The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1912-03-07
TROOPS IN REVOLT
FOREIGNERS ARE UNTOUCHED,
THOUGH MANY OF THEIR
HOMES PiLlAGED.
r AREA Is BURNED
Dead and Wounded strew the Streets
believed That Soldiers Of
Yuan Shi kaI Started
the Trouble.

Pekin, China. - A mutiny or Yuan
Shi Kai's soldiers happened in Pc
kin. Many natives have been Killed
or wounded, but so far as known, all
foreigners are safe. The legation
quarter is crowded, but the mission
aries are holding out in their
compounds.
When the outbreak occurred it was
estimated that 1000 soldiers took part
but since then the mutineers have
been augmented by large numbers OF
the police, coolies and loafers. The
legations know no reason for the out
break. The idea is expressed that
Yuan Shi Kai's soldiers began the
trouble when they learned that he in
tended to leave the capital for Nankin.
The soldiers are everywhere footing
from house to house. They nave not
spared ever foreign residences with
In one block of the legation quarter.
Fires were started in various Sec
tions and territory of more than a
mile in area has been burned. This
stretches from the Forbidden City to
the building of the Chinese foreign
board, where Yuan Shi Kai resides,
the flames reaching within half a
mile OF the legations. The quarters
occupied by the Nankin delegates,
who came here to notify Premier
Yuan of his election as president,
have been enveloped in flames.
Much reckless shooting has &C.
Cured and one shell, which fell into
the compound of the American lega-
ton, tore through the tent of n of
the soldiers of the recently arrived
reinforcements, but did not explode.
Americans Seek Refuge.
Among the refugees at the Ameri-
can legation are Willard ID Straight,
den, and nov the representative of a
New York financial syndicate, and his
wife, who was Miss Dorothy p. Whit
ney, daughter of the late William c.
Whitney; and Daniel A. De Menocal,
representative of the International
banking corporation at Pekin, and his
wife, all of whom had thrilling expe-
riences as they traversed the streets,
In which Chinese troops were en-
gagged in looting. The soldiers did not
attempt to interfere with them but
there was great danger from flying
bullets and fire-brands, which were
hourished in all directions. Mr.. and
Mrs. Straight saved their records and
valuables, but deserted a richly fur
nished house, which was given over
to the hooters.
The, American is the most exposed
legation, lying outside the main quad
rangle of the quarter. The American
end of Legation street Is the only un:
enclosed section. The legation recent
ly considered putting up barbados,
but not caring to excite Chinese sus-
picion, merely depended on sand
bags and barbed wire, which has now
been more effectively r%earranged for
defensive purposes.
The British legation is sending de-
tachments throughout the city to pro-
tect British missions. The American
commandant, Major Russell, says the
American missions are all well
equipped with rifles and are able to
defend themselves. The Japanese is
the only legation without frontage on
the Chinese city. Therefore, the Jap.
anese detachment is reinforcing the
others and also doing special out
post service beyond the sand bags.
Pillage Is General.
The Pekin garrison now numbers
about 1000 and it is not anticipated
that the Chinese will attack the lega.
tons, their principal object being oil.
lage. AS yet, fires have not broken
out within the Forbidden City. indi.
eating that the Manchu troops are
guarding the empress dowager and
the emperor faithfully.
The American minister, Mr.. Cal
houn, and Major Russell at a late
hour consulted with the American
missions by telephone. All expressed
their preference not to leave their
own compound. The Methodists are
within a block of the quarter and can
be rescued easily. The Young Mems
Christian association members have
taken refuge In the American board of
foreign mission compound, where a
detachment of American marines re-
inforced the missionary garrison. The
Presbyterian mission lies t the most