The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-07-23
HOW PEKING WAS oPEsED.
The Terrible Events of Forty Years
Ago Recalled.

Washington Letter in Boston Transcript
A relative of Sir Robert Hart, DR.. Ed
ridge by name, who is on his way to
Alaska, is quoted as saying that he does
not believe Sir Robert has been killed
The doctor has lived in China, six months
at one time and two years at another, and
thinks it quite likely that many foreigners
have escaped and are hidden in the homes
of friendly Chinese.
Speaking of Sir Robert Hart, DIR. Ed
ridge recalls some interesting history. In
1860 the French and English, as allies. had
got into trouble with one of the viceroys
on account of Christians being taken from
British ship and tortured. An expedition
had been sent to Canton and taken the
town. A treaty was agreed upon, and
the English insisted that 1t be ratified at
Peking. To this the Chinese openly as
sented. but it was known that they would
secretly resist. The Chinese feared the
precedent Of British envoy at Peking.
To reach Peking it was necessary to go UP
the Pei-Ho The Chinese obstructed the
entrance. To force a clearance the Taku
forts w(ee bombarded. At first the allied
forces were repulsed with terrible loss.
1t was there that an American naval cap
tain rushed to the assistance of the Eng
lish. afterward explaining to his govern
ment that blood was thicker than water"
Later Tien-Tsin was taken, Just as in
this instance, and a victorious march be-
gan toward Peking. The power of resist
alce of the Chinese was broken, but they
resorted to every diplomatic expedient to
delay the triumphant invasion of their
capital. These were finally successful, Lord
Elgin, for the British, agreeing TO meet the
Chinese ENJOYS at Tung-Chow Two English
commissioners. French commissioners. q
correspondent of the London Times. and
a guard of twenty-six Englishmen and
twelve Frenchmen were sent to T,lng
Chow. They completed their arrangements
and were returning. when they fell in with
a Chinese commissariat officer detached
from the main body on special duty. who
took them prisoners.
From this moment the Chinese govern
ment acted with characteristic senseless
ness. The prisoners were taken to various
places in China and exhibited as wild
beasts. They were confined in small cages.
which were too short for them to recline
at more than half length. and so low that
posture. When 1t is considered that they
were carried around In this horrible way
tor several weeks and never taken from
the cages. the agony they endured may be
understood. At each stopping place the
captors would distribute little souvenirs of
their visit For these they would cut off
tips OF their captives' fingers. Joints OF
their toes. pieces OF their ears. or noses.
or tongues. and in other ways mutilate
them for the benefit OF the foreign-haters
Sir Robert Hart was one OF these can
tives. Eldridge has frequently heard the
story from his own lips. Hart left the
joints of three fingers as the souvenirs
of his terrible journey. AS may be mag
ined. the English people were terribly
wrought up over this. although many OF
the cruel facts were concealed for time.
Lord Eigin refused TO take a step until
the captives were delivered to him. Thir-
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