The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
of chinese bullets we're gathered in an

of Chinese bullets were gathered in an
hour in one compound and recast.
Attempts we're made to burn the lega-
lions by setting neighboring houses on
fire, but the flames were successfully
fought of, although the Austrian, Belgian,
Italian, and Dutch Legations we're then
and subsequently burned. With the aid
of the native converts directed by the
missionaries. to whose helpful co-opera-
ton Mr. Conger awards unstinted praise,
the British Legation was made verita-
BILE fortress The British Minister, Sir
Claude Mcdonald, was chosen general
commander of the defence, with the Sec
rotary of the American Legation, Mr.. h. u
Squiers, as chief of staff.
To save life and ammunition the be-
sieged sparingly returned the incessant
FIRE of the Chinese soldiery, fighting only
to repel attack or make an occasional sue
cessful sortie for strategic advantage.
such as that of fifty-five American, Brit
ish. and Russian marines led by Captain
Myers. Of the United States Marine Corps,
which resulted in the capture of formid-
able barricade on the wall that gravely
menaced the American position. 1t was
held to the last, and proved an invaluable
acquisition, because commanding the wa
ter gate through which the relief column
entered.
During the siege the defenders lost IS
killed. 1876 wounded, and by disease-the
last all children.
On July IA the besiegcd had their first
communication with the Tsung-ii-iamen.
from whom message came inviting to
conference. which was declined. Corre-
spondence, however. ensued and sort OF
armistice was agreed upon, which stopped
the bombardment and lesseped the rifle
fire for time Even then no protection
! whatever was afforded, nor any aid given,
save to send to the legations small sup
ply of fruit and three sacks Of -four.
Indeed, the only communication had
with the Chinese Government related to
the occasional delivery or despatch OF a
telegram OF to the demands OF the Tsung-
li-Yamen for the withdrawal OF the iega-
tiuns to the coast under escort. MOL
only are the protestations of the Chinese
Government that 1t protected and succor-
ed the legations positively contradicted,
but irresistible proof accumulates tnat the
attacks upon them were made by Imperial
troops, regularly uniformed. armed, ana
differed, belonging to the command Oh
Jung Lu, the imperial commander III chiei
izing them under prominent imperial OIL
GERS, provisioning them, and even grant
ing them large sums in the name OF the
Empress Dowager, are known to exist
Members of the Tsung-li-Yamen who
counseled protection Of the foreigners
were beheaded. Even in the distant pro-
vinces men suspected Of foreign sympathy
were put to death, prominent among these
being Chang Ycn-hoon, formerly Chinese
Minister in Washington.
With the negotiation OF the partial
armistice of July IA, a proceeding which
was doubtless promoted by the represen-
tations of the Chinese Envoy in Washing
ton, the way was opened for the convey
ancc to Mr.. Conger of test message sent
by the Secretary OF State through the kind
Offices of Minister WI Ting-fang. Mr..
Conger's reply, despatched from Pekin on
July Is, through the same channel, afford
ed to the outside world the first tidings
tina. the inmates of the legations were
still alive and hoping for succor.
This news stimulated the preparations
for joint relief expedition In numbers
sufficient to overcome the resistance
which for a month had been organizing be-
tween Taku and the capital. Re-enforce-
mehts sent by all the cooperating Gov
ernments were constantly arriving. Inc
United States contingent, hastily as
sembled from the Philippines or despatch
ed from this country, amounted to some
5000 men, under the able command first
of the Iamented Colonel Liscum and after
ward of General Chaffee.
Operations of the Allies.
Toward the end Of July the movement
began. A severe conflict followed at Tien-
tsin. in which Colonel Lscum was killed.
The city was stormed and partly destroyed.
Its capture afforded the base of operations
from which to make the final advance,
which began in the first days of August,
the expedition being made up of japanese,
Russian, British, and American troops at
the outset
Another battle was fought and won at
Yangtsun. Thereafter the disheartened
Chinese troops offered little show Of re-
sistance. A few days later the important
position of Ho-si-woo was taken. rapid
march brough. the united forces to the
populous city of Tung Chow. which CAPT
tulateG without contest.
On August ii the capital was reached.
After a brief conflict beneath the walls the
relief column entered and the legations
were saved. The United States soldiers,
sailors and marines officers and men alike,
| in those distant climes and unusual sur
| roundings, showed the same valor, dis
cipline. and good conduct, and gave proof
of the same high degree of intelligence
and efficiency which have distinguished
| them in every emergency.
| The imperial family and the Government
| had fed few days before. The city was
| without visible control. The remaining i'm
perial soldiery had made, on the night OF
| the 18th. a last attempt to exterminate
| the besieged, which was CALAMITY repealed.
| 1t fell to the occupying forces to restore
order and organize provisional admins
tration.
Happily the acute disturbances were
! confined to the northern provinces. II is
| a relief to recall and pleasure to record
the loyal conduct of the Viceroys and local
| authorities of tho southern and eastern
provinces. Their efforts were continuous
ly directed to the pacific control of the
| vast populations under their rule and to
the scrupnous observance of foreign treaty
\ rights. At critical moments they did not
| hesitate to memorabilia the throne urging
| the protection of the legations. the restora-
ton of communication, and the assertion
| of the imperial authority against the SUBJ
versiva elements. They maintained excel
| lent relations with the official representa-
tives OF foreign Powers. To their kindly
disposition is largely due the success of the
| consuls in removing many of the mission
aries from the interior to places of safety.
| In this relation the action of the cOnsuls
should be highly commended. In Shan
tung and eastern Chilli the task was diff
cult, but, thanks to their energy and the
| cooperation OF American and foreign naval
commanders, hundreds of foreigners, in
GLIDING those of other nationalitics than
ours, were rescued from imminent peril.
The American Policy.
The policy of the United States through
ALL this TRYING neriod was clearly an