The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04

world to be alike concerned. To these
enss l caused to be addressed TO the sey-
eral Powers occupying territory and
spheres CT influence in China
the circular proposals of 1899, inviting
from them declarations Of their inten-
tions and views as to the desirabilfty OF
the adoption of measures insuring the
benefits of equality of treatment OF all
foreign trade throughout China.
With gratifying unanimity the re-
sponses conceded in this common policy.
enabling me tc see in the successful Ter
mination of these negotiations proof OF
the friendly spirit which animates the
variou, Powers interested in the u1tram-
meled development of commerce and in
dustry in the Chinese Empire as a source
of vast benefit to the whole commercial
world.
In this conclusion. which I had the
qualification to announce as completed
engagement to the interested Powers en-
March 20, 1900, hopefully discerned
potential factor tor the abatement of the
distrust of foreign purposes which for
year past had appeared to inspire the
policy of the imperial Government, and
for the effective exertion by 1t OF power
and authority to quell the critical anti
foreign movement in the northern pro-
vinces most Immediately Influenced by the
Manchu sentiment.
Seeking to testify confidence in the viii
lingness and ability of the imperial ad-
ministration to redress the wrongs and
prevent the evils We suffered and feared.
the marine guard, which had teen sent to
Pekin in the autumn of 1899 for the pro-
lection OF the legation. was withdrawn
at the earliest practicable moment, and
all pending questions were RENTED, IS
far as we were concerned, to the ordinary
resorts of diplomatic intercourse.
The Chinese Government proved, how
ever unable to check the rising strength
Of the Boxers and appeared to be prey
to internal dissensions. In the unequal
contest the anti-foreign influences soon
gained the ascendancy under the leader
ship of Prince Tuan. Organized armies Of
Boxers, with which the imperial forces
affiliated held the country between Pekin
and the coast, penetrated into Man.
churia up to the Russian borders. and
through their emissaries threatened like
rising throughout northern China.
Attacks upon foreigners, destruction OF
their prope -ty, and slaughter of native
converts we're reported from all sides. The
Tsung-li- Yamen. already permeated with
hostile sympathies, could make no defective
response to the appeals Of the legations.
At this critical juncture, in the early
spring of this year, a proposal was made
by the other Powers that combined fleet
should be assembled in Chinese waters
as a moral demonstration, under cover OF
which to exact of the Chinese Govern
ment respect for foreign treaty tights
and the suppression of the Boxers.
The United States, while not participant
ing in the Joint demonstration, promptly
sent from the Philippines all ships that
could be spared for service on the Chi
nese coast A small force of marines was
landed at Taku and sent to Pekin for the
protection of the American legation. Other
Powers took similar action, until some
400 men we're assembled in the capital as
legation guards.
Still the peril increased. The legations
reported the development Of the seditious
movement in Pekin and the need of in
creased provision for defence against it.
While preparations were in progress for
a larger expedition, to strengthen the
legation guards and keep the railway
open, an attempt of the foreign ships to
make landing at Taku was met by fre
from the Chinese forts. The forts were
thereupon shelled by the foreign vessels,
the American admiral taking no part in
the attack, on the ground that We were
not at war with China and that hostile
demonstration might consolidate the anti
foreign elements and strengthen the Box
ers to oppose the relieving column.
Two days later the Taku forts were cap
tured after a sanguinary conflict. Sever
ance of communication with Pekin follow
ed, and a combined force of additional
guards, which was advancing to Pekin by
nh bod ot of N o.
The isolation of the legations was COM
plete.
Siege of the Legations.
The siege and the relief of the legations
has passed into undying history. In all
the stirring chapter which records the
heroism of the devoted band. clinging to
hope In the face of despair, and the I'M
daunted spirit that led their BELIEVERS
through battle and suffering to the goal,
it is a memory of which my countrymen
may be Justly proud that the honor of our
flag was maintained alike in the siege and
the rescue. and that stout American
hearts have again set high. in feryent
emulation with true men of other race
and language, the ihdomitable courage
that ever strives for the cause of right
and justice.
BY June 10 the legations were cut off
An Identical note from the Yamen or
dered each Minister to leave Pek.n. under
a promised escort, within twen,y-four
hours To gain time they replied, asking
prolongation of the time, which was
afterward granted, and requesting an in
teryiew with the Tsung-l!-Yamen on the
following day. No reply being received.
on the morning OF the 10th the German
Minister, Baron Won Ketteler, set out for
the Yamen to obtain a response. and on
the way was murdered.
An attempt by the legation guard to
recover his body was foiled by the Chi
nese. Armed forces turned out against
the legations. Their quarters were sur
rounded and attacked. The mission COM
pounds were abandoned, their inmates
taking refuge In the British legation,
where all the other legations and guards
gathered for more effective defence.
Four hundred persons were crowded In its
narrow compass. Two thousand native
converts were assembled in nearby
palace under protection Of the foreigners.
Lines of defence were strengthened
trenches dug, barricades raised, and prep
:-ations made to stand siege. which at
once began.
From June 20 until July II, writes Min
lister Conger, there was scarcely an hour
dr ring which there was not firing upon
some part of our lines and into some of
the legations, varying from single shot
to a general and continuous attack along
the whole line" Artillery was placed
around the legations and on the overlook
ing palace walls. and thousands of 3-inch
shot and shell were fired, destroying some
buildings and damaging all. 30 thickly
did the balls rain that, when the ammuni-
tion of the besieged ran low. dye quarts