The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-12-03

eral Powers occupying territory and
maintaining spheres CT influence in China
the circular proposals of 1899. inviting
frcm them declarations of their inten-
tions and views as to the desirability of
the adoption of measures insuriRg the
benefits of equality of treatment of all
foreign trade throughout China
With gratifying unanimity the re-
sponses conceded in this comrl-n pclicy,
enabling me to see in the succ ~ssful Ter
mination of these negotiations proof OF
the friendly spirit which animates the
various Powers interested in the u-tram-
meled development of commerce and in
dustry in the Chinese Empire as source
of vast benefit TO the whole commercial
world.
IN this conclusion. which I had the
qualification TO announce as a completed
engagement to the interested Powers on
March 20 1900, l hopefully diseerned a
potential factor for the abatement of he
distrust of foreign purposes which for a
year past had appeared to inspire the
policy OF the imperial Government, and
for the effective exertion by ii of power
and authority to queII the critical anti
foreign movement in the northern pro-
Tinces most immediately influenced by the
Manchu sentiment.
Seeking to testify confidence IN the vii
ingness and ability of the Imperial: ad-
miRistration to redress the wrongs and
prevent the evils We suffered and fsared,
the marine guard. which had been sent to
Pekin in the autumn of 1899 for the pro-
lection of the legation, was withdrawn
at the earliest practicable moment, and
all pending questions were reunited, as
far as We were concerned, to the ordinary
resorts of diplomatic intercourse
Impotency of Chinese Government
The Chinese Government proved. how
ever, unable to check the rising strength
of the Boxers and appeared to be a prey
to internal dissensions In the unequal
contest the anti-foreign influences soon
gained the ascendaney under the leader
ship Of Prince Tuan- Organized armies of
Boxers, with which the imperial forces
affiliated, held the country between Pektn
and the coast, penetrated into Man
churia up to the Russian borders, and
through their emissaries threatened like
rising throughout northern China
Attacks upon foreigners, destruction of
their property, and slaughter OF native
converts were reported from all sid-s The
Tsung-li-Yamen, already permeated with
hostile sympathies. could make no effective
response to the appeals OF the legations.
At this critical juncture, in the early
spring of this year, a proposal was made
by the other Powers that a combined feet
should be assembled in Chinese waters
as moral demonstration, under cover OF
which to exact OF the Chinese Govern
ment respect for foreign treaty tights
and the suppression of the Boxers.
The United States while not particip2t-
ing in the joint demonstration, promptly
sent from the Philippines all ships that
could be spared for service on the Chi
nese coast 4 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
100 men were assembled il the capital as
legation guards.
Still the peril Increased. The legations
reported the development of the seditious
movement in Pekin and the need of in
creased provision for defence against it
While preparations were in progress for
a larger expedition, to strengthen the
legation guards and keep the railway
open, an attempt Of the foreign ships to
make d landing at Taku was met by a fire
from the Chinese forts. The forts were
thereupon shelled BY the foreign vessels,
the American admiral taking no part in
the attack, on the ground that we were
not at war with China and that a hostile
demonstration might consolidate the anti
foreign elements and strengthen the Box
ers TO oppose the relieving column.
Two days later the Taku forts were cap
tured after a sanguinary conflict. Sever
ance of communication with Pekin follow
ed, and a combined force of additional
guards, which was advancing to PekIn by
the Pei-Ho, was checked at Langfang
The isolation of the legations was COM
pIete.
Siege OF the Legations.
The siege and the relief of the legations
has passed into undying history. In ali
the stirring chapter which records the
heroism of the devoted band, cIngfng to
hope in the face of despair, and the IN
daunted spirit that led their BELIEVERS
through battle and suffering to the goal.
1t is memory of which my countrymen
may be justly proud that the eonor of our
flag was maintained alike in the siege and
the rescue, and that stout American
hearts have again set high. in feryent
emulation with true men of other race
and language, the iDdomitable courage
that ever strives for the cause of right
and justice.
By June 10 the legations were cut of
An Identical note from the Yamen or
dered each Minister TO leave Pekin. under
a promised escort, within twenty-four
hours. To gain time they replied. asking
of the time, which was
afterward granted, and reqJ asting an in
terview with the Tsung-ii-Yamen on the
day. No reply being received,
on the morning Of the 10Th the German
Baron Won KetteleF. set out for
the Yamen to obtain response, and on
the Way was murdered.
An attempt by the legation guard to
recover his body was foiled by the Chi
nese. armed forces turned out against
the legations. Their quarters were sur
rounded and attacked. The mission com
pounds were abandoned, their inmates
taking refuge in the British legation,
where all the other legations and guards
gathered for more effective defence. !
Four hundred persons were crowded in its
narrow compass Two thousand native
converts were assembled IN q nearby
palace under protection OF the foreigners. !
Lines Of defence were strengthened.
trenches dug, barbados raised, and prep |
srations made TO stand a siege, which at |
1nce began
From June 90 until July IL, writes MIN |
steT C0ngeE. there was scarcely an hour /
turing which there was not firing upon |
some part of our lines and into some OF /
he legations, varying from single shot /
o general and continuous attack along /
he whole line" Artillery was placed /
lround the legations and on the overlook
ne palace walls, and thousands OF 3-ineh
hot and shell were fred. destroying some
and damaging all So thiekly /
I'D the balls rain that, when the ammunl-
ion OF the besieged ran low, five quarts