The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-07-10
HOPE OF SAFETY FOR
PEKING LEGATIONS,
Minister wu Assures the state De-
partment of Imperial


WASHINGTON. July 9.--Though fear
full OF giving announcement, state de-
partment officials are bound TO admit to-
day that there Is reason for hope new
respecting the welfare Of the lcgationers
at Peking. Minister Wu's oabiegram from
Sheng, taken in connection with the re-
port Of Admiral Bruce from Tientsin,
has done much TO encourage this hope
fu feeling.
Mr.. wu brought his telegram 20 the
state department this morning IN ner-
son, and pointed out 20 Secretary Hay
what he regarded as some significant ana
gratifying features OF the dispatch. Slch
for instance, as Sheng's description -
the Chinese who are attacking the iera-
tions az ''rebellious troops and yiotnrs''
and the positive etafemcnt shat the Chit
nese government Is opposing them.
Mfntster Wu a strong Ally.
There Is reason to believe that much
of the credit OF the awakening OF the
Chinese government TO the sense OF It's
responsibility for the safety OF the for
eign ministers is due TO Minister wu's
personal efforts. Al least three weeks
ago, when IL was realized that the min
listers were In peril, Minister Wa set
about their protection as far as lay in
his power. Unable to reach the govern
ment at Peking himself directly by tele-
graph. ne was In constant communication
by cable. not only with Shepg at shanr-
hal, but with the great v,eeroy. IT the
southern provinces. including ii Hung
Chang.
Appealed to Siceroys.
He cahled to these officials the most
earnest appeals for the exercise OF their
good Offices with the Peking government
to secure the safety Of the legations. He
pointed out the inevitable disaster TO
Chira that would follow the destruction
OF these ministers. and he implo-c3 the
viceroys 20 avail themselves of any means
In their power 10 ENSURE the presentation
at Peking of his representations, He he
lievcs that these representations have
reached the imperial government, and
that they have az least oontributed to
the decision Of that government TO render
what protection they can 10 the foreign
ministers
Prince Chtag's strength.
Mr.. wu says that Prince Chias. who,
according TO Admiral Bruce. is attacking
the Boxers. is not oniy the head nf The
tsung !. yamen. but ~ also cnmmaadant
Of one OF the Peking garriEons. There are
several EaTrisons IN PskinE each com.
posed Of a separate nationality. and ching
commands the Manchu force. At last
advtccS this force conpriaed shout Il ml
soldiers They had been drilled tn far-
elgn tactics at the military school 81 Tho
north by instructors who hai themselves
been taught the ART ~ war ~ German
army officers. and would uudnubte,iiv
prove very effective.
The minister noted that the Boxer
movement had dsEencrated inia ROTH z
and looiing. all principle having lssan lost,
and 80 II was reasonable "a expect hat
the strongest and best and most infuen~
tia ~ the Chinese maudarf7s would f.a
a. necessary "a combine 20 crush them
from an instinct ~ self preservation and
regardless o. their foreign ~ anti foreign
sentiments
Opposition Is oseresfimat~d.
4 cabiegfafn has hesn received bv tire
navy department from Admiral Ksmpff.
dated Taxa. probably SATURDAY. The
admirals communication relates 20 she
number of troops and the character as tho
force thai should be supplied 90 pHrfirl-
rate IN tho cau.aiEn against Pekiny
The foreign adnioia a. Taku have bsen
consulting on his point The state de-
Fsrtmeut "a satisfied thst the foreign ad-
sutfals at Taku are pyefestinssfinE tHe
strength of the Chlnese opposition. and
roueeaHeutiy 0f tho force required ~
them 20 usrch - FsklnE
John UarTetf. ex-rnifer States minister
On slam, whn is thoroughly familiar wtih
Oriental affairs. Ftebt ~ hogr im eau.
ference wffb Secretary Hay today dis
egHHlng the chinese question.