The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-07-17
EFFECT OF THE NEWS OF THE
FIGHTING BEFORE THEN
TSIN
WI TING FANG Is DISTURBED
Expresses Deep Regret at the
Tragic Happenings I'm China
Revenge First and Mourn
ing Afterwards.

WASHINGTON, July 16-News of the
battle Of Tien Tsin, as brought by the
press cables direct from the field, was
conveyed to the Chinese minister early to-
day. The minister followed the recital
with rapt attention, interrupting with ex-
pressions of astonishment and profound
regret at this startling development. He
was particularly impressed with the de-
tailed names Of the Americans killed and
wounded which appeared to remove ev-
cry shadow Of doubt, and he asked as to
the various officers and their families
The scene of fighting came home vivid
ly to the minister, as he has lived for
long time at Tien Tsin, the close friend
and associate of Ii Hung Chang during
the latter's viceroyalty there, and every
detail of the engagement around the
walls could be followed by him with a
personal knowledge Of the surroundings.
In his minds eye he pictured before him
the scene Of action. Here, he pointed out,
was the great walled city, within which
the native Chinese population lived
Around the city swept the Pei river,
very sinuous, from Taku toward Picking
Below the walled city, full hours ride
concessions, or compounds. At this lat
ter point, well away from the walls Of
the main city, the foreign citizens, with
the allied troops, have until now been To-
Gated. The news of the fight at the walls
meant, therefore, that the allied forces
had advanced from their position well
down the Pei Ho, and had attacked the
city itself.
The outcome of this he viewed with
the utmost concern. He spoke with good
deal of freedom, but asked to be ex-
cused from any public declaration on the
subject. In the most sympathetic terms,
however, he expressed his horror at the
latest developments, declaring that in no
! American home could the news bring
| deeper regret than to himself.
AT the other legations and embassies
the same feeling Of dismay prevailed.
FROM CHINESE STANDPOINT.
Although Minister WI will make no
| public utterance, the Associated Press
is able to give what is believed to be the
| aspect of the situation from the Chinese
! standpoint. According to this view, the
| move of the allied forces from the for
eign settlement, down the river, upon
! the native walled city, was not only I'M
greatest danger. With the fate Of the
foreign legations and ministers at Picking
| still in doubt, the allied forces might well
have turned their attention to cutting a
| way through to the rescue of the Of
| fleals and citizens at the capital.
! In that event 1t is said the normal con-
ditions around Tien Tsin would have con-
| tinued and the status quo been main
! tanned. But by an assault of the walled
city, the natives within the city might
naturally be expected to defend them
selves, believing that their homes were
about to be attacked. They have been
penned up within the city, knowing moth
! ing of what has occurred without, and
| from the Chinese standpoint, it probably
| will be found that it was in defense
against an unexplained attack that the
| present slaughter occurred.
| One of the suggestions of the day, made
in an official quarter, IS that a commits
sion be at once appointed to proceed tC
China and investigate the facts of the
present situation, thus giving basis foI
| intelligent action.
At any other time the suggestion would
| probably be welcomed, as a means Of
clearing up the doubt of unreliable
Shanghai reports, but now the situation
! appears too desperate to await the slow
| process of a commission. The name Of
| ex-Minister DENLY was mentioned II
| connection with the talk of the commits
| sion