The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-12

admiitance was positively forbidden. On
TINS account. botn the soldiers and the
people We're provoked to resentment and
voiced their Indignation with one ac-
coiu.
'>swiess persons then took advantage
OF the situation TO do mischief and became
4ye...> Do1der tnan ever in burning
and killing Christian converts. Tne powers
li.e.cupoh attempted 10 reinforce Ile for
eisn troops, but the reinforcements en-
countered resistance and defeat at the
I...~.s ~ Inc insurgents OH the way and
have not yet been able to proceed. The
Insurgents - tae two provinces of Chin Ii
and Shang lung had by this time effected
. complete union and could not be sepa-
rated. The Imperial government was by
no means reluctant to issue orders for the
suppression OF this insurgent element, but
as the trouble was so near at hand there
was a great fear that due protection might
not be assured 10 the legationists il the
anarchists should be driven to eXtremities.
thus bringing on national calamity.
There also was a fear that uprisings might
occur in the provinces of Chin Lii and
Shang Tung at the same time, with the
result that both foreign missionaries and
Chinese converts in the TWO provinces
might fall victims to popular fury.
1T was, therefore, absolutely necessary
to consider the matter from every point
of view AS a measure of precaution, it
was finally decided to request the foreign
ministers TO retire temporarily to Tien 1'sin
for safety. It was while the discussion of
this proposition was in progress that the
German Minister, Baron Won ketteler was
aSsasSinated by q riotous mob one morning
while his way to the Tsung Ii Yamen.
On the previous day the German Minister
had written letter appointing a time for
calling at the Tsung Ii Yamen. but the
Yamen fearing ne might be 7noested on
the way, did not consent to the appoint
Inent 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 diplo-
matte corps to Tfen Tsin under an escort
Moreover, orders were issued to the troops
detailed for the protection of the Legations
to keep stricter watch and take greater
pTccautlon against any emergency. To our
surprise on the 10Th Of the fifth moon
Grvre lfthl. foreien naval officers at Taku
called upon Lo Jung Kwang, the general
commanding, and demanded his surrender
of the forts. notifying him that failing to
receive compliance they would at o'clock
the next dag take steps 10 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? On the
day named they actually first fired upon
fire all day and then surrendered.
THUS the conflict OF forces began, but
certainly the initiative did not come from
our side Even supposing that China were
not conscious Of her true condition, how
could she take such step as TO engage
in war with all the Powers simultaneously,
and how could shr. relying upon the sup
port of an anarchistic popuaCe, go into
war with the Powers? Our position in this
matter ought TO be clearly understood by
all the Powers. The above is a statement
o: the wrongs we have suffered, and how
China was driven 10 the unfortunate posi-
ton from which she could not escape
Our several ministers will make known
accurately and in detail the contents of
this decree and the policy of China to the
Minister'S OF Foreign Affairs in their re-
speCtiva countries, and assure them that
military authorities are still enjoined TO
afford protection TO the legations, as here
totOrc to the utmost of their ability.
''As for the insurgents, they will be Sc
vereIr dealt with as far as circumstances
permit. The ministers will continue in the
discharge OF the duties OF their office, as
hitherto without hesitation and without
doubts.
This telegraphic decree is to be sent for
their information
The document gave great satisfaction
here as il showed that, assuming there
was some foundation for tho first reports
that thu Imperial government had encour-
aged tia Boxers. and even participated in
the attacka upon the legations, an effort
is about 10 ba made 10 retrieve the mis-
taxi.
The nota il said to have originated with
thu Privy Council. and, at the State De
partment. this body is declared to be iden-
teal with rTsuns Ii Yamen, being the pow
er mex: To the Throne. and the one which
deals exclusively with foreign Powers. The
curious means adopted OF forwarding the
nota are supposed To have been resorted
tc because what amounts to martial law in
civilized countries IS now in force in Pekin
and Shang Tung so that the Tsung Ii
Yamen would naturally contde the mes
sage to the War Council, now in supreme
CONTROL to insure its trans mission TO Shang-
hal
Tho announced purpose OF the Chinese
government: to protect tho foreign minis
terra il gratifying to the officials here, for
they have ali along been more or less
doubtful OF the authenticity of the several
dispatches, which have emanated from
Shanghai. respecting the relations between
Prince Ching and the legations.
Il is said that the note does not call for |
an answer from the State Department a |
this stage, and viii not materially affect |
tia military programme laid down by our |
government. Such forces az we can land in |
China will be pushed forward with rapid |
" 10 Pekin.
Tho only consideration tina: would induce |
the administration Ia relax that programme /!
any point would be the reopenins of |
communication with Minister Conger, and |
his release from any sort of duress or re-
strain:- Possibly now, that the Tsung Ii |
Yamen is communicating with the outer |
world, i; viii permit the Foreign Minis
terra in Pekin, if they are alive. to do the |
same. Our government probably will sug-
ges: TO the Tsung Lii Yamen. through
Minister WI here that this be done. Much
Will depend upon the response.