The Oskaloosa herald., 1900-09-27

Russian, 5000 German and 1000
French troops, with a detachment of
Austrian marines began the attack
upon the Peitang forts at daylight.
The attack was answered briskly
from the forts, the bombardment con-
~tinuing until noon, but it was noticed
that the forts did not reply after ten
O'Clock.
The allies sent forward at noon to
discover the reason of the cessation
Of the firing from the forts and found
them deserted, there being only four
dead Cinnamon within the walls. The
allies were much ehagrined, as they
believed they had the place complete
" surrounded, making escape impos-
sible; yet over 5000 men got away in
broad daylight. The Russian artil-
lery fire had proved effective and the
forts were badly damaged.
The British and Italian command
ers had decided to join in the attack,
but their troops had not arrived in
time.
The entire line between Tientsin and
Taku shows reenforeements were
heading for the forts.
Three members of the allied forces
were killed n so were wounded
through the explosion of mines laid
along their line of march.
Losses of the Allies.
London, Sept. 24.-Advices to the
Standard from Shanghai place the
losses of the allies before Peitang as
300, principally due to the explosion
of mines, n of which, 200 yards long,
exploded like an earthquake, killing
and wounding large numbers, and lit
orally blowing two mounted officers
to pieces.
Enters a Protest.
London, Sept. 24.-Dr. Morrison, the
Peking correspondent of the Times,
wiring September 10, protests against
what he calls ian unworthy act of van
dalism on the part of Gen. Wilson's ex-
petition" namely, the attempt to de-
stroy the superb white pagoda In the
temple grounds at Pei-Tai-Chu." For
tunately, says the correspondent, the
masonry was too solid.
DR.. Morrison adds: at is expected
that the orders sent to NJ. Pichon, the
French minister, to withdraw, will be
countermanded."
Orders Death Of Boxers.
Taku, Sept. 24-Li Hung Chang has
caused a proclamation to be posted in
the principal cities Of the Chee-Lee
province calling upon the people and
soldiers to exterminate all the Box,
ers. All the taotals, magistrates and
projects deserving their posts win be
replaced by others. The military of,
fciaIs are directed to count the troops
and report to Ii Hung Chang, who
the proclamation says, will arrange all
matters with foreign nations.
Won't Return to Peking.
According to the Picking correspond,
emit of the Daily News, wiring Septem-
Der 16, the Chinese declare most posi-
lively that the empress dowager and
the emperor will in no case return to
the imperial palace in Picking, as they
hold that it has been desecrated by
the intrusion of barbarians. This ir-
reconcile BILE attitude receives confirm
alton in many reports emanating from
Shanghai. One of these is that. as a
reply TO the denunciation of Prince
Tuan and others by the viceroys, an
imperial edict, dated September II,
deals most leniently with the Boxer
movement and reminds the people that
both the Boxers and Chinese Christians
are Cinnamon, who shall receive i'm
perial protection if they quietly dis
perse to their homes. The edict points
out that it is impossible for the i'm
perial government to distinguish be-
tween good and bad Boxers. 1t says
however, that if the rebel Boxers still
continue to assemble, they will be
dealt with summarily. Another report
says that the edict frankly declares
that no executions can be sanctioned
until an adequate inquiry has been
made.
what Mr.. ROckhiII May Advise.
Picking. Sept. 10, via Taku, Sept. ga
Mr.. William Woodville RockhilI, spe-
cial commissioner of the United States.
has already conferred with Mr.. Conger,
the United States minister, but he has
not yet met Prince Ching. 1t is under
stood that he will advise Washington
to withdraw the American troops as
speedily as would be safe.