Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-07-19


London. July Is, a. m.-Every
European in Pekin has persisted. This
IS now officially admitted by Shang,
the Taotai of Shanghai, who gets his
information through the governor of
Shantung. The massacre, according
to him, took place on the morning of
July {, after a fierce battle lasting all
night. This is not all the bad news
from China. The allies have had des-
perate fighting at Tien Tsin and sus-
tanned heavy losses, amounting to $50
in one day alone. 1t is doubtful if the
Europeans can hold their own even
there, unless they are speedily rein
forced. An official demand for the
surrender of the town made by the
Chinese military authorities proves
that the Chinese themselves recognize
that a state Of war exists and that
they will spare no means to take to
the foreign stronghold.
Even Shanghai is now seriously
threatened. The boxers are concen-
trating in large numbers near the city,
which is poorly prepared for defense.
There are grounds for suspicion that
the Viceroys and Governors, who have
heretofore alleged friendIiness to the
Europeans, and who gave out the re-
port that they would oppose Prince
Tuan's schemes, are playing a double
game. Ii Hung Chang and Liu Kung
vi, the VicerOy of Marking, as we'll as
the rest are believed to be secretly pre-
pairing to join the general movement
Ii Hung Changes latest announcement
is that he will go to Pekin immediate
ly. In the meantime he has ordered
10000 Black Flags, under General Liu
Yung Fuy, to proceed to the capital.
His departure is expected to be the sig
nal for a general massacre Of the for
eigners in Canton province The Pekin
massacre is bound to make the war to
q great extent one Of revenge and the
constantly increasing armies which
their appreciation of the gravity of the
situation. In fact it is predicted by
many conservative military men ia
miliar with the Chinese and their re-
cent Improvements in the army system
that 100000 Europeans will be neces-
s:Gy to 5rlIg the war to q successful
termination
The most complete story of the Pekin
massacre to reach London in point of
details is published by the Daily Mail
this morning, whose Shanghai cor
respondent last Thursday sent the
first account of the affair which had
the appearance of an authentic basis
The following message was filed at
Shanghai last night Sunday at 8
o'clock, and by the payment of urgent
rate came through in less than eight
hours time.
Il deeply regret | have to confirm
absolutely and fully the announcement
which l cabled on Friday in effect
that the legations at Pekin were de-
stroyed the night Of July 81, and that
all the British and Europeans were
massacred. Further official Chinese
messages, one from the government
of Shangtung, were received here yes
terday Saturday, confirming the
dread tidings. On June % the boxers
and the imperial troops gradually in
creased in number and massed them
selves around the British Legation,
camping in the streets and in places
laid waste by the boxers. Daily sorties
were made by small body of defend
ers, who met the Chinese in the streets,
infiicting severe punishment. These
sOrties often took place at night, so
that the great courage and energy of
the little force gradually compelled the
Chinese to retreat from the immediate
vicinity of the British Legation. These
reverses having a disheartening effect
there began to be open signs of disaf-
lection and frequent desertions to the
troops Of Prince Ching, who was en-
deavoring to cooperate with the be-
sieged. Ultimately Prince Tuan de-
cided to make an organized night at
tack. Having secured a plentiful sup
ply Of ammunition for the heavy guns,
a conference of the Chinese leaders was
held, and regular plan Of attack was
agreed upon by three powerful columns
with strong reserves. At p. N. on
July fire was opened with artillery
upon the British Legation, where the
concentrated, for two hours. |
The walls of the building were batter
ed by shot and shell and huge breaches |
made in them. Then general advance |
was ordered. The Chinese infantry, !
volleying constantly, moved towards !
the gaps. The fire of the defenders,
however, was so accurate and steady |
that the hOrdes of Chinese soldiers and
boxers broke and fed in the widest
confusion, leaving large numbers of
lead and wounded around the legation.
They were not rallied until out of rife
range. Then Prince Tuan, making
desperate appeal, induced them to re-
urn to the attack. Artillery fire was
and at the middle watch
second attack was attempted but be-
ore the attackers could accomplish
heir object they were met by Prince
Thing and General Wang Weng Shao
With troops going to the aid of the
0reigners
A desperate battle ensued between
he various forces of Chinese and
lanchus. Unfortunately many Of
'rince Ching's troops deserted TO
Prince Tuan, and Prince Ching fell. 1t
Tas supposed at the time he was killed, /
ut a search for the body the next :