The sun., 1900-07-12

tnng had by this time effected complete
union and could not be separated. The
imperial government was by no means
reluctant to Issue orders for the entire
suppression of this insurgcnt element.
Bilt as the trouble was SO near at
iialh there was Il great fear that due
protection might not be assured to the
legations If the anarchists should be driy-
en- to extremites, thus bringing on ma
iional calamity. There also was fear
that uprisings might occur in the prov
incts of Chill and Shangtung at the
same time, with the result that both for
eign missionaries and Chinese converts
in the two provinces might fall victims to
popular fury. 1t was therefore abso-
lutely necessary to consider the matter
from every point of view.
AS measure of precaution it was
finally decided to request the foreign
ministers to retire temporarily to Tien-
tsin for safety. 1t was while the dis
cussion of this proposition was in prog
ress that the German minister, Baron
Won Ketteler, was assassnated by riot
Gus mob one morning while on his way
to the tsung-li-yamen. On the previous
day the German minister had written a
the tsung-li-yamen. But the yamen, fear
ing he might be molested on the way, did
not consent to the appointment as sug-
gested by the minister
Since this occurrence the anarchists
assumed a more bold and threatening at
titude and consequently it was not
deemed wise to carry out the project of
sending the diplomatic corps to Tien-tsin
n ~ i
issued to the troops detailed for the pro-
lection Of the legations to keep stricter
watch and take greater precaution
against any emergency.
TO our surprise, on the Goth Of the
fifth moon tIunc l6,. foreign officers at
Taku called upon I4o Jung Kwang. the
general commanding, and demanded his
surrender Of the forts, notifying him that
failing to receive compliance they would
at o'clock the next day take steps to
seize the forts by force
'l.o Jung kwang being bound by the
duties of his office to hold the forts, how
could he yield to the demand? On the
day named they actually first fired upon
the forts, which responded and kept up
fighting all day and then surrendered.
Thus the conflict of forces began, but GER
tdiilly Int initiative ulu not come from
our side. Even supposing that China were
not conscious of her true condition, how
could she take such a step as to engage
in war with all the powers simultaneous
ly. and how could she, relying upon the
support of anarchistic popuace, go into
war with the powers? Our position in
this matter ought to be clearly understood
by all the powers. The above is a state
ment of the wrongs we have suffered, and
how China was driven to the unfortunate
position from which she could not escape.
Our several ministers will make
known accurately and in detail the CON
tents of this decree and the policy of
China to the ministers of foreign affairs
in their respective countries, and assure
them that military authorities are still
strictly enjoined to afford protection to
the legations as hitherto to the utmost of
their power. AS for the anarchists, they
will be severely dealt with as circum-
stances permit.
'The several ministers will continue in
the discharge Of the duties of their offices,
as hitherto, without hesitation or doubt.
This tclcgraphic decree to be transmitted
for their information. Respect this"