THE WAR IN CHINA | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 22, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 34.

THE WAR IN CHINA.

THE news from China, like that from all other fields of military operation, is uncertain and much of it contradictory. It seems quite certain, however, that up to August 1 the foreigners were still holding out in the British legation. The demand of Secretary Hay that Minister Conger be put in communication with his government has been refused by the Chinese, altho the demand was a virtual ultimatum. The de facto Chinese Government has ordered the foreign ministers and other foreigners in Peking to leave the city for the coast under escort of a Chinese general. The ministers have refused to do this, fearing death at the hands of the Chinese troops. Li Hung Chang, however, declares that the ministers have left for the coast under escort. According to letters received from those imprisoned in Peking, the Chinese Government is directly responsible for the attacks on the foreign legations. Two members of the Chinese Foreign Office were cut in twain on August 3, for urging the preservation of the foreign ministers. Their execution was brought about by the new Chinese general, Li Ping Heng, who has recently been placed in authority in Peking, and who is known to be most bitter in his anti-foreign sentiments.

Several good-sized Chinese armies are reported to be within short distances of Tien-tsin, ready to attack the city when the foreign troops are sent forward, or to cut off the communications of the advancing foreigners. A Japanese and Russian reconnoitering party attempted to drive the Chinese from their position at Pei-tsang on July 30, but were unable to do so. On August 1 a strong force of Chinese attempted to recapture the city of Tien-tsin, but were repulsed with considerable loss. On August 5 the Japanese and Russians again attacked the Chinese at Pei-tsang, and drove them from their position. The allied forces numbered 16,000, and in the attack on the Chinese position, sustained a loss of 1,200 in killed and wounded. The advance of the allied forces on Peking is believed to have begun, and the reports indicate that they will meet with heavy opposition the entire distance.

Several Chinese towns along the Siberian frontier have been taken by Russian troops during the week.