The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-10-03
AS TO CHINESE OFFICERS.

AS TO CHINESE OFFICERS.
This proclamation states, first that the Boxers
have gradually become SO numerous and have
become SO mixed up with the soldiers that it is
impossible to control them. 1t next states that
they have their origin in the unlawful and over
bearing practices OF the Christians, which were
carried on to such degree that 1t was not
possible for trouble not to arise. It then states
that the Christians are originally simpe.minded
people, deceived and led astray by foreigners
but now (here the style changes to direct dis
course) an opportunity shall be given you to re-
cant. II you do, you shall be regarded as good
citizens and your homes protected, il not, you
shall be regarded as ruffians.
1t next commands the various district magis-
trates to carefully number all the Christians
within their districts, and compel them to recant
and to take security Of them that they will never
again enter the church. They are also to report
all foreign churches and property. in order that
it may be coniscated. All Of which is to be done
speedily. The proclamation then closes by warn
ing the common people against disturbing the
repentant Christians. Dated 18th of 9th Moon
(July. This proclamation has been widely posted
up in Shan Tung.
This same magistrate has arrested two OF our
native pastors, to say nothing of a whole lot OF
Christians, simply because they were Christians,
and has beaten them severely. One of the pas.
tors was Ting Lii Mel, whose picture, with that
OF his wife, have already sent home to you.
He is one of our college graduates, had a three
years. seminary course and was one Of the most
spiritual men l have met in any land. He wao
beaten fearfuly, so that his thighs and legs were
like jelly. the official in the meantime asking
him: "Are you still Christian? Are you still
a Christianf" After that he was sent bound to
his native district, near Using Lau
Since the foreigners are out of Shan Tung,
Yula Shi Kai the governor, seems to act as II
his responsibility had ceased, and seems to have
little intention Of helping the native Christians
The Germans are now landing 10000 men, so it
is said, and plan to go into Shan Tung. Between
them and the Boxers missionary work will be
pretty we'll smashed up. News is Just at hand
telling Of the looting Of Ching Chow Flu (near
Chi Nan FD Of property, residences, fine large
museum and hospital and the killing Of some
Christians there.
THEIR PRESENCE A MENACE.
So YOU see that in Shan Tung the brunt OF It
falls on the native Christians. I have no regret,
however, because the missionaries have left them
In some few cases (and no man could foretel
which these would be) at tremendous risk to the
foreigners life serious trouble may have been
delayed or even avoided by the foreigner remain
ing, but, in the majority of cases, the natives
are safer at the present time with the foreigner
away, As long as We were in Teng Chow they
looked to us for protection. When we went
away they planned for themselves and many of
the leaders placed their wives and children in as
safe localities as they could find, which they
would not have done as long as we were there.
The time for going back to our work seems
as far off as ever, though in places where work
has been long established. the men, at least,
will want to go back as soon as possible to pick
up the scattered and broken strands. l some.
times wish Elizabeth and the children could be
with you for year, during the Reconstruction
PERIOD" especially since we have no house.
The troops are now started in earnest toward
Pekin and I am in hopes that long before this
letter reaches you affairs will have so turned at
Pekin as to enable us to measure q little. at
least, what the future possibilities are.
Lobenstine urges us to join him in Japan, but
do not care to do SO until am sure we cannot
get back to China for several months. Some one
suggested my taking up educational work in
Korea, but am Chinaman, and, too. mans
heart is where his treasure is. am eager to get
back to China as soon as it seems wise.
Our board Of missions has been very kind to
us and have endeared themselves to all the mis-
sionaries by their evident interest and desire to
do all in their power for the men at the front
OF the board secretaries have been as great as
on the hearts Of those at the front,
There are few moments when our friends at
Paoting FIJI and Pekin are out of our minds
Three families Of us here meet daily for prayer
for those in China. 1t is probably one OF many
groups all over the world. In the end God will
surely hear our prayer and glorfy Himself either
through the death or lite of our friends. This
would be their prayer.
We are fearing it will not be convenient for us
here II we stay here after Sept. LIST, and unless
we can 20 back to Chefoo ! think we shall be
looking for an abiding place IN Japan. Send let
ters hereafter care OF Presbyterian Press
Shanghai. With much love to you all,
Harry.