The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1900-06-23
national lIeet stationed near the mouth

national fleet stationed near the mouth
of the Pie 10 river. 1t is impossible |
for TIE TRIBUNE to give detailed
account Of every phase Of the trouble
up to tile present4time, but In general
may say that 1t owes It's origin 70 two
things: First, the peaceable invasion
of China by the Christian and civilized
peoples of the world, and, second, the
determined opposition of a powerful |
Chinese secret society. known as the
Boxers. The Chinese name for the so
eiety is I-Ho-Tuon, meaning the
Righteous Fist Of Peace. IL was orig
inally organized for purposes Of law
and order, but in time developed into
bitterly anti.foreign and anti Christian
league. For a period 1t became known
as the Great Sword Society. during
which time it committed many out.
RACES on foreigners and Christian mis-
sionaries. Last October the Christian
nations forced the Chinese government
to send military force against tbs
Great Swords. There were one or tV o
insigniEic int engagements when accord
ing to a Chinese edict tile Great Swords
disappeared Immediately, however,
the Boxers society revived, SO 1t Is
clear that 1t is in fact all the time the
same the old Righteous Fist of Peace
organization. The principal aim of
this society now is to oppose and dis
courage foreign settlement in China.
Its methods are murder, robbery, assas-
sination and arson. 1t is particularly
bitter against Christian missionaries
and has perpetrated on them indescrib-
able cruelties. It was thought for
some time that the Boxers were re-
ceigiGg aid g..d encouragement from
the Russian government, but that
| view. is now discarded for the more
reasonable one that the Empress Dow
ager of china IL in league with the
Boxers. She is at heart as radically
/ anti-foreign aud anti-Christian as are
the. Boxers, and probably encourages
them in the hope that a mighty do
| nestle Instruction will aid i'll throw
/ ing off the threatened foreign domin-
i ion. In confirmation of this view
comes the report that the Chinese were
acting under orders of the Dowager-
Empress when they fired upon the in
ternationql feet. 1t may be further
said in explanation that the interna
tioaal fleet consists Of the war vessels
Of the United States, Great Britain,
Russia, Germany, France, Italy and
Japan. These powers have united to
| protect their citizens, commercial and
property interests in China. Accord.
ing to late dispatches all foreigners in
China, including the official represent
atives of the Christian nations, are
prisoners in constant danger of death
at the hands Of Infatuated Chinese
mobs. The Boxers society is believed
to consist of II millions of able bodied
men. Unless affairs shall soon take a
favorable turn, it is probable that the
dismemberment of the great Chinese
, empire is now actually begun, and that
} before the end comes the maps of the
Orient veil! have to be completely re
, vised. What part our own country
, will take in the struggle, the future
: alone can disclose, but that it will b.
considerable there is every indication
) and that it will be for the accomplish
ment of high and benevolent purposes
} there is no manner of question.