Denton and Haughton Examiner, etc. — 1892-02-27 (Denton, Greater Manchester, England)

FUGITIVE MISSIONARY. The directors of the London Missionary Society leave received a copy of the diary kept by the Rev. .1. Parker, their missionary, while hiding as a fugitive during the recent rebellion in Mongolia. When at Ch'ao Yang on the night of November 12, his native preacher entered his room with a very excited face, and told him that the Yemen had just received news that 2000 mounted robbers were attacking some ell: lege. 30 miles to the north. Next day it was ascertained from scouts that the rumour was true, and messengers were sent southward and eastward for more soldiers. At daybreak on the second day Mr. Parker was awakened by the frequent firing of guns, and presently his boy brought word, "The robbers have come." "It does not take a Chinaman more than a minute to dress himself," says Mr. Parker; "bet I think I surpassed a native in robing myself that time." Bravely and quietly his bey packed some things together, and they followed tier fleeing people out of the city. As they got on to the plain on which Ch'ao Yang stands they could see in the grey light three great streams of people stretching a mile ahead, showing that the little mission party were not the first of the fugitives. It was pitiful to see these poor people running away from their homes, many with only thin summer clothing on, although it was a miserable cold morning, with a north wind and snow. There was only one place to which they could flee, and that was the cold bare mountains. After travelling for two days in the direction of Ta Tau Kou, another mission station 90 miles to the west, Mr. Parker, who was also accompanied by the native preacher, decided, on hearing of the presence of more robbers ahead, to return and throw himself upon the kindness of a friendly Chinaman who had given them shelter the first night. This turned out to be the wisest course, for had he tried to cross the mountains he would have gone into the very teeth of danger. The place to which they returned proved very safe, though it was only a cottage on the side of the mountains, and there were robbers in every direction. The boy and another young Christian went to a hamlet near Ch'lso Yang every few days to glean news, and after ten days brought intelligence that the soldiers had defeated the rebels, who had retired to the north. Next day Mr. Parker returned to Ch'ao Yang, and found their property safe. Some of the Christians had returned, and none had been harmed. The soldiers had beheaded some 2C5/ rebels, but for nights there was scarcely any sleep to be had for the howling and barking of doge feeding on the deed bodies. The city was like a place of death. The soldiers again proved victoriou• over the rebel camp, the occasion being memorable for the fact that cannon were used in that part of the country for the first time, greatly to the astonishment of the natives. Reports coming in daily of the gathering of three large bands, Mr. Parker determined to get away at all hazards, and attempt to reach Tientsin by a roundabout route which he had not traversed before. After going three miles, he and his native preacher fell into the rear of a company of soldiers who were taking the spoils of the battle to Chin Chou. He had adoped a Chinese "wind bonnet" as a disguise. At Chin Chou he met Dr. Brender, of the Irish Presbyterian Mission, who lent him money, which enabled him to reach Tientsin six and a half days later. Mr. Parker remarks that the courage of the native Christians and their trust in God made hint think very highly of them. Mr. Parker also incidentally states that the military commander who sanctioned the massacre of the Roman Catholics cubsequently committed suicide, and the civil magistrate was put under erred.