THE CHINESE SITUATION

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 31, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 44.

THE CHINESE SITUATION.

A SERIOUS revolt is reported to be now in progress in Southern China, a revolt directed more against the Manchu dynasty than against the foreigners. General Lu reports that his 30,000 troops are unable to cope with this rebellion, and that a force of 100,000 will be necessary. In the province of Kwang Tung this new movement has assumed an anti-foreign aspect, and five missions have been destroyed at Hang King Chau. A despatch from Shanghai states that the Triads have met and repeatedly defeated the imperial troops near Kowloon and Hongkong, and are daily gaining fresh adherents. The general situation in the south of China is regarded as very critical, and some of the troops which England was sending to North China are being diverted to the vicinity of Hongkong. An outbreak is looked for in Canton, near which city the Chinese reformer Sun Fat Sen is marshaling his forces.

England has accepted the proposition of Germany with reference to China, tho making her answer somewhat conditional, and the English press is criticising the attitude of America in the matter of negotiations, claiming that America's course is hindering harmonious action. The American State Department has replied to the French proposition, accepting certain of its sections, and intimating that others would have to be considered by Congress. Great Britain is said to have approved the French proposition also, but with certain conditions.

The forces of the allies, excepting those of America, have started for Pao Ting Fu. The expedition will make a demonstration through a wide territory, probably devastating the country as it goes, and will then capture Pao Ting Fu. Li Hung Chang is now at the Chinese capital prepared to enter into negotiations for peace; but Prince Tuan, whose degradation and removal from office were reported some time ago, is said to be still holding an influential place in the government. He has issued a statement to the effect that the court is now in safe keeping, and urges the Chinese to have patience until winter shall decimate the allies; that they keep the arsenals running until everything is ready for a general massacre of foreigners.