The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-07-12

Yamen, fearing he might be moIested on
the way, did not consent to the appoint
mont as suggested by the minister. Since
this occurrence the anarchists assumed
more bold and threatening attitude
and consequently II was not deemed
wise to carry out the project Of sending
the diplomatic corps TO Tien Tsin under
escort. However, orders were issued to
the troops detailed for the protection Of
the legations to keep stricter watch and
take greater precautions against any
emergency. TO our Surprise on the Goth
Of the fifth moon (June 10), foreign
(naval) officers at Taku called upon Lo
Jung Kwang, the general commanding,
and demanded his surrender of the forts,
notifying him that failure to receive
compliance they would at o'clock the
next day take steps to seize the forts by
force. Lo Jung Kwang being bound by
the duties of his office to hold the forts,
how could he yield to Ae demand? On
the day named they actually first fired
upon the forts which responded and kept
upon lighting all day and then surren-
dered. Thus the conflict of forces began,
but certainly the initiative did not come
from our side. Even suppos ing that
China were not conscious Of her true
condition, how could she take such a step
as to engage in war with all the pow
ers simultaneously,a and how could she re-
lying upon the support of an anarchistic
populace go into war with the powersg
Our position in this matter ought to be
clearly understood by all the powers. The
above is a statement Of the wrongs we
have suffered, and how China was driven
to the unfortunate position from which
she could not escape.
''Our several ministers viii 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 win be severely dealt with as cir
cumstances permit.
1.-The several ministers will continue
in the discharge Of the duties of their
Office, as hitherto without hesitation OF
doubt. This Geographic decree to be
transmitted for their information. Re-
spect this.
The note is said to have originated
with the privy conneil, and at the State
Department. this body is declared to be
Identical with the Tsung Ii Yamen, be-
Il a
one which deals exclusively with foreign
powers. The curious means adopted OF
forwarding the note are supposed to
have been resorted to because what
amounts to martial law in civilized coun-
tries is now in force IN Pekin and Shang
Tung, so that the Tsung Ii Yamen
would naturally confde the message to
ths war board, now IN supreme control,
to secure It's transmission to Shanghai.
The announced purpose of the Chinese
government to protect the foreign min
listers is gratifying to the officials here
for they have all along been more or less
doubtful of the authenticity of the sew
eral dispatches which have emanated
from Shanghai respecting the relations
between Prince Ching and the legation
ers.
1t is said that the note does not call for
answer from the state department. at
this stage and VIII not materially affect
the military programme laid down by
our government. Such forces as we can
land in China viii be pushed forward
with rapidity to Pekin. The only con-
sideration that would induce the admin
istration to relax that programme at
any point would be the re-opening of
communicate wit Minister Conger
and his release from any sort of duress
or restraint. Possibly now that the
Tsung Ii Yamen is communicating
with the outer world, it will permit the
foreign ministers in Pekin, if they are
alive to do the same. Our government
probably will suggest to the Tsung
Ii Yamen through Minister WI here that
this be done. Much win depend upon
the response.