Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-12-04
LEGATIONS RELIEVED.
The Imperial Family Fled Before Ap.
proncI OF Troops.

prOncil of Troops.
Toward the end of July the movement
began. A severe conflict followed at
Tientsin, in which Colonel Liscum was
killed. The city was stormed and part
ly destroyed It's capture afforded the
base of operations from which to make
the final advance, which began IN the
first days of August, the expedition be-
ing made UP of Japanese, Russian
British, and the American troops at the
outset Another battle was fought and
won at Yangtsun. Thereafter the Gis-
heartened Chinese troops offered little
show of resistance A few days later
the important position of Ho-Si-Woo
was taken A rapid march brought the
united forces to the populous city Of
Tung Chow, which capitulated without
q contest.
On Aug. IA the capital was reached.
After brief conflict beneath the walls
the relief column entered and the lega-
tons We're saved The United States
soldiers, sailors, and marines. officers
and men alike, in those distant climes
and unusual surroundings, showed the
same valor, discipline, and good con-
duct and gave proof of the same high
degree of intelligence and efficiency
which have distinguished them in every
| emergency.
mert had fed a few days before, The
| city was without visible control. The
| remaining imperial soldiery had made
| on the night Of the 18th a last attempt
| to eXterminate the besieged, which was
CALAMITY repealed. 1t fell to the occu-
| pSing forces to restore order and or
| ganize provisional administration.
| Happily the acute disturbances We're
confied to the northern provinces. 1t
| is a relief to recall ard pleasure to
| record the loyal conduct of the viceroys
| and local authorities of the southern
| nd CHI Ell of Q
We're continuously directed to the pacif-
| ic control of the vast populations urder
| their rule and TO the scrupulous observ-
ance of foreign treaty rights. At crit
ical moments they did not hesitate to
| memorialize the throne. urging the pro-
lection of the legations, the restoration
of communication, and the assertion
of the imperial authority against the
subversve elements. They maintained
excellent relations with the official rep
resentatives OF foreign powers. Io
their kindly disposition is largely due
the success of the consuls in removing
many of the missionaries from the in
terror to places of safety. In this re-
lation the action of the consuls should
be highly commended. In. Shan-Tung
and eastern Chilli the task was diff
cult but. thanks to their energy and
the cooperation Of American and for
egn naval commanders. hundreds of
foreigners, including these of other ma
tioralties than ours, were rescued from
imminent peril.
The policy of the United States
through all this trying period was
clearly announced ard scrupulously
carried out A circular note to the
powers dated July 3 proclaimed oul
attitude. Treating the condition in the
north as one of virtual anarchy. il
which the great provinces of the south
and southeast had no share. we regard.
ed the local authorities in the latter
quarters as representing the Chinese
people with whom we sought to renlair
in peace and friendship. Our declared
aims involved no war against the Chi
nese nation. We adhered to the legiti
mate office of rescuirg the imperllet
legation obtaining redress for wrong
already suffered, securing whereve
! possible the safety of American life ant
property in China, and preventing
spread of the disorders or their recur
renee.
As was then said, "the policy of tn
governp.e nt of the United States Is t
!, seek a solution which may bring abou
permanent safety and peace to China
preserve Chinese territorial and admin
istrative entity protect all rights guar
anteed to friendly powers by treaty an
z International law, and safe guard 70
4 the world the principle of equal and i'm