanese forcas,
July 7, bombarded the Chinese batteries.
Toward evening Chinese shells pene-
trated the roof of the German consulate
and caused an outbreak Of fire, which was
extinguished after slight damage had
been done.
Cable From LII Hung Chang.
Paris, July l2.-The Chinese minister
here informed M. Delcasse that Lii Hung
Chang had cabled him from China, under
yesterdays date, saying that he had just
received telegram from Peking assert
ing that the soldiers and rebels who sur
rounded the legations had gradually dis
appeard.