The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-07-06
EMPEROR SAID TO BE DEAD
GIVEN THE CHOICE OF POISON or
SWORD, AND TOOK THE FORMER.
Empress Dowager Also Ordered TO
Commit Suicide. but She Swai-
lowed Only Part of the Drug.

LONDON, July 6, 2:S0 n. m.-The story
that all foreigners in Picking were muE-
dered on June 80 or July !, appears 10 be
circulating simultaneously at che-Foo.
Shanghai and Tien-Tsin. Yet, as il is moi
confirmed by official dispatches and is not
traceable TO the southern viceroys, who
are still in communication with Peking
there is a basis for the hope that 1t is un-
true
Cautious observers in Shanghai recognize
that even though these reports be rejected
events in Peking must be Fastening TO
tragic end. Correspondents OF the Express
at Shanghai gather details from Chinese
sources. which. pieced together. relate that
when the foreigners ammunition was ex-
hausted the Boxers and imperial troops
rushed to the British legation and poured
into the courtyard with fanatical fury.
The foreign troops were helplessly out
numbered and their fate was certain. The
moment the mob broke into the courtyard
the invaders spread into the interior OF
the building. One correspondent adds: III
is only left to hope that in the final rush
Of the murderous hordes the men OF the
legations had time to slay with their own
hands their womenkind and children. The
Chinese are whispering the terrible story
under their breath Their attitude towards
foreigners in the streets mas undergone
strange change. The demeanor OF the bet
than of triumph Even the rabble in the
native quarters are silent. Something Of
this eliminating tragedy in the ghastly
history of recent events in Peking seems 10
pervade the very atmosphere here and to
compel belief against all our hopes. The
consuls fear that the report is too true and
the Chinese officials do not attepmt to seek
reasons for denial.
THE EMPEROR POISONED.
The Manchus who have arrived at Shang-
hal certify to the truth OF the statement
that Prince Tuan visited the palace and
offered the Emperor and the dowager En-
press the alternative of poison or the
sword. The Emperor, they say. took poison
and died within an hour. The dowager En-
press also chose poison, but craftily swal-
lowed only a portion Of what was offered
her and survived. On the same day the
Chinese customs bureau was destroyed,
Sir Robert Hart, the inspector OF customs.
and his staff, escaping TO the legations.
Intense indignation is felt I'm Shanghai
against the supposed action OF the powers
in restraining Japan from sending an army
TO Peking Immediately. The powers are
accused Of being as guilty OF murder as
are Prince Tuan's fanatics, and Sir Robert
Hart is blamed for not having Informed
the foreigners of the immense imports OF
arms. especially few weeks ago.
The Chinese commanders are preparing
for long. severe campaign and are put
ting into operation plans drawn up by Ger
man officers last year for resisting an in
vasion from the seaboard by Russia
HORRIBLE NEWS EXPECTED.
The correspondent of the Daily Mail at
Shanghai. telegraphing under date OF July
5. 1910 p. m, says he believes that when
official information comes regarding Picking
~ Aaos AANAa0N AtNc ol iit OuAIaEluA CT
English women and the torture OF children.
II may almost be taken for granted. he as
serts, that all the foreigners in Peking have
been wiped ont. These arc the wh.sperings
OF startling rumors in the native quarters.
and IL must not be forgotten that the tele-
graph lines. by which alone the news can
come. are solely in the hands OF the Chi
nese. The native rumors are likely 10 have
their source In a solid basis. and the native
officials believed 10 be preparing the
way for the reception OF news OF the
greatest crime of the century. Tatoi Yu
admitted 10 the correspondent that the case
of the Europeans in Picking Is utterly hope
less. in his opinion. He believes thar IL
they have not yet been massacred Il Is only
a matter OF hours before they win be.
A letter brought by courier from PekinG.
received In Shanghai on July a. says the
Boxers are gathering huge forces about
Picking. reinforcements arriving from all
directions. This is taken 60 indicate a con-
cert OF action among the mobiles. who srs
believed TO have thrown In their lot with
tie Boxers. The Emperor and the Empress