Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-10-17
AFFAIRS IN CHINA.
Commissioners Rockhill Tells of Con-
ditions in the Orient.

ditions in the Orient.
Victoria, B. c., Oct. 17.-Mr. w. w.
Rockhill. commissioner who represented
the United States in the negotiations
between the allies and China, who ar
rived Monday by the steamship Empress
of Japan on his way to Washington, will
proceed direct to Washington by the
Canadian Pacific railway.
Affairs in China have resumed their
normal state, the commissioner said in
en- interview He did not anticipate any
further outbreak, but there was no tell
ing what would happen in China The
so-called instructions in Kan Su and
Manchuria, he said, We're simply local
uprisings which had been very much eX-
aggerated. Three hundred Chinese troops
entered Pekin on Sept. II. and the keys
of the gates were handed over to Prince
Ching with elaborate and brilliant cere-
monies All the foreign troops We're
Withdrawn with the exception OF the ie-
cation guards and guards at the railway
stations. Since the Tien Tsin affair
there had been no trouble over the rail-
way from the coast to Pekin, Which Is
controlled by the British; in fact, the
commercial interests seemed to be TAX
ing charge of the country and COM
mission was being organized to conduct
commercial negotiations with China.
This commission will revise the treaties
and arrange for the opening of more
ports. The commissioner is of the opln-
ion that the work of the commission VII!
bring about a much better state of af-
fairs. The British and Chinese members
have already been appointed and the
other nations had been asked to name
their representatives.
Before Mr.. Rockhill left Pekili the
Chinese troops had commenced to police
the city. The people. he said, had been
benefited by the occupation. they having
Keen given work in rebuilding the lega-
tions and on other works at wages
which they had never dreamed OF. On
the other hand many of those who were
well of before the occupation had been
rendered destitute as a result Of 1t. The
legation concessions had been greatly
increased and the British legation is be-
ing built in the form of fort, with a
moat and guns mounted.
NNHlG InlSSlOHdElcos aMSlS
and tortured in other parts Of China.
Roman Catholic missionaries had lived
Under the protection of .he court at
Hsiang Flu. British officers and mis-
sionaries had since visited the court and
were very warmly received.
Mr.. Rockhill says many people are
starving in the district in which Hsiang
Flu is situated. but the reports Of the
famine in other parts OF the empire. sent
out to the press have been greatly ',xag-
gerated. The famine Is the result 0f the
failure Of the crops.
Mr.. Rockhill said that while Ii Hung
Chang retains his mental vigor lie is
breaking down physically. He had a
splendid appetite. but suffers much fram
Indigestion and high fevers.
The Russians are having considerable
difficulty on the China -Manchuria rail-
way on account of the floods. They do
not allow officers of other nations into
the country. but have no objection to
civilians travelling thru. Mr.. Rockhill
tions in China are again settled but
says the trade will be enormous.
News was received by the empress OF
Japan of further rebellions in China. A
pitched battle occurred on Sept. 81 be-
tween the imperial Chinese forces un-
der Gen. Tsen and force OF 1000 iilsur-
gents near Hsinho in Chi L. sixty miles
south of Pao Ting Flu. Thirty rebels
were killed. many were wounded and the
remainder fed. Several villages were
taken by the troops.
In Chouchou rebellion has also taken
place and the missionaries have been
driven out AT Kiang Shan several Of
the rebels have been sized and behe,aded.
Missionaries also tell OF troubles in
Kaing 81. Many letters have been writ
ten to the North China Daily News tell
ing of the risinRs in the vicinity. but
giving but few details.
The North China Daily News reports
much military activity by Russia IN the
north and states that number OF troops
have been sent south. where 1t IL. be-
lieved they will be massed on the Ko-
rean frontier.
The Japanese minister to Pekin. Mr..
Komura, has returned to Toxic ard in
an interview says that there are 100000
Russian trcops in Manchuria. He SAYS
as soon as the Chinese court is estab-
liehed at Pek'n the question Of the evac-
uation by Russia will be taken ul,.