The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-07-12
Leads Carolina News smdC Circulation

extremties, thus bringing on national
calamity. There also was a fear that up
rsings might occur in the provinces OF
Chh Ii and Shan Tung at the same
time with the result that both foreign
missionaries and Chinese converts in the
two provinces might fall victims to pop
ular fury. 1t was, therefore, absolutely
necessary to consider the matter from
every point of view"
KETTELER MURDERED BY A MOB.
"As a measure of precaution it was
finally decided to request the foreign
Ministers to retire temporarily to Tien
Tsin for safety. 1t was while the discus
sion of this proposition was in progress
that the German Minister, Baron Won
Ketteler was assassinated by a riotous
mob one morning while on his way to the
Tsung Ii Yafnen. On the previous day
the German Minister had written letter
appointing a time for calling at the Tsung
Ii Yamen. But the Yamen, fearing he
might be molested on the way, did not
consent to the appointment as suggested
by the Minister. Since this occurrence
| the anarchists assumed a more bold and
| it was not deemed wise to carry out the
| project of sending the diplomatic corps
to T;en Tsin under an escort. Moreover,
orders were issued to the troops de-
tailed for the protection of the Legations,
| to keep stricter watch and take greater
| precaution against any emergency.
ATTACK ON TAKU FORTS.
"To our surprise, on the goth cf the
fifth moon (June 16th) foreign (eavaD
officers at Taku called upon Lo Jung
Kwang, the general commanding. and de-
manded his surrender of the forts, notify
ing him that failing to receive compli-
ance they would at 2 o'clock the next
day take steps to 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 fired first
| upon the forts, which responded and after
| fighting all day then surrendered The
| first conflict Of forces began, but certainly
! the initiative did not come from our side.
Even supposing that China were not con-
scious of her true condition, how could
she take such step as TO engage in
| war with all the powers simultaneously,
| and how could she, relying upon the sup
port of an anarchistic populace go into war
with the powers? Our position in this
matter ought to be clearly understood by
all the powers. The above is a state
ment CT the wrongs we have suffered and
how China was driven 10 the unfortunate
! position from which she could not escape
| THE BOXERS WILL BE PUNISHED. 4
"Our several Ministers will make known
accurately and in detail the contents of
this decree and the policy of China TO
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs in their
respective countries and assure them
that military authorities are still en-
joined to afford protection to the Lega
| tions as hitherto, to the utmost of their
power. AS for the anarchists, they will
be severely dealt with as circums tances
permit.
THE several Ministers will continue in
the discharge of the duties of their office
as hitherto without hesitation and with
out doubt. This telegraphic decree is to
be transmitted for their information.
Respect this"
WASHINGTON GREATLY PLEASED.
The document gave great satisfaction
I here as it showed that assuming there
was some foundation for the first reports
that the Imperial Government had en-
couraged the Boxers, and even partici
pated in the attacks upon the Legations,
| an effort is about to be made to retrieve
| the mistake.
The note is said to have originated
with the Privy Council, and at the State
| Department this body is declared to be
| identical with the Tsung Ii Yamen, being
| the power next to the Throne, and the
| one which deals exclusively with foreign
| powers. The curious means adopted of
forwarding the note are supposed to have
been resorted to because what amounts
to martial law in civilized countries is
| now in force in Pekin and Shan Tung, so
that the Tsun Ii Yamen would ma a rally
confide the message to the War Board,
now in supreme control, to secure its
transmission to Shanghai. The announced
purpose of the Chinese Government to
protect the foreign Ministers is gratifying
TO the officials here, for they have all
along been more or less doubtful of the
authenticity of the several dispatches
which have emanated from Shanghai, re-
soecting the relations between Prince
Ching and the Legations.
OUR PLANS NOT TO BE CHANGED.
1t is said that the note does not call
for answer from the State Department
at this stage, and will not materially
affect the military plan laid down by our
Government. Such forces as we can land
in China will be pushed forward with
rapidity to Pekin.
The only consideration that would in
duce the Administration to relax that
program at any point would be the re-
| opening of communication with Minister
| Conger and his release from any sort of
duress or restraint. Possibly now that
the Tsung Ii Yamen is communicating
with the outer world, it will permit the
foreign Ministers in Pekin, if they are
| alive, to do the same. Our Government
! probably will suggest to the Tsung Ii
Yamen through Minister WI here, that
| this be done. Much will depend upon the
response.