The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1900-08-01
ENJOYS BEING HELD As HOSTAGES
A NEW EDICT.
Chinese Threaten 10 Kill ENJOYS u ihe Powers
March Upon Pekln-viceroys Ordered
10 Guard Their Prisoners.

kilograms from Shanghai, dated
Thursday, say: Active preparations in
the Yang-tsc region for war are in
progrcss-not for war against the rebels,
but against foreign powers. Junk loads
OF Chinese soldiers and Boxers, disguis-
ed as coolies, are arriving here daily.
The arsenal is full OF arms, and supplies
are constantly coming in. The
Nankin and Kwuking garrisons
are being constantly reinforced, and the
viceroys admit that they cannot much
longer withstand the pressure brought
TO bear by Sheng and Ii Hung Chang
upon them to Join forces with Prince
Tuan. 1t is hoped that the arrival OF
Admiral Seymour here may stilicn the
backs of the southern viceroys and re-
store the security OF the port.
The Chinese minister in London, Sir
Chih Chen Lciong Luh, Friday received
a telegram from Shcng, director OF rail
ways and tccgraphs. TO the effect that
an imperial decree in the following
terms was issued on Tuesday: 1T is
fortunate that all the foreign representa-
tives. except Baron Won Kcttcler, are
found in safety and unharmed, Pro-
visions in the shape oi foodstufs, vege-
tables and fruits will be supplied to the
legations in order to show our cour-
tesy'
II is reported that large section oi
the Boxers has revoltcd against Prince
Tuan. alleging that he is making tools
OF them for his own ends. A desperate
conflict took place outside OF Peking
Sunday. Prince Tuan personally led his
followers, two of his generals having de-
serted him. The battle lasted several
hours and Prince Tuan was defeated and
killed
kilograms from Shanghai, dated Sun
day, say: "A new imperial cdict pro-
mulgated this evening urgently orders
all viccroys and provincial governors 20
endeavor to negotiate peace with the
powers whose ministers are held n:
hostages pending the result of the over
lures for the abandonment of hostilities
against China.
The viccroys are also commanded e
guard their territories vigilantly against
attack, and to prevent, by all means il
their power. the advance OF the forcig;
troops, especially along the Yang Is,
kiang The decree says that the off
cials will answer with their lives ioi
any failure to execute these orders
Commands are also given that not ;
single foreigner shall be allowed to cs
cape from the interior, where there ar,
still fully 1000 Europeans. connectc,
with missionary work, in isolated situa
tions."
when the governor Of Shan Tuni
communicated to the consuls the i'm
pcrial decree OF July "a, he omittc,
these important passages addressed t.
Ii Hung Chang: 1t is admittedly in
advisable to kill all the ministers, bu
it is equally unwisc to send them t,
Tien Tsin. 1t will be much wiser t.
keep the survivors at Pekin as hostages
You are commanded TO hasten to Pckin
You have been appointed viceroy OF Oh
Ii because, with your military expert
ence, you will successfully lead the i'm
perial armies against the foreigners il
Chi Ii, which You Lu, the prescn
viceroy, is unable TO do, owing to hi
ignorance OF military affairs.
Iii Hung Chang replied to this edic
asking TO be allowed to retire on ac
count of his agc.'