The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-12-18
AMONG THE NEW BOOKS

The Siege in Pekin; China Against the
World, by an eye witness, w. A. P.
martin, u. D.. LII. D., president IF the
Chinese Imperial university Fleming
Il ReveH company, Chicago.
Dr martin, after a residence of half
century in China, and with his recent
experience as one of those who were
penned up in the Imperial City, is pecu-
Harly fitted to tell the story Of the siege
OF that city by the allied forces. A man
Of the city Of Pekin and bird's-eye view
OF the disturbed area in China aid in CIV
ing clear idea of the siege and the ac-
companylng movements. The story Is
complete and very thrilling, this being
the first volume to give the history of
the Boxer uprising, and the many trou-
bles that have grown out of it.
Dr. Martins long and intimate ac-
acquaintance with the Chinese rulers and
people have given him exceptional OPP
opportunities to know Of the growth Of
the Boxer and antf-foreign movements.
and his description of the development
Of this spirit among the natives OF the
Celestial empire, is notable contribution
to all that is sure to be written and pub
lished in regard to this fight of the DOW
ers Of Christianity allied in the interest
of humanity. He clearly shows the diff
ference among the various races that go
to make up the Chinese empire, and fur
Their that the Chinese people are gener-
ally Industrious and unwarlike, ruled for
centuries by a tribe of Tartars, who
have imposed their dynasty on the peace
loving Cinnamon. He particularly calls
attention to the broad distinction be-
tween the Chinese and their Manchu ruI-
ers. The former" he says, ARE mis-
guided, the latter treacherouS and i'm
placable. Among the Manchus, again. it
is necessary to distinguish between a
progressive emperor and the anti-foreign
Il Cn no Etyfc, Al
former in the work of reform are ex-
clusiyely Chinese. The instigators of the
latter in her bloody reaction were chiefly
Manchus.''
These opposing factions or divisions
among the ruling class are then describ-
ed, and their relative strength shown
The growth of the reform party has been
steady for many years, but the anti
foreign, or reactionary element, has al
ways opposed it's advances. The contests
between the two have been the history of
modern China. The empress dowager has
been three times regent, and the strength
OF the Boxer agitation was directly due 1
to her encouragement.
The Boxers are not a new body called
into being by the missionary work in
China. but are an old association dating
back more than 100 years. Their creed is
blending Of the religions of Buddlla.
Iiootse and Confueia1s, with various popsI-
lar S{lpeFStI(OlS. lHelr anIlcS and how
the empress dowager made use of them
for her own end. forms an interesting
part in the story Of the last few years.
This siege of Pekin will rank as not
able in history. Cooped in the British le-
ga ton were 1000 people of fourteen ma
tionalities, the ministers of eleven ma
lions and about 2,0G0 native Christians
The daily progress of events among the
foreigners, the various attacks and de,
fenses, the movement of the Boxers, the |
aggressive actions Of the Imperial forces !
all are recorded with careful accuracy, |
Many thrilling incidents of the siege are |
given. The unselfish and brave conduct !
of Mrs. Conger, wife of the United States |
minister, and the other women in the !
legation, are especially commended.
Looting by missionaries is shown by |
Dr.. Martin TO have been a matter of ne |
cessity in the few instances when il !
WIS done, being for the sake of food for |
themselves and those in their charge. |
but beyond this they did not go. Tire |
same cannot be said of the soldiers or |
the various nationalities, whose desire /
for plumber Of any kind seemed insati:t-
ble.
In the matter of a reconstruction of TIA |
Chinese government DR.. Martin repro- !
duces his own suggestions that the |
emperor be placed firmly on the throne, a I
proposition which has met with inereas- I
ing favor. 1t was part Of q plan form !
ullted by him at the beginning of tho :
siege He reviews the claims OF 1lle dir /
fer6nt powers II China and outlines what /
their probable future will be, closing
with tie affirmation of his belief that /