Kootenai County Republican. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1899-1903, 1900-07-13
A DECREE FROM CHINA.
WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE
Could Not stop the BOxers-Tried to
Protected as Far as Possible.

Washington, July 3.-An imperial de-
cree dated Sd day of 9th moon lJune 29)
was received by telegraph by Minister WI
from the toatai Of Shanghai, transmitted
on July from the treasurer of the Chin
Ii province, who received it by special
courier on June 80 from the board of war,
who in turn received it from the privy
council in Peking The decree is as fol
lows:
"The circumstances which led to the COM
mencement Of fighting between Chinese
and foreigners were Of such a complex,
confusing and unfortunate character as to
be entirely unexpected.
Our diplomatic representatives abroad,
owing to their distance from the scene Of
action, have had no means of knowing
the true state of things, and accordingly
can not lay the views Of the government
before the ministers OF foreign affairs
of the respective powers to which they
are accredited. Now we take this oppor
tunity Of going fully into the matter for
aforesaid.
In the first place there arose in the
provinces of Chilli and Shan Tung band
of rebellious subjects who had been in
the habit of practising boxing and fencing
in their respective villages, and at the
same time clothing their doings with spir-
itual and strange rites. The local author
tiles failed to take due notice Of them at
the time. Accordingly the infection
spread with astonishing rapidity. Within
the space of month it seemed to make
its appearance everywhere, and finally
even reached the capital itself. Every one
looked upon the movement as supernat-
ural and strange, and many joined it.
"Then there were lawless and treacher-
GUS persons who sounded the cry OF
down with Christianity About the mid
die of the fifth moon these persons began
to create disturbances without warning
Churches were burned and converts wer.
killed. The whole city was in ferment
A situation was created which could not
be brought under control.
"Our position in this matter ought to b'
clearly understood by all the powers. Tn,
above is a statement of the wrongs WI
have suffered and how China was driver
to the unfortunate position from which
she could not escape.
| "Our several ministers will make knOwr
accurately and in detail the contents o
this decree and the policy of China t,
the ministers of foreign affairs in the
respective countries and assure then
the military authorities are still strictl,
enjoined to afford protection to the lega
tions as hitherto, to the utmost of thei
power. As for the anarchists, they vii
be severely dealt with as circumstance
permit.
"The several ministers will continue il
the discharge of the duties Of their Office
as hitherto without hesitation or doubt
This telegraphic decree to be transmitte
for their information
Lasted for Four Days.
Berlin, July l2.-The German ministe
at Tientsin cables that the foreign set
Elements were continually bombarded b.
the Chinese from July 5 to July 8. o.
July 1000 Boxers attacked the Frenc
settlement and were routed by the Rus
slams. The British and japanese force.
July I, bombarded the Chinese batterie.
Toward evening Chinese shells pene
trated the roof of the German consulat
and caused an outbreak Of fire, which wa
eNtinguished after slight damage ha
been done.
Cable From Ii Hung Chang.
Paris, July l2.-The Chinese mniste
, here informed NJ. Delcasse that Ii Hun
Chang had cabled him from China, undt
: yesterdays date, saying that he had ju'
received telegram from Peking asser
ing that the soldiers and rebels who SUI
rounded the legations had gradually di'
,appeard.
Montana Miner Suicides.