The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-06
KEEPING ORDER IN TIENTSIN.
Provisional Government by the Al
lies n Success.

NEW YORK. Nov. 5.-A correspondent
of the Commercial Advertiser" writing
from Tientsin under date of September IL,
says:
While Tientsin is under military law,
provisional government has been organ
lied and is working very well. All per-
sons charged with crime are given fair
trial. Mr.. Emmons. an American business
man and an old resident of Tientsin, acts
as Judge. Young Mr.. DENLY, also an
American and a son of Col. Charles b.
DENLY, formerly United States Minister
to China. is executor of the provisional
government Four Cinnamon were SEN
fenced to death last week; two were shot
for stealing and two who were captains
of Boxers were beheaded.
Several weeks ago Tientsin mad Iop-
ulation of ], $50, 900, 500 of whom were Eu-
ropeans When the allies captured the
city more than a million Chinese had DIS
appeared. Thousands had been burned or
killed. and the others had scattered
throughout the country, carrying what
they could of their effects with them. The
entire Chinese (walled) city was destroyed
by the allied troops in desperately
fought battle. of which the cable Ges-
patches have told. -...y.
middle class are returning by thousands to
their damaged houses. They can be seen
entering the city in swarms, conveying
their belongings on their backs and maui
ing their women and children in jinrick-
shas. Their general appearance is one of
mingled fear and submissiveness. They are
afraid of violence from some of the SOL
diers, particularly the Russians. They
place themselves under the protection OF
one of the powers, obtain flag. place it
in front OF their property. or go about the
streets carrying it. Several men have been
arrested and punished for selling flags.
One did quite business in United States
flags. at high prices. the poor Cinnamon
being willing to buy one d: any figure. not
knowing that by going to headquarters
protection and flag could be obtained
without cost. ,.r
Business is paraiyzed in Tientsin and
there is sure to be great famine there
this winter among the homeless millions.
The winters are severe and long. Almost
all of the many beautiful residences in the
British and French quarter Of the city. as
we'll as the business houses, have been
taken possession of by the various armies
as quarters. When an army officer wants
building he walks up and places the flag
of his country over it. He has it regardless
of whether it is the family home or bust
ness establishment. Some of the good
people of Tientsin are beginning to think
that military necessity is broad term
and very much abused. Great rivalry has
existed between the European powers to
obtain possession of all the choice proper
ties for winter quarters.
Few pay any rent. The United States
troops. however. reimburse the owners for
any building they occupy, and take no
with M
a fair bargain. That has brought great
praise to our Government from the bank
ers and business men. The European
military men, however. laugh at US and
believe we are new in the business. Many
of our officers on the ground here, seeing
other nations get possession of the choice
quarters, are apt to criticise our policy of
no territory in China; only relieve Ameri-
can citizens etc. They say we should
have had some one here to hoist flags over
buildings instead of having to beg them
from the Germans and others and pay
big rental to them for what they do not
own.
The newspapers from the United
States, England, Germany, and France.
as they arrive in Pekin and Tientsin and
get into the hands of the besieged, make
very interesting reading to them. All
agree that the newspapers cannot be criti-
cised harshly for pointing out what every
one believed TO be true. They do speak
severely of some of the misleading re-
ports sent out from Shanghai. and the
suggestion has been made more than once
than the papers should see to it that a
change in some of the correspondents Is
made there Immediately.
"All the women and children have left
Tientsin. The majority of them are liv
irr i,, fpr h. onI NTH
main there until matters have been set
tied. Japanese cities are filled with peo
pie from all parts of China, both men and
women The missionaries have practically
all left China. Some are stopping In Japan,
but many are going home. They believe
their work in China will be at an end for
year or two at least. Most of the valu
able mission property and the personal eff
fects of the missionaries have been de-
stroyed $50
mo correct estimate of the number Of
missionaries who have been murdered
throughout the interior of China can be
made yet but the fig IRE will run beyond
$50. in addition 10 thousands of native
Christians.
"Looting has become very fashionable,
both for Dastime and profit. in Tientsin
and Pekin. Reputable business men do not
hesitate 10 tell you about the choice loot
il is said, have been industrious looters,
but l tave not subztantiated any Of those
reports. The foreigners have stolen much
from each other Many spectators. some
of them bankers. from Shanghai and Hong
kong have arrievd in large quantities with
unlimited money with which to purchase
loot. Much silver has been obtained by
looters. which they have sold to specula-
:ors. in order to &c. quick and ready
st. cold lou,
prices, and some OF the spectators are said
10 have made fortunes.
Curious and antiQuated pottery, weap-
ors, flags. garments, etc. particularly
those coming from the Imperial Palace
and the Temple of Heaven have been
sought with vigor by the Spectator 1t
is told here that an American bought
| what he thought was valuable string
Of pearls, coming from the Imperial Pal
ace as represented. He was not long in
| learning that he had been duped. for he
had purchased only cheap limitations
worth only wooden dollar or two
ut is anticipated that American and
| European cities will be flooded with what
| is represented to be curios from the I'm
| perial Palace or elsewhere in Pekin. and
| 1t will be well for intending purchasers
| of flags. robes, jewelry. etc. to know ex-
| actly from whom they are buying.
1T is said that many persons OF high
standing. including one United States
| Consul. have become rich in some mys-
teri6us way as one of the results Of this
war. But no one here pretends to criti-
else anyone for looting. for everyone de-
sires the privilege in this opportune time.
Several Of the powers have large ac-
cumulatons of war prizes the United
States being credited with having at least
1000. 900 wooden dollars worth of sill