The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-07-11

Moreover they StrOlled about the city
without restraint and even attempted
to enter the Tsung Hua gate (the east
ern gate of the palace groundS). They
only dessted when admittance was pos
itively forbidden On this account both
the soldiers and the people were pro-
indignation with one accord. Lawless
persons then took advantage or the
situation to do mischief and became
bolder than ever in burning and killing
Christian converts.
1.-The powers thereupon attempted to
reinforce the foreign troops but the re-
Inducements encountered resistance and
defeat at the hands of the insurgents
on the way and have not yet been able
to proceed. The insurgents of the two
provinces of Chi Lii and Shan Tung had
by this time effected a complete union
and could not be separated. The imper-
ial government was by no means re-
luctant to issue orders for the entire
suppression of this inSurgent element.
But as the trouble was so near at hand,
there was a great fear that due protec-
tion might not be assured to the lega-
tionS if the anarchists should be driven
to extremities, thus bringing on ma
tional calamity. There also was a fear
that upriSingS might occur in the pro-
vinces of Chi Lii and Shan Tung at the
same time with the result tfrat both for
eign missionaries and Chinese converts
in the two prOnviceS might fall victims
to popular fury. 1t was therefore, alb
solutely necessary to consider the mat
ter from every point of view. AS a
measure of precaution it was finally de-
cided to request the foreign ministers
to retire temporarily to Tien TSin for
Safety. 1t was while the discussion of
this proposition was in progress that
the German minister. Baron Won Ket
teller, was aSsa ssinated by a riotous
mob one morning while on his way to
the Tsung Lii Yamen. On the previous
day the German minister had written a
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 threatening attitude
and consequently it was not deemed
wise to carry out the project of sending
the diplomatic corps to Tien Tsin under
an escort. However orders were issued
to the troops detailed for the protection
of the legations to keep Stricter watch
and take greater protection against any
measure.
ITO our surprise on the goth of the fifth
moon Dune 16th) foreign (navaD Off
GERS at Taku called upon Lo Jung
Kwang, the general commanding and
demanded the surrender of the forts,
notifying him that failing to receive
compliance they would at 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 he could not yield. On the day
Named Iney IlT6O on the IOTIS WHICH
responded and kept up fighting all day
and then surrendered. Thus the con-
fiict 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 a step as to en-
gage in war with all the powers sim
ultaneouSly and how could she, relying
upon the support of anarchistic popu-
lace 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 of the wrongs
we have suffered and how China was
driven to the unfortunate position from
which she could not escape.
Our several ministers will make
known accurately and in detail the con-
tents 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
strictly enjoined to afford protection to
the legations as hitherto, to the utmost
of their power. AS for the anarchists they
will be strictly dealt with as circum-
stances permit.
1.-The several ministers who continue
in the discharge of the duties of their
offices as hitherto without hesitation or
doubt This telegraphic decree to be
transmitted for their information. Re
neat this''