The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-08-02
Leadsal NorthC hCarolinaD DaiiesinN es nq~ @eulation
lowing dispatch from him, dated July

lowing dispatch from him, dated July
21st
There has been a cessation of hostili-
ties here (Pekin), since July 18TH but
for fear of treachery there has been no
relaxation Of vigilance. The Chinese sol
diers continue to strengthen the barr-
cades around the besieged area and also
the barricades on the top of the city
wall, but in the meantime they have
discontinued firing, probably because
they are short of ammunition.
THE main body of imperial soldiers
have left Pekin in order to meet the re-
lief force Supplies are beginning to
come in and the condition of the besieged
is improving. The wounded are doing
we'll. Our hospital arrangements are ad-
| mirablc and $50 cases have passed
through the hospital.
'The Tsung Lii Yamen forwarded to
Sir Claude Macdonald a copy of the dis
patch telegraphed by the Emperor to
Queen Victoria, attributing all deeds of
violence to bandits and requesting Her
Majesty's assistance to extricate the
Chinese Government from it's difficulties.
The Queens reply is not scheduled, but
the Chinese Minister at Washington
telegraphs that the United States Gov
ernment would gladly assist the Chinese
authorities.
This dispatch to the Queen was sent
to the Tsung Ii Yamen by the Grand
Council on July 3rd; yet the day before
an imperial edict had been issued calling
on the Boxers to continue to render loyal
and patriotic services in extermnating
the Christians. The edict also command
ed viceroys and governors to expel all
missionaries from China and to arrest all
Christians and compel them to renounce
their faith. Other DEGREES applauding
the Boxers speak approvingly of their
burning out and Staying converts Their
leaders are stated in a decree to be
Princes and Ministers. On July 18th
another decree made a complete volte
face due to the victories of the foreign
troops at Tien Tsin. In this decree, for
the first time, and one month after the
occurrence, an allusion was made to the
death of Baron Won Ketteler the German
Minister, which was attributed to the ac-
tion of local brigands, although there is
no doubt that it was premeditated and
that the assassination was committed
by an imperial officer, as the survivor,
Herr Cordes, can testify.
1.-The force besieging the Legation con-
sists of the Imperial troops under General
Tung Lu and General Tung Fuh Slang.
| whose gallantry is applauded in imperial
DEGREES, although it has consisted in
in bombarding for one month defence
less women and children cooped up in
the Legation compound, using shell,
shrapnel, round shot and expanding bull
lets.
"The Chinese posted proclamations as
suring us of protection and the same
night they made a general attack in the
hope of surprising us.
"There is still no news of Pei Tang
Cathedral The wounded number-13S
including the American Surgeon Lippitt,
severely wounded, and Captain Meyers
who is doing well. Seven Americans have
been killed.
"All the Ministers and members of the
Legations and their families are in good
health. The general health of the COM
munity is excellent and we are contented-
ly awaiting relief
After enumerating the casualties al
ready reported and giving the total OF
deaths, including American as Sc, Mr..
| Morrison proceeds as follows:
THE Chinese undermined the French
Legation, which is now a ruin but the
French Minister ON. Pitchon) was not
present having fled for protection to the
British Legation on the first day of the
siege.
'The greatest peril we suered during
the siege was from fire, the Chinese in
! their determination to dstroy the British
I Legation, burning the adjoining Han Lin
Yuen (Natonal College, one of the most
sacred building in China, sacrificing the
unique library"