July 28, 1900.]
China New Year, assisted by a foreign mili- tary officer. When the Boxer placards were exhibited on the city gates warning for eigners of their approaching doom, the Viceroy allowed them to remain. He published under his own seal a telegram, from the Lisntenant General of the troops at Shanhaikwan, rejoicing over what was described as a glorious victory for the Chinese arms. Two thousand Christians had been killed and the foreign fleet sunk at Taku! Two days later fifty unarmed men marched in broad daylight to the largest Pro- testant church in Moukden and burned it. The Viceroy had a hundred thousand troops at his command, and yet not a hand was raised to hinder these incendiaries. Ten minutes would have sufficed to bring him in person to the scene of the outrage. He neither came por sent. An hour elapsed before the hospitals and mission houses were attacked.
The Roman Catholic cathedral held out for two days. Appeal after appeal was made by Bishop Guillon for help. The Viceroy took no no notice of these appeals. Why should he? The whole diabolic business was carried out under his patronage, if not at his direct com- mand, and carried out by a few fanatics, aided by his own soldiers and the rabble. They did their work with a thoroughness that surely must have bem gestifying to their Viceregal master and when Moukden was swept clean of all things foreign he blessed the fanatics, and, so it is said, shod them and crowned them, put a sword in their hand and some strings of cash in their wallet, and sent them farther to carry on the work of foreign expulsion in other places. Since then Liaoyang and Haicheng have been visited, Russian houses and work shops levelled to the ground, and a few more hospitals and mission houses looted and burned. Probably they will aroid Newchwang. They are wiser than we think they are.if they do.
COREA.
A correspondent writes to the N.-C. Daily News from Seoul on the 3rd inst.:-No doubt seems to exist in the average native mind as to the outcome. The Righteous Fist" of the yellow man will certainly triumph over the "Mailed Fist" of the white man, and the end will be that the Far East can turn over and go to sleep again for a few centuries. Do not think, however, that the average Corean's sympathies are with the (hinese, and that he would lend him a helping hand if he could. Not much! When it comes to doing anything in the matter he is supremely and unmitigatedly neutral. The Corean Government has done
оде
very significant and creditable act in connection with this trouble. When the seriousness of the uprising beamo ap- parent, the Emperor called in the foreign representatives to an audience, and inquired if there was anything that Corea could do in the present difficuties. This showed that Corea, as far as the government was concerned, decided to cast in her lot with white man and civilisation. Prof. Martel, of the Government French School, was sent to China to keep the Government informed as to the course of events there, all of which shows that Corea wishes to be in good company. The only element of danger is the Emperor's pet tiger-cub which he is raising
for his future sorrow, ie, the pedlars' guild. They are composed of the very worst elements in the country and might, on very slight provocation, arm themselves with weapons of ignorance and prejudice and, imagining them- selves invincible, like the Boxers, try to run amok among foreigners. We hear that Japan is to send 10,000 troops here, 5,000 of whom will to the Yalu and guard the border against any go irruption ofthe Boxers down into the peninsu la. The other 5,000 are to the stationed at Chemulpo, and will be handy in case the dedlars show any disposition to double up a righteous fist.
FEAR OF TROUBLÉ.
The Chemulpo correspondent of the Kobe
CHINA ÖVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
trade in the various ports. The warehouses | sides instructing the Provincial Authorities to are being opened, and grain, chiefly rice, is now protect the missionaries Now hostilities are laying in huge houps on the bunds ready for still afoot, and t the foreigners, merchants and exportation to Japan. To add to the anxiety others in China all require protection. Japanese soldiers are put on patrol during the therefore all the Tartar Generals, Viceroys, and day in the Japanese settlement. The presence Governors, make the necessary investigations of Russian warships in good numbers also and zealously give protection as is due by causes us to think we are near some change, or Treaty to all Foreigners, whether they are mer- trouble, which indeed must come before long. chants and missionaries at the Ports, or living Some weeks ago the Chinese Minister when in the Prefectures or Districts of the interior. passing through one of the southern ports, and There must be no laxity. met by his own countrymen was heard to say, when being asked by one of them if the report was true about the attack on the foreign resi- dents, "Oh, we will soon get rid of them, ont of the country." A gentleman who speaks Chinese was standing near enough to hear his boasting remark and a very hot conversation followed. It is a fact that the resident Chinese in Coroa feel in danger and for the present are eating very humble pie, as the least act of theirs savouring of Boxerism, will make another act on their part impossible. The whole of the Chinese have left Vladivostok and on calling at Fusan to learn where they may proceed to were kept on board like so many convicts, having to reinain some days in Fusan on account of a death on board.
We ought to feel quite safe, considering the assurance given by the Emperor of Cores the other day, when he asked all the foreign repre- sentatives to meet him at the palace. He assured them they were perfectly safe in his kingdom and he could promise them he would preserve order and give every protection to life and property. Not only was this said, but a gallant general of the Corean government thought it would be a good thing for Corea to send a thousand soldiers to assist the powers in quelling the rebellion in China. which_the Emperor also said was a good thing. Per- sonally I do not think there is the least need of fear of a rising of any Boxer element against foreigners here.
What the feeling is with regard to the mat ters between Japan and Russia is quite another matter. Corea is divided against itself. It is certain both countries have a power in the ruling of the affairs of the government al- though they work behind the scenes, and Coreans, like other people, can see that the China question may bring about a Corean question.
IMPERIAL DECREE.
THE PROTECTION OF FOREIGNERS.
By the courtesy of H.E. the Governor we are enabled to publish the following translation of a letter from the Acting Viceroy of Canton to Consul B. C. G. Scott, enclosing a copy of a proclamation which embodies an Imperial Decree of the 17th July:-
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HIS EXCELLENCY THE ACTING VICEROY
TO MR. CONSUL SCOTT.
Sir, I have the honour to inform you that on 20th July I recived an Imperial Decree, dated 17th July, ordering that protection should be afforded to foreigners, and missionaries of all nationalities. This I have embodied in a proclamation and I am issuing instructions to all the civil and military authorities to zealous
y protect the lives of foreign merchants, mis- sionaries, and converts and all their valuables and property, whether at the open ports, or in the cities, villages or market towus; no laxity is to be allowed.
I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of the Draft of the Proclamation referred to.
I have, etc.,
(Seal of Acting Viceroy).
B. C. G. Scott, Esquire,
H.B.M. Consul, Canton.
PROCLAMATION EMBODYING AN IMPERIAL
DECREE.
I had the honour to receive on 20th July, transmitted to me by telegraph, a decree dated 17th July, as follows:-
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"Last month the Japanese Secretary was assassinated, to our deep horror and dismay then, with short delay, followed the murder of the German Minister. Now the latter was appointed to Peking to conduct international relations, and his sudden assassination filled with great grief and affliction. It is our duty again to insist upon the arrest and punishment of the murderers.
Chihli Viceroy must instruct their subordinates The Prefect of Shun Tien Fu and the
each to make proper investigations, as to the losses and harm, except those caused directly by military operations, to the property of Mission aries and foreigners generally, in consequence of the rebel disturbances after the commence- ment of hostilities at Tientsin. When the various records are collected together action can be taken upon them.
"The recent acts of arson, robbery and attacks committed against law-abiding subjects by the revolted people are signal violations of what is right. Let the high provincial and military authorities make enquiry into the actual state of affairs and crush the bands of rebels as opportunity offers, so as to stop dis- order at its fountain head.
'Promulgate this Decree."
It is accordingly my duty to promulgate this, and I call upon you, people and soldiers of the whole province, to learn and mark that this present conflict in the North arose from the disturbances of the "Boxer" rebels, and was not premeditated by either the Central Government or the Foreign Powers.
Now the natives and foreigners at all the ports are mutually at peace, and trade goes on as usual. The authorities must, of course, as ordered by the Decree, afford to merchants and missionaries alike at the ports and in the inland Prefectures and Districts, the protection guar- anteed by the Treaties. Lawless ruffians who deliberately disobey the Edict, start rumours to disturb men's minds, and collect together to make disturbances, will most certainly be at once caught and straightway heavily punished. If any ruffians or members of illegal societies make pretexts for giving annoyance in order to bring about a rising, troops are stationed in large numbers everywhere, and these will at once use severe measures to repress
to the soldiery and police, if these cause trouble them. As or vexation, or do harm in any way, they will be punished according to military law.
Let all tremble and obey.
THE RÉCEPTION OF LI HUNG- CHANG..
The following letter appears in the N.-C. Daily News of the 20th inst.:
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTH-CHINA DAILY NEWS."
Sir, The Committee of this Association sent the following telegram yesterday morning to the Hongkong Committee
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Understanding that the Governor is giving
a guard of honour to Viceroy Li Hung-chang, would urge you, considering the situation at Peking, to protest against any official mark of cordiality being extended to this representative.”
The Hongkong Committee replied as follows: -"Too late-mischief done-received this morning early, seventeen guns, full guard, streets lined with troops.".
Apparently Li Hung-chang is no longer Viceroy of Canton with whom official relations were established, but claims to De Viceroy of
Herald writes on the 7th instant:~Great un- Powers originated in quarrels. between the or- by the Empress Dowager, or by the rebel
easiness
is felt throughout Corea amongst a large number of people, including both foreign ers and Corcans. It is feared that some apri- sing or trouble is near at hand. Reports of a Boxer invasion and thousands of Coreans wait ing to join them, gain some credence. The Chins trouble has given quite an impetus to
"The present conflict between China and the dinary people and the Christians. Subsequently military hostilities commenced on account of the seizure of the Taku Forts. The Throne, rightly having deep regard for International friendship, was even at that stage unwilling lightly to break off relations and issued repeated orders for the protection of the Legations, be-
the rebel province of Chihli, appointed either Government of Prince Tuan, with whom the Powers are at war.
If his means of communication are such that he can receive an Edict conferring the appoint- ment he must be in a position to obtain informa. tion regarding the foreign residents of Peking and if information, satisfactory 【uarantees
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