The evening times., 1900-07-11

mere was also rear tndt uprlSlngS
might occur in the provinces OF Chill
and Shantung at the same time, with
the result that both foreign mission
aries md Chinese converts in the two
provinces might fan victims to popular
fury. 1t was, therefore. absolutely
necessary to consider the matter from
every point of view.
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 dis
oussion OF this proposition was in
progress that the German Minister
Baron Won Ketteler, was assassinated
by :: riotous mob one morning while
on his way to the Tsung- -li-Yamen.
On the previous day the German Min
lister had written a letter appointing
time for calling at the Tsung-n-
Yamen. But the Yamen, fearing he
might be molestcd on the way, did not
consent to the appointment suggested
by the minister.
After this occurrence the anarchists
attitude. and consequently it was e)t
deemed wise to carry cut the project
of sending the Diplomatic Corps 20
Tientsin under an escort. However.
orders were issued to the troops de-
tailed for the protection Of the lega-
tions 10 keep stricter watch and take
greater precaution against any emer-
gency-
Foreigners Began the Attack.
To our surprise. en- the Goth Of the
fifth moon June 16l. foreign CnavaD
officers at Taku called upon Lo Jung
kweng. the general commanding. and
demanded his surrender OF the forts.
notifying him that falling 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 10 hold the
forts, how could he yield to the de-
mand? On the day named. they actual
ly first Gred upon the forts. which
responded and kept up fighting all day.
and then surrendered. Thus the conflict
of forces began. but certainly the ini-
tiative did net come from out side.
Even supposing that China were not
conscious OF her true condition. how
could she take such step as 10 en-
gage in war with all the powers simul-
taneously and how could she. relying
upon the support Of an anarchistic
populace. &c into war with the powers?
our position in this matter ought TO
be clearly understood by al the pow
ers. The above is a statement OF the
wToHgs We have suffered and how China
was driven 70 the unfortunate position
from which sac could Tot escape.
Our several ministers will make
known accurately and in detail the
contents CT this decree and the policy
OF China 10 the Ministers Of Foreign
Affairs in the respective countries and
assure them that military authorities
are still strictly cnjoined to afford pro-
lection TO the legations as hitherto. 20
the utmos; CT their power. As fer the
anarchists. hey viii be severely dealt
with as circumstances permit.
The several ministers will continue
in the discharge Of the duties Of their
Office as hitherto withcu; hesitation or
doubt. This telegraphic decree TO be
transmitted for their information Re
spect this"
Minister Was Guarantee.
1t was learned at the State Department
that Minister WI had satisfied himself o
the authenticity of the decree before pre-
senting it to the Secretary OF State. Tn,
department accepted Mr.. Wu's Statement
that the decree was genuine and the Off.
cials said that their confidence in tn,
Chinese representative was so great thai
his assurance Of the authenticity Of til,
communication was a guarantee to that
effect. He would not have presented it t.
the Government. they said. if he had mo-
been satisfied that it came from the recog.
nized authorities of China in Pekin.
The position of the Chinese Government
as set forth in the decree. accords with tn
suppositicns as to the situation in Pekii
on which the United States have been pro
ceeding since regular communication will
the capital was suspended. Accepting IN.
decree as authentic, it is evident that tn,
Chinese Government has from the first at
tempted to protect the foreign legation:
and foreigners generally. or at least is now
willing to assert itself in that direction
That China does not regard herself at wa,
with the powers, despite the firing on tn,
Taku forts. is also to be understood from
the decree.
Some Pertinent QuestIons-
The fact that the adherents OF the Gov
ernment are determined to restore order
and protect foreigners is now the import
ant consideration. 1t is believed here that
the decree is the forerunner Of good news
from Pekin as the Government would not
have issued it had the Boxers been in
control. The fact that the Gov
ernment is able to get communications out
of Pekin is also an evidence of the res
oratiOn of the recognized authority. The
State Department would like to know,
however, why the Chinese officials are able
10 communicate with the outside world
while Minister COnger is not.
Whatever may have been the intentions
" the Empress Dowager and her advisors
oward foreigners in the beginning of the
roubles. they are now apparently anxious
o do everything possible to protect them.