THE CHINESE ENIGMA by L. A. P.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 12, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 37.

THE CHINESE ENIGMA.

By L. A. P.

VERY little news of a reliable nature has been received of the progress of affairs in China the past week, tho rumors are abundant. Following the occupation of Peking by the allied powers on August 15, the Boxers were driven out, and a despatch dated August 21 states that the Japanese, who were guarding the "forbidden city," were in possession of the Summer Palace, and were protecting the Winter Palace, which the Russians wished to destroy. At that date, also, detachments of Russian, Japanese, British, and American troops were scouring the Imperial Park, south of Peking, in search of hidden Boxers. None were found, but it is believed there is a large force of Chinese between Peking and Tien-tsin. A report that the allied forces had suffered defeat at the hands of the Boxers within the capital limits, with a loss of 1,800 men, is discredited at Washington. On August 19 a force of 1,000 allied troops defeated the Chinese at a village six miles southwest of Tien-tsin, killing 300 and taking 64 prisoners. Large numbers of villagers are said to be fleeing to Tien-tsin.

The report that Prince Tuan had been captured is an error. The one captured was Prince Tum. It has been variously reported, also, that the emperor was in the hands of the Japanese. But last advices state that the emperor and dowager, with the imperial court, are in the interior somewhere. The dowager is believed to be at Sian Fu, the ancient capital.

It is believed at Washington that messages from the seat of war are systematically held up by the Chinese director of telegraphs, Sheng, as they are mostly without date, and those that are dated are several days arriving. It has been decided to have messages sent hereafter by steamer from Shanghai to Che-Foo, thence by cable to Taku, and by carrier, if necessary, from that port to Peking. On August 23 an order was issued at Washington to divert all troops now afloat and under orders for China to Manila, as the United States Government has decided not to send any more forces into China at present. Strenuous efforts are just now being made by this government to learn what is the future policy of the powers relative to China. But answers are slow forthcoming. Russian advices declare that the czar does not favor partition. In view of Russia's general moves, this may be true enough. The outlook is that she wants China for herself. In the event of the other powers declaring war against China, the United States has decided to withdraw entirely, after presenting claims for indemnity, which will amount to $300,000,000, it is asserted. Peace proposals are still under advisement. Properly accredited, Li Hung Chang will be acceptable to this government to treat with the powers for a final settlement, but the whereabouts of the earl are now unknown. He is keeping well in the background. The diplomatic struggle is now well on between the powers, and in this conflict Uncle Sam may be worsted. He is young in that field. L. A. P.