The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-11-19

Germans have refused to recognize Ii
Hung Chang, and the old man remains IN
his yamen Yiceroy in name only ami
only recognized as an envoy from the
court in the peace negotiations by the
Russians and Americans.
That Ills instructions TO the natives Of
PEI Chilli province to offer no Iesist ance
TO the allied trooDs have had some ef-
feet recent events are evidence. The
Ti-Lui expedition, which has been de-
scribed in the newspaper despatch
es, was absolutely unoppcsed. although
the town is known TO be a Boxer hotbed.
The Pei-Tang forts yielded practically
without resistance. A recent cavalry re-
eonnoissance beyond Ti-Lui toward Feng-
Shang had similar result. Lieutenant
Jansen. with a detachment of the Six
teenth Bengal Lancers was sent out to
feel the region and report as to the
strength OF the town to be attacked. He
approached the bridge with couple Of
men, leaving the main force concealed in
q millet field, which grew to the walls Of
the town Emerging from the field, he
found himself at the gate of the village
Making the best OF ii. he went boldly in
and was received by the head men with
the assurance that they were not enc
mics of the foreigners. As proofs of
this assertion they pointed to a ghastly
row OF forty human heads impdled over
the gate These, they said were the heads
OF BoZerS who had been executed Thes
recent Incidents are construed as indi-
eating that Ii Hung Chang's edict is be-
ing obeyed, and with passive submission
TO invasion, little or nothing can be &C
complished, in the opinion of the military
men, by further expeditions, unless all
the villages are destroyed. The latter
resort, it is said, is not likely to be car
RED out While in the vicinity of Pekin
small commands are operating. il is the
general belief that cold weather will
practically put an end to real fighting
Ihe return Of Ii Hung Chang to Tien-
tsIa brought about marked change for the
METER IN the native city. Prior to his ar
rlFaI the native city was practically in a
stupor- Little attempt was made BY the
Chlnese merchants TO resume business. me-
chanics, artisans, and tradesmen remaining
In hldlng- and the populace made no effort
10 resume their yocaUons. With Lis ar
rival all was changed instantly. Hardly had
the old statesman been settled in his yamen
on the edge OF the walled city before shops
began 20 open. well-dressed Chinese began
10 appear on the streets, and now the wall
ed city is being gradually rehabilitated.
Ihat portion of il which was not utterly
DESTROYED Is being rebuilt after q fashion,
ana all available houses are being made
ready for the cold weather
Ii Hung Chang has remained in his va
men during his stay here. He has received
E great many visits from business men, as
Ee has extensive commercial interests. but
oneIally little notice Of his presence has
been taken by the powers
Whatever may be the attitude of the DOW
ers toward the Grand Old Man Of the
East it is apparent he has lost none of
the influence and power he has exerted
for SO long in China and in his own pro-
vince be is looked upon as the certain
agent Of restoration.
Watching Russian Operations.
Russian operations 10 the north of China
are being watched with keen interest by
the other powers Since the taking of the
forts, followed a few days later
by the occupation of the forts at Lu-Tai
the Russian advance up the line of the
railway toward Shan-Hai-Kwan and the
great coal mines at Tung-Shan has been
steady. The details of the movement are
lacking owing 10 the absence Of telegraph
and mails, but it is known that the Rus
SLAMS are ROW in the vicinity of Tung- Shan.
The coal supply probably viii be the most
important question which viii confront the
armies, and the value of the control of the
Fung- Shan mines is evident With a rail-
way direct to Tong-Ku, Tientsin. and part
1f the way to Pekin the TuDg-Shan mines.
i captured unframed viii easily supply
the armies now in China and all the troops
that are expected.
Shan Hai-Kwan is also regarded as
point OF vital Importance II is an open
and tax free port. with deep water and
natural advantages for the construction
Of docks. The railway which connects it
with Tong-Ku was built by British eapI-
tai and leased to the Chinese That it
will form subject Of diplomatic Eego-
tiation is not doubted in well informed
circles.
In the event of the occupation of Shan
by Russia or any other nation.
IL is understood that America and the
other powers represented here will de-
mand port privileges. Practically but
eight weeks remain until the closing Of
TakU by ice. and Shan Hai-Kwan remains
the only available port open for the land
ing of belated supplies or stores made
necessary by the eXigencies OF the situa-
ton All the armies now have the situa-
ton pretty well in hand as far as winter
supplies are concerned, and every effort
is being made to push forward prepara-
tons for the rigorous weather TO which
the troops win be exposed. Wherever !
possible the British, japanese. and Euro
pean troops are being quartered in houses (
There is not foot of roo1age now vacant (
in the city Every house has been com
or rented and rents for Fri !
7ate dwellings have advanced 100 per cent. /
The large compounds. or walled grounds /!
which usually surround dwellings in the +
East, are all occupied as camps. These
quarters are much sought after, as the /
thick brick walls, often fifteen feet high !
form windbreaks, and are also utilized as
one wall OF barracks. timber and mat I
ing roofs being constructed on the inner (
side. In none of the concessions is prop /
erty allowed to be rented or sold without /
he consent Of the military authorities of /
he respective nations