Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1900-08-23
MINISTER'S RESCUED AT LAST
the Beseiged Foreigners Saved
from the Chinese Mob.

kin, where their ministers anu many
Christian missionaries have been De-
selged for several months, and Judg-
from the reports the rescue came none
too soon.
All the foreign ENJOYS, except the
German minister who was known to
have been murdered, were found to
be safe.
The capture OF Pekln mas been
confirmed from American sources,
which information was received on
Sunday. Particulars OF the tight
around the walls or the city have not
reached this country, other than the
meagre cable reports, which say that
the Japanese, %ho led, lost over 200
men, while the losses of the other OF
the allies were not as large. The
Chinese lost over 300.
1t Is stated that the Empress DOW
ager with her Imperial household has
fled from Pekin 70 Northern pro-
vince, accompanied by Prince rusn
and the bulk of his army.
Now as for the allies, they have
long account TO settle with the Chi
nese. Germany has the greatest
grievance; but the other Powers also
have much cause to complain, and
reason enough to wish to assess heavy
damages. 1t will take pretty large
pecuniary compensation TO atone for
the wrongs done by the Boxers.
One could wish that the opportu-
nifty was afforded for punishment OF
the Chinese by method more sting
ing and memorable than the eXactlon
of money, as should be our policy, or
territory, as may be the policy of the
other Powers, but 1t seems that that
is not TO be-at least, not yet.
The next question will be, What
are these powers going to 10 about dis
mem bering China; We say candIdly
that we do not know, and can hardly
guess. Of this however, We feel
sure-thst they will take their time
in leaving China.
Germany will have 10000 troops
In China in a short time, aud is send
ing powerful fleet there. 1t is be-
lieved she is acting with Russia, and
is preparing for an international
conflict.
HISTORY OF THE UPRISING.
The civilized world for nearly three
months has had Its eyes liked upon
Pekin, the trefOil capital OF the most
populous empire III the world.
During most Of this time troops
from Great Britain, Russia, Austria,
Italy, Germany, Japan and the Unit
Ell States have been trying to force u
way from the seacoast To Pekin, where
the Ambassadors of the governments,
the missionaries, representing many
churches, and the native converts
have been besieged by hostile, fanat-
zeal troops, regular and irregular.
The Empress Dowager, who is now
reported 10 be IL tight t. the north,
is said to have encouraged the anti
foreign movement.
The allied armies, assisted Oy the
united naval forces, first took Iaku,
then IlentsIn was captured, land
forces of the Chinese We're defeated
at Peltsang, and again at Iangtsun.
Later came news Of the occupation OF
bungalow, 10 miles from Pekin, 10y
the relieving army, aud now the re-
lief of Pekin itself.
Ii Hung Chang, Nioeroy of Canton
Province, and former Premier, prob
ably the ChInaman best known to the
civilized world, undertook the task OF
negotiating u peace.
Alarm because of the threatening
position Of the Boxers was first felt
IN this country early last February,
when Minister COnger submitted d
lengthy report to the State Depart
ment of this country. Tie secret So
clety was organized, Mr.. Conger
wrote, for the purpose of driving all
foreigners from the Celestial Empire.
Minister Conger also joined with
the representatives of the other Pow
ers in Pekin, demanding the protec-
ton of the Chinese Government. Up
to this time the Boxers had confined
their operations to the Province of
Shantung, which is under German
influence, one missionary, an English
man, having been killed.
Chinese missionaries realized that
terrible danger was hanging over
them, but the civilized world had not
yet become alarmed as it is today and
no effort had been made to subdue
the Chinese, whose fanatical cry was
"Death 20 all foreign devils"
But the Boxers were making the
most of their opportunities, and to-
ward the latter end of February d
French priest, who arrived in Pekin
from Tientsin, reported that the So
ciety was steadily increasing in mem
bership and was drilling in a rude
way, determined to throw themselve;
against the very walls of Pekin, eth.
or killing or driving all foreigner:
from China.
Though the authorities at Wash
ington would not admit that the