The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-06-19
Russia Demands Indemnity.
CHRISTIANS UNDER ARMS.
Letter Of n Catholic Missionary De-
scribIn9 the Manner OF Defense
AWnfust the DOyers.

NEW YORK, June B-Rev. g. Erin. OF
the Catholic mission at Kiangnan, where
there is now danger from the Boxers. has
written an account OF how the members
OF his community meet all attacks OF the
natives. He says:
Those sections of our mission which
border on Southern Changtung are no
less infested with bands of robbers and
murderers than Changtung itself These
brigands organize in regular companies
under n supreme chief and subordinate
leaders. They live together in villages
and districts. which become their head
quarters. At ordinary times they attend
to their usual work at home and in the
peaceful citizens. But suddenly an order
comes to take the field. and then they
march forth in n body. impose contribu-
tons on other villages. burn and even
Kill without scrupia. IL they have
grudge against some mandarin. they as
semble In sufficient numbers to form
large army. and are not afraid TO night
pitched battles with the troops sent out
against them. IL is not hard to see now
much trouble such men can give ana,
indeed. do give, 20 the missionaries.
But the missionaries, on their side,
have devised a plan for protecting them
selves and their Christians, which is not
the least OF their successes in China. As
soon as the inhabitants Of some village
have been converted, the fathers. while
attending to the duties of their apostolic
ministry, see that they are thoroughly
drilled and taught TO watch the enemy
and defend themselves In case of neccs-
sity. The mandarins look with favor On
these measures. which are of graat assist
ance to them. and they are always ready
To send endorsements when notified of
a threatened attack. Thus II happens
thas. when tho marauders fan upon II
Christian village they are greeted with
sharp IRE OF guns and cannon. and are
generally beaten back with heavy losses.
ITO get a true idea OF one Of our mis-
sion centers in the districts which the
robber bands have hitherto tcrrOriZed mt
pleasure. picture to yourself every Chris
tan village as a small stronghold. forti-
fed at every point OF vantage In tho
center Of the village stands the residence
of the commander, who Ia none other than
the missionary. This residence Is "a regu-
lar citadel surrounded by high walls and
nanked at Its corners by four towers.
well fortified also. There are no doors.
The going In and out is effected by means
Of ladders. which are each time drawn
attends to his duties and the Chinese to
their work. At nishtfall every one is at
home again. and II danger has boon sig
nailed they all retire within the fort f.
sentries being appointed to keep watch
from the toweds. Al the first cry OF aiarm
the men are up IN arms and the father
directs the defense II the enemy has
been reported in larger numbers than
usual. the missionary has taken care 10
ask the mandarin FOR additional help. and
IL therefore wen prepared to repulse the
assailants, AS a result OF these meas.
ures the brigands become little bv little
discouraged and leave the Christian viii
win for themselves the confidence 81 the
public authorities and popularity ameng
the peacefully inclined portion Of the pco-
plc."