The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-07-18

toe minister Since this occurrence
the anarchists assumed mo.e beld
and threatening a'ti;n5e ara conse
queotly il was deemed wise to carry
out the projec; of sea0iug the d;plo-
matte corps TO Ten .i,S:n uuaer an es-
cert However. orders were issued
10 the troops detailed for the protec
ton of the legation 20 keep stricter
watch and take greater precautlon
against any emergency.
ITO our surprise on the 2oth Gay
of the fifth mooo (June l6), foreign
(navaD officers at Taku called upon
Lo Jung Kwang, the general com !.
manding, and demanded his surrender
Of the forts, notifying him that failing
to receive compliance they would at
2 o'clock the next day take steps to
seize the forts by force. Lo Jung
Kwapg being bound by the duties OF
his Office to hold the forts, how could
he yield to the demand? On the day
uamed they actually first fred upon
the forts, which responded and kept
up fighting ali day and then surren-
dered Thus the conflict of forces
began, but certainly the initiative did
not come from our side
'.Even supposiog that China we're
not conscious Of Der true condition,
how could she take such step as to
engage in war With all the powers
sim ul,ausously. aud bow could she.
relying upon the support of au anar
chistio populace, 60 into war With the
powers? Our position in this matter
ought to be clsarly understood By all
the powers.
:. The above is a statement Of the
wrongs We have euGered, and bow
China was driven to the unfortunate
position from which she could DOT es
cape.
Our several ministers .ii make
known accurately and 10 detail the
contents of this decree aad the policy
of China TO the ministers of foreign
affairs 10 their respective countries and
assure them that the military authori-
ties are still eojoiued to afford protec
ton to the legations as hitherto. to the
utmost of their power. As for the
anarchists, they will be severely dealt
with as circumstances permit.
1.-The several ministers will continue
10 the discharge of the duties Of their
cfioe as hitherto without hesitation or
doubt. This selegraphie decree to be
transmitted for their Information. Re-
specs this"
VERY SATISFACTORY
The document gave great eatisfac-
ton here as it showed that, assuming
there was some foundation for the first
reports that the imperial government
had encouraged the Boxers aud even
participated 10 the attacks upon the
legations. 40 effort is about 10 be made
to retrieve enas ml5l6ke.
NO CHANGE OF PLANS.
1t is said that the note does DOT call
for answer from the state department. at
this stage, aud will not materially affect
the nilisary programme laid down By
our government. Such forces as we can
land in China wil be pushed forward
with rapidity to Pesia. The Only con-
sideratiou that would ioduce the admin
is,rstioo to, relax 'has programme at
any 5oint would be the reopepiog Of
communication with Minister Cobger
and his release from any eors of daress
or restrain: Possibly DOW that the
tsung Ii ysmen is communicating With
the outer world. it will permit the
foreign ministers in Pekiu, if they are
alive, to do the san Our government
probably will suggest to the tsuog Il
yamen. through Minister WI here.
that tois be done. Much will depend
upon the response