The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-07-12

this time effected q complete union and
could not be separated. The imperial gov
ernment was by no means reluctant TO is
sue orders for the entire suppression of
this insurgent element, but as the trouble
was so near at hand there was a great
fear that due protection might not be as
sured 10 the legations IL the Anarchists
should be driven TO extremities. thus bring
ing on national calamity. There also was
fear that uprisings might occur in the
provinces OF Chilli and Shan-Tung at the
same time with the result that both for
eign missionaries and Chinese converts in
the two provinces might fall victims TO
popular fury. 1t was therefore absolutely
necessary to consider the matter from ev-
cry point of view.
KILLING OF Won KETTELER.
"As a measure of precaution it was final
ly decided to request the foreign ministers
to retire temporarily TO Tien-Tsn for safe
ty. 1t was while the discussion of this
proposition was in progress that the Ger
man minister, Baron Won ketteler, was as
sassinated by a riotous mob one morning
while on his way TO the Tsung Ii Yamen.
On the previous day the German minister
had written a letter appointing time for
calling at the Tsung Ii Yamen. But the
Yamen, fearing he might be molested on
the way, did not consent to the appoint
ment as suggested by the minister.
"Since this occurrence the Anarchists as
sumed a more bold and threatening atti-
| tude, and consequently it was not deemed
wise to carry out the project of sending
the diplomatic corps to Tien-Tsin under an
10
| the troops detailed for the protection of
the legations to keep stricter watch and
take greater precaution against any emer-
gency To our surprise, on the 10Th of the
| fifth moon (June 16), foreign (navaD Of
| ficials at Taku called on Io Jung Kwang.
! the general commanding, and demanded
| his surrender of the forts, notifying him
| that, falling to receive compliance, they
| would, at o'clock the next day, take steps
| to seize the forts by force. Lo Jung
| Kwang, being bound by the duties of his
| office to hold the forts. how could he yield
| to the demand? On the day named they
| actually fired on the forts. which responded
and kept up fighting all day, and then sur
rendered.
THUS the conflict of forces began, but
certainly the initiative did not come from
| our side. Even supposng that China were
| not conscious of her true condition, how
could she take such a step as to engage
| in war with all the powers simultaneously,
| and how could she, relying on the support
| Of the anarchistic populace, go into war
with the powers? Our position in this mat
| ter ought to be clearly understood by all
| the powers.
| 1.-The above is statement of the wrongs
| we have suffered, and how China was driv-
en- to the unfortunate position from which
| she could not escape. Our several minis
| tiers will make known accurately and In
| detail the contents of this decree and the
| policy Of China TO the ministers Of foreign
| affairs in their respective countries, and
assure them that the military authorities
are still strictly epJoined to afford protec-
ton to the legations. hitherto. to the
utmost of their power. AS for the An
archists, they will be severely dealt with.
as circumstances permit. The several min
listers will continue in the discharge of
| the duties of their offices hitherto, with
out hesitation or doubt. This telegraphic
decree to be transmitted for their informa-
ton. Repeat this"
WANTS TO HEAR FROM CONGER.
The document gave great satisfaction
here, as ii showed. assuming there was
some foundation for the first reports that
the imperial government had encouraged
the Boxers, and even participated in the
attacks upon the legations, an effort is
| about to be made to retrieve that mistake.
The note is said to have originated with
the Privy Council and at the State De-
partment this body is declared TO be fdenti-
cal with the Tsung LII Yamen. being the
power next the throne, and the one which
deals exclusively with foreign powers. The
curious means adopted of forwarding the
note are supposed to have been resorted to
because what amounts to martial law in
civilized countries is now I'm force in Peking
and Shan-Tung, so that the Tsung Ii
Yamen would naturally confide the mes
sage to the War Board now in supreme
control, TO secure its transmission to
Shanghai. The announced purpose of the
Chinese government TO protect the foreign
ministers is gratifying to the officials here,
for they have all along been more or less
doubtful of the authenticity Of the several
dispatches which have emanated from
Shanghai respecting the relations between
Prince Ching and the legationers.
1t is said that the note does not call for
answer from the State Department at this
stage, and will not materially affect the
military programme laid down by our gov
ernment. Such forces as we can land in
China will be pushed forward with rapidity
to Peking. The only consideration that
would induce the administration to relax
that programme at any point would be the
reopening of communication with Minister
Conger and his release from any sort OF
duress or restraint. Possibly, now that the
Tsung Ii Yamen is communicating with
the outer world, it will permit the foreign
ministers in Peking. IL they are alive, to
do the same. Our government probably will
suggest to the Tsung Ii Yamen, through
Minister WI here. that this be done. Much
will depend upon the response
VIEWS OF MINISTER WI.
Ho ThfuEs Jannu VIII ~,