Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-04

io"eo ny demand ana demand by re-
newed protest, to be met with per-
functory edicts from the palace and
evasive and futile assurances from the
Tsung Ii Yamen. The circle of the
Boxer influence narrowed about Pekln,
and while nominally stigmatized as Sc
ditious. 1t was felt that its spirit per-
vaded the capital itself, that the i'm
perial forces were imbued with it's doc
trines. and that the immediate coun-
selors of the Empress Dowager were
In full sympathy with the anti foreign
movement.
The increasing gravity of the condi-
tons In China and the imminence of
peril to our own diversified interests
In the empire, as well as to those of
all the other treaty governments, were
soon appreciated by this government,
causing it profound solicitude The
United States from the earliest days
OF foreign intercourse with China had
followed policy of peace. emitting no
occasions to testify good will. to fur
Their the extension of lawful trade to
respect the sovereignty of its govern
ment, and to insure by all legitimate
and kindly but earnest means the full
est measure of protection for the lives
and property of our law abiding citi-
zens and for the exercise OF their ben
eticent callings among the Chinese peo-
pie.
Mindful OF this, 1t was felt to be ap-
proprlate that our purposes should be
pronounced in favor of such course IA
would hasten united action of the pow
ers ut Pekin to promote the admins
Htrative reforms so greatly needed for
strengthening the imperial government
and maintaining the integrity Of
CHINA, In which we believed the whole
western world to be alike concerned.
To these ends 1 caused to be addressed
10 the several powers occupying ter
ritory and maintaining spheres of in
Huence in China the circular proposals
of 1899, inviting from them declara-
lions OF their intentions and views as
TO the desi Inability OF the adoption of
measures insurinE the benefits of
equality of treatment of all foreign
trade throughout China.
with gratifying uranlmity the re-
sponses conceded in this common poll
cy. enabling me to see in the success
ful termination of these negotiations
proof of the friendly spirit which ami
mates the various powers Interested in
the untrammeled development of com
merce and industry in the Chinese en-
pire as source OF vast benefit to the
whole commercial world.
In this conclusion which I had the
qualification to announce as a com
pIeted engagement TO the interested
powers on March 90 1900, I hopefully
discerned a potential factor for the
abatement of the distrust of foreign
purposes which for q year past had
appeared to inspire the policy of the
imperial government. and for the effec-
live exertion by it of power and au-
thority to quell the critical anti-foreien
movement in the northern provinces
most Immediately influenced by the
Manchu sentiment.
Seeking to testify confidence in the
Willingness and ability of the imperial
administration to redress the wrongs
and prevent the evils we suffered and
feared. the marine guard. which had
been sent to Peltin in the autumn Of
1893 for the protection of the legation,
was withdrawn at the earliest Dracti-
cable moment, and all pending ques-
lions were RENTED. as far as we were
concerned. to the ordinary resorts of
diplomatic intercourse.
The Chinese Government proved.
however 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 leadership of Prince Tuan
Organized armies of Boxers with
which the imperial forces affiliated
held the country between Pekin and
the coast. penetrated into Manchuria
UP to the Russian borders. and through
their emssaries threatened like ris
Ing throughout northern China.
Attacks upon foreigners. destruction
Of their property and slaughter OF ma
tive converts were reported from all
sides. The Tsung- H. Yamen. already
permeated with hostile sympathies
could make no effective response 10 the
appeals of the legations. At this criti-
cal 1uncture, in the carly spring of this
year. proposal was made by the
other powers that 81 combined feet
should be assembled In Chinese waters
as moral demonstration. under cover
OF which to exact Of the Chinese Gov
eminent respect for foreign treaty
rights and the suppression of the
Boxers.
The United States. While not partici-
patins in the Joint Representation.
promptly sent from the Philippines ali
ships that could be spared for service
on the Chinese coast. q small force of
marines was landed at Taku and sent
10 Pekin for the protection of the
american legation. Other powers took
similar action. until some four hundred
men were assembled in the capital as
| legation guards.
Stil the peril increased The lega-
| ions reported the development of the
seaitious movement in Pekin and the
need of increased provision for defense
against 1t. While preparations We're in
| progress for n larger expedition. to
strengthen the legation guards and