Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, June 23, 1900, Page 2

The Rerali--Beview. E. C. Kiley. T, J, Austed, KILEY & AUSTED, Editors and Publishers, GRAND RAPIDS, - MINNESOTA. If the surface of the earth were per- Tectly level, the waters of the ocean would cover it to the depth of 600 feet. Artificial legs and arms were in use in Egypt as early as B. C. 700. They were made by priests, who were the physicians of that early time. Only seventy years have elapsed since the first railway in the world was finished. During that compara- tively brief period 400,000 miles have been constructed. The “terrible interviewer” is not half as bad as the man who holds up the interviewer to tell him all the news that the “terrible interviewer” col- lected, wrote up and published the day before, In this country placing the thumb to the nose and extending the fingers is a sign of derision. Among certain hill tribes in India it is the most ex- pressive manner of showing respect. Pekin, China, has a tower in which is hung a large bell, cast in the fif- teenth century, and another tower containing a huge drum, which is in- tended to be beaten in case a great danger should threaten the city. No one is allowed to enter these towers. The revelations made at the ecu- menical conference on foreign mis- concerning the services of mis- sionaries in extending education, trade and civilization, as well as the doctrines of the Christian religion, are a strong der that civilization does often move forward in other ways than “on a powder-cart.” sior The people of Porto Rico were aston- ished to see their first American gov- ernor come among them in _ plain clothes, and with no pomp and circum- stance. they had been accustomed to bad government with endless “fuss and feathers.” They ought easily to be reconciled to the change, so long as the quiet man in plain clothes gives them good government. Must the Japanese “go,” too? Ten thousand of them are said to have landed on our Pacific coast during the first three weeks of April, and for sev- eral months they have been arriving at the rate of a hundred thousand a year, ten times the normal immigra- tion. Some are known to be contract laborers and will be deported; others, later on, may wish they, too, had been sent back. It is suggested that many of them flee to this country because they fear war. India is a country not half so large as the United States, with four times its population. These 300,000,000 peo- ple must be fed from their own crops, as there is, relatively, no manufactur- ing resource to buy food with, says the Review of Reviews. There are parts of India with a population of 1,000 people to the square mile, and there are millions upon millions of farm laborers, vagrants, gypsies and nondescript classes, whose means of living, even in times of plenty, are in- scrutable, Near Ayuthia, formerly the capital of Siam, is a curious labyrinth in which elephants are captured alive. The labyrinth is formed by a double row of immense tree-trunks set firmly in the ground, the space between them gradually narrowing. Where it be- gins, at the edge of the forest, the opening of the labyrinth is more than ® mile broad, but as it approaches Ayuthia it becomes so narrow that the elephants cannot turn around. Tame elephants are employed to lure wild ones into the trap. Having reached the inner end of the labyrinth, the tame elephants are allowed to pass through a gate, while men lying in wait slip shackles over the feet of the captives. The sport is a dangerous one, as the enraged elephants some- times crush their would-be captors un- der their feet. The Indian girls of the Chickasaw nation seem to be “up-to-date.” The arising from the marriages of white men with Indian girls have be- come notorious. Usually the unions were sought by whites of worthless character, merely in order that they might get possession of the valuable lands allotted to the brides.. In view of this a law was enacted by the In- dian legislature establishing the mar- riage fee in such cases at $1,000. Asa remedial measure, much was expected of the law. It has just come into ef- fect, and at Ardmore, Indian Territory, recently, some thousand or more In- dian girls, in meeting assembled, in- dignantly “resolved” that the law and the instigators thereof were intolera- ble interferers with woman’s inaliena- ble right to marry whom she would. And the end is not yet! ‘There are some wet spots on what is known as “the dry land.” In the Kameruns, West Africa, the meteor- ologists have just reported a small area over which 372 inches of rain fell in a single year. Even this is droughty compared with Cherra-punji, among the hills of Assam, where the record shows a mean annual rainfall of 475 inches, or nearly forty feet. In Ore- gon, where they have eighty inches of rain, the Californians say the peo- ple are “web-footed.” The water- soaked Hindus and Africans should de- welop fins and gills. DOWN TO BUSINESS REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVEN- TION IN SESSION, Fifteen Face Chairman Hanna as He Calls the Convention to Order — Dramatic Roosevelt—Mr. Thousand People Entrance of Gov. Hanna's Reference to President MeKinley Greeted With Deafen- ing Applause — Temporary Chair- man Wolcott Delivers the Key- note Address and Arouses Great Enthusiasm. Philadelphia, June 20. — Chairman Hanna, with a rabbit's foot suspended from a uiniature of McKinley in the lapel of his coat, surveyed an impos- ing spectacle when he called the twelfth Republican national conven- tion to order in the spacious Export exposition building in West Philadel- phia at 22:35 yesterday. In the valley below him was crowded the eighteen hundred delegates and alternates, and streatching away to the four corners of the immense hall were endless vistas of people rising in terraced seats to the walls. He looked into the faces of fully 15,000 men and women, It was not a riotous convention. There were no wild outbursts of enthusiasm from the frenzied partisans of rival candidates, no entrance of delegations , With banners to set the Multitudes Cheering, no fierce skirmishing and @ashing of candidates, no debates over rules of procedure and no contesting delega- tions. The chief candidate in the bat- tle had already been selected by unani- mous choice of the Republicans of the country. The platform was to be the record of his administration. The only question remaining for the convention to discuss was the vice-presidency, and it s not a sufficient bone of conten- tion to promote the tumultuous scenes which usually attend the assembling of a naticnal convention. It was Very un- demonstrative at first. While the crowds and delegates were funnelling into the hall before the hour for call- ing the vention had arrived there were no wild greetings of party lead- ers. Roosevelt's Dramatic Entrance. But just before Chairman Hanna was ready to drop his gavel Gov. Roosevelt entered and the vast audi- ence was electrified. He stalked in at the main door. His rough rider hat signalled him out to the craning multi- tude. Seemingly the audience had been waiting for him, and the ap- plause that announced, his appearance swept over the vast amphitheater and swelled into a great roar as he made his way toward the seats of the New York Gelegation. No stage hero ever made an entrance more opportunely. But he made no acknowledgment of the ovation ‘his presence elicited. His jaw was firmly set and he came on through the press like a soldier per- forming a duty, He did not even re- move his hat, but pushed his way through the delegates who swarmed from their places To Grasp His Hand. Fully two minutes it took for him te traverse the length of the hall to his e near the stage. All that time followed him and the handker- chiefs rose and fell like the wings of gulls over a summer sea. But he made no sign that he realized it was all for him. When he took his seat with his ‘slouch hat still on, without glancing to either side, the people gave it up and the cheering gradually sub- sided. But it broke out afresh a mo- ment afterward as the band started up the “Star Spangled Banner.” Roose- velt, of all the thousands, was then upon his feet, standing erect Tike a Novway pine, with unccvered head to the music of the anthem. Instantly the whole conventio, rose en masse as if apologizing for their tardiness, This entrance of Roosevelt into the conven- tion was distinctly The Dramatic Feature of the session. Senator Hanna’s re- ception when he called the convention to order, and later, when he made a speech, was flattering in the extreme, and the smile on his face expressed the pleasure it gave him. But the joy he experienced over his own reception seemed nothing compared with the de- light he manifested when for the first time he mentioned the president’s name. The convention went off like a rocket. The applause was deafen- ing. Mr. Hanna’s face was a picture. It was wreathed in smiles. He showed the ecstacy of the joy over the storm of approval he had raised. Many in that moment remembered how the president’s Warwick had announced a year ago that his ambition would be satisfied and his cup of joy would be full when he called together the con- vention that would Nominate McKinley. The address of Senator Wolcott, the temporary, chairman, which followed, Jasted an hour and ten minutes. It undoubtedly added to the brilliant Colorado orator’s reputation. The key note he sounded—an account of the stewardship of the party—was as much for the reading millions scat- tered over the country as for the few thousands who heard it, and it was a difficult role for a fiery and magnetic speaker fo essay. Senator Wolcott would be at his best speaking in the opportvnity of the moment. Yet the effect he produced thrilled his audi- ence, With a clear, ringing voice that reached the remotest spot of the hall, and with graceful gesture he brought all under his spell. Time and again his hearers Broke Into Cheers £ as he spoke of the present prosperity of the country and pred McKin- ley’s triumphant re-election. And when he declared that the Democratic party had been driven by the events of the last four years from every posi- tion it occupied in 1896 to seek new issues in the eveuts of the war with Spain, there was xnother frantic out- burst. The same snthusiasm swelled out when he predicfed that this genera- tion which had witnessed our recent | acquisitions would see the American nation girding half the globe with its flag, extending its commerce to the ut- termost ends of the earth and taking its place as a world power among the great world nations—‘n power for good, for peace and for righteousness.” - | But the climax was reached when he | Lifted Up His Voice and declaréd that our dead were buried in Luzon and that on its soil no foreign flag should ever salute the dawn. In his splendid peroration he declared that the Republican party, identified for forty years with every- thing ennobling and uplifting in our history, was never so “vital, virile ana vigorous” as to-day, and that with untarnished record it would transmit to posterity an undying love of liberty and of country. A noteworthy incident of the session was the remarkable demonstration to Gov. Taylor of Kentucky. That his party associates look upon him as a Martyr to Partisan Hatred their great ovation was evident. Though they succeeded in bringing him to the platform they could not in- duce him to make a speech. The ap- pointment of committees on platform, permanent organization, ete. con- cluded the work of the session, and with ithe benediction by Rev. Edgar M. Levy, who delivered the invocation at the convention held on Locust street in 1856, the convention, after being in session for two and a half hours, ad- journed until noon to-day. To-day President McKinley will be renomina- ted by acclamation and the platform will be adopted. The nomination for the candidate for vice president will go over until to-morrow unless there is a stampede and the plans of the leaders are upset. BRITISH CASUALTIES. Losses in Recent Engagements Which Were Not Reported. London, June 20. — The casualties made public by the war office, includ- ing a long list of missing, show British losses in engagements hitherto not re- ported. In an attack on a reconstruc tion train at Leeuw Spruit on June 14 8 were killed, 5 wounded and GO can- tured. Leeuw Spruit is 40 miles north of Kroonstad. This was the day of the Sand river attack, 80 miles distant. Another list shows 9 wounded and 11 missing in an action at Vrede Vort on June 7, no previous mention of which has been made. The Daily News points that it is quite possible the wires have again been cut in Lord Roberts’ rear tch later than June 16 has ed. The Boers are gather- force in front of Gen. Rundle, His forces siretch 40 of the line are n fear the Boers Ontpost skirm- occurrence. The led by Devel- ing ix near Ficksburg. miles. As some 1 weakly held the Bi may break throug ishes are of daily Boers there are commu jeres and Herman, M eyn is at Bethlehem, the tempor. capital of the Free ‘State. Aceording to dis- patches from Lourenzo Marques, dated yesterday, the Malina bridge has been destroyed. One account says it was blown up. Another asserts that it was undermined by a patrol from Swazi- land and so~ eollapsed under the weight of a train. This will temporari- ly interrupt the flow of supplies to the Boers from Lourenzo Marques. MRS. BEVERIDGE DEAD. Wife of the United States Senator Had Been II for Some Time. Dansville, N. Y., June 20.—The wife of United States Senator Albert J. Beveridge died at the sanitarium here at 4 o'clock yesterday morning. Her husband was at her bedside, where he has been a constant watcher for sev- eral days. Mrs. Beveridge was brought here ‘some time ago in an almost hope- less condition and her death was not unexpected. POLITENESS CAUSES DEATH. Girl Thrown From a Car in Giving Up Her Sent. Cincinnati, June 20.—Lizzie Mattie, the nineteen-year-old daughter of John Mattie, got up in a Warsaw avenue car to make room for a passenger. The ear started with a jerk, she fell from the car and fractured her skull. She died while being taken to the hospital. Mrs. Gladstone’s Funeral. London, June 20. — Mrs. Gladstone, widow of the great English statesman, was buried by the side of her husband in Westminster abbey yesterday after- noon. The service, which was im- pressive, closely resembled that of her husband. While it was attempted to keep the services as private as possible, hundreds of friends attended. The queen and princess of Wales were rep- resented. - Killed by Rebels. London, June 20.—A dispatch from Prahsu'to the Daily Express says. Capt. Willson and Sergt. Humphreys, with 140 West African frontiersmen, while reconnoitering between Bekwai and Kusha, were attacked by the reb- els. Capt. Wilson und ten men were killed and seventeen were wounded. Sergt. Humphreys brought the detach- ment to Fumsu, Killed While Track Walking. Two Harbors, Minn., June 20. — A man named'John Linstrom was struck and killed by a Duluth £ Iron Range train while walking on the tracks near Highland, Minn. It is said he was formerly from Duluth, where he has relatives living, but as yet the authori- ties Lave been unable to locate then.. Must Stand Trial. Lisbon, N. D., June 20.—The alleged elevator thieves recently arrested had a preliminary hearing. Mike Schmidke and John Schmidke were discharged, as it was not shown that they had any connection with the matter. Daniel couche was bound over under $500 ponds. - Won by Tommy West. New Yory, June 20.—Billy Hanrahan’ of New York was knocked out in the seventeenth round of his fight with Ton.my West of Brooklyn after he had given West one of the worst punish- ments that stockily built nugilist has received since he met Kid McCoy. Killed at a Crossing. Galesburg, Ill, June 20.—Otis Fox, a Knox college student, and Miss Nina Wilcox, a young lady prominent in go- ciety, were killed by being run down by a train while driving across the railroad. ' ’ 4 “EDITORIAL OUTING. The Northwestern Association Visit Gold Mines and Forests. ‘Winnipeg Gave the Editors of Northwestern Minnesota a Royal Welcome and Godspeed on Their Trip to the Rainy Lake Country. Members and guests of the Northwest- ern Editorial Association of Minnesota enjoyed their fifth’ annual outing during the past week. It has been the custom of this organization during the past four ears to take an puting: some time dur- Ing the eaeiy, part of the summer, with the double object of social enjoyment and learning to become more familiar with the beauties and resources of our own state. Hitherto the outings have been taken in the north central portion of the state, but this year the northern bound- me! received special attention, mn Monday morning, June 1lith, the party, sixty strong, started out from Crookston via the Great Northern and ar- rived at Winnipeg for lunch at the Le- Jand Hotel. A sumptuous repast was here furnished the hungry pleasure-seek- ers by the jovial proprietor, Captain W. D. Douglass. hile the editors were yet chewing the toothpick of contentment, the city of Winnipeg, as represented by the mayor, aldermen and prominent citi- zens, took them in hand and proceeded to show them the \beauties of the city. The street cars served as means of con- veyance, and during the afternoon the attention of the crowd was fully taken up in viewing the many splendid im- rovements and buildings of late made Py the city. The fair grounds were vis- ited and here it was found that the fair management is evidently expecting even Leder results for the coming fair in uly than has ever been exp aren sed be- fore, The already large and commodious andstand is being enlarged, new exhi- ition buildings are going up and every- thing is being done that is necessary to make the coming fair a crowning suc- tion along the northern boundary of innesota is now commencing to assume large proportions and the development of that section of the country, rich in agri- cultural lands, mineral and timber re- sources, demands that this.matter again be given the attention that it deserves. The trip on board the Keenora from Rat Tiere to Boucherville and return, occupied the better portion of two days and two nights and proved most inter- esting and instructive. The vast ex- panse of the Lake of the Woods and the splendid and majestic appearance of Rainy river was a revelation to the edi- tors who were largely accustomed to think of the Lake of the Woods as a swampy and marshy lake, and the Rainy river as a mere stream fit only for ca- noes and row boats. The Keenora, own- ed by the Rainy River Navigation Com- pany, is a splendid steamer, with all modern equipment such as electric lights and steam steering apparatus and is capable of carrying 150 passengers and a considerable quantity of freight besides, This is the largest and best equipped steamer plying on the international waters to the north of Minnesota, but the Rainy River Navigation Company owns Ene operates several other vessels of goodly proportions. The party returned to Rat Portage on the afternoon of Wednesday, and was im- mediately taken in hand by the good peo- ple of that city. Mayor McCarthy show- ed his gallantry by treating the ladies of the party to carriage drives through the city and beautiful surroundings. As guests of the city, the party was given a delightful cruise among the islands in the northern ‘section of the lake, visiting the large power dam constructed across one of the outlets of the Lake of the Wods, forming the Winnipeg river, and the famous Sandstone mine, a splendid example of the numerous gold mines of that region. This mine turns out some- thing like $20,000 worth of gold per month, and is a good paying investment. An opportunity was here given to see the ore treated from the time it was taken out of the mine till the gold was secured in a comparatively pure form. On re- turning to Rat Portage the, party was treated to a reception and ball that was most thoroughly enjoyed, as was also the canoeing party given earlier in the eyen- ing. The people of Rat Portage is a most hospitable and pleasant people to Ni Abt i ( ‘eg i AN “WITHIN THE DEVILS GAP. cess. The annual mid-summer fair held in Winnipeg is a source of pride and deep interest to every citizen of Win- nipeg and the province of Manitoba as well. From a rather humble beginning these fairs have grown until they will compare favorably, in point of attractions and exhibits, as well as attendance, with the best of the state fairs in the United States. This has been of untold benefit to the province of Manitoba, since it has called attention to its splendid and varied resources in such a manner as to bring on development, settlement, and invest- ment of capital in general to an extent that could not well have been attained through any other means, After leaving the fair grounds the vis- itors were taken to the beautiful parks, of which Winnipeg can boast. These are natural parks, improved in such a way as to make them attractive to visitors and citizens who have any time to spare in rest and recreation. Here an informal lunch was spread, a hearty welcome ex- tended by the mayor and responded to by A. G. Bernard, président of the asso- ciation. The visit was completed by a ride through all the principal portions of the city, and as it dawned upon the vis- itors how large a city Winnipeg really is, and that she can show good founda- tions for a claim of over 50,000 population, expression of surprise were heard on every side. _An informal dinner was given at the Leland Hotel, and then the visitors repaired to the station, where special coaches awaited them to carry them to Rat Portage, a beautiful city. located on the northern shore of Lake of the Woods. The entry into that city was made at early dawn and no stop was made at that time to form acquaint- ance of its citizens, but the crowd passed on to the dock of the Rainy River Navi- gation Company, , where the beautiful steamer Keenora ‘awaited their arrival, with berths made up ready to receive the weary travelers. It is needless to say that no time was lost in seeking refreshing sleep, since the party had been on the qui vive through a long day of sight-seeing, and had spent the better part of the night in traveling. As soon as the passengers were all fairly on board the Keenora steamed down the jake, through the narrow passages, pass- ing at the Devils Gap, winding about among the many islands that abound in the northern section of the lake, and on through what is known as the “Big Traverse,” a large area of open water in the northeastern section of the lake, where for a long distance the steamer will continue out of sight of land. The LAKE OF THE WOODS. be thrown in contact with, and will ever hold a warm place in the hearts of the visiting editors. Rat Portage is an enterprising city, lo- cated in a manner as beautiful as can well be imagined. The bay on which it is located, is well adapted for a har- por and makes a splendid place for ath- letic sports in the way of curling and skating in winter and boating in sum- mer. This has been taken advantage of by the people of Rat, Portage, who as a consequence, boast of having the cham- pion oarsman of the world, a lot of fine athletic young men and robust and beau- tiful young ladies. While at Rat Portage a business meet- ing of the association was held and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, N. H. Ingersoll, Dispatch, Brainerd; vice president, Mrs. Franklin W. Lee, Post, Rush City; sec- retary, E._A. Nelson, News, Hallock; treasurer, John M. Haven, Herald, Big Lake; executive committee, A. G. Ber- nard, Voice, Cass Lake; E. C. Kiley, Herald-Review, Grand Rapids, and A. W. Sheets, Todd County Argus, Long Prairie. The following resolutions were adopted: Resolved, That in recording the unquali- fied success of the fifth annual outing of the Northwestern Editorial Associa- tion, we would first express our obliga- tions to the passenger department of the Great Northern Railway Company, which not only furnished our entire party with transportation from Crookston, the ren- dezvous, to Winnipeg, but also extended courtesies to individual members living along its lines centering at Crookston. This great trans-continental railway al- ways shows a broad and liberal apprecia- tion of whatever influences would make better known the great and only partially developed resources of the country it traverses. ing passenger agent, showed the party many personal attentions. Resolved, That we would also return our thanks to the Northern Pacific Rail- way Company for favors given to mem- bers of the party coming from different points along its line to Crookston. Resolved, That to the careful arrange- ments made by Mr. Geo. A. Graham, manager of the Rainy River Navigation Company, we are indebted for much of the pleasure of our trip through the Lake of the Woods, and as far up the Rainy river as the present stage of water would permit the steamer to go, Resolved, That to the mayor, the street railway company and the citizens of Win- nipeg we would extend our thanks for LOCK AT FORT FRANCIS. _ size of the Lake of the Woods and its magnificence will be understood when one considers that the lake covers, approxi- mately, 4,000 square miles and contains from 12,000 to 15,000 islands of all sizes and shapes. The establishment of the Sandusky Fishing Company was visited at the mouth of the Rainy river. This concern is the consolidation of several smaller ones that. did business on the Jake formerly. Its business has grown wonderfully of late years, so that now the company handles tremendous quan- tities of fish and puts up large quantities of caviar annually, that is consumed by the people of this country as “extra im- rted Russian caviar.”’ ‘The original plan of the outing was to continue up the Rainy river and through Rainy Lake to a place called Harding, and from thence across count! to ke ‘Vermillion, and on to Duluth, but owing “to the unusually low stage of water this year, that of the plan had. to. be abandoned s: yroceed further than “the rapids near Boucherville. “The channel of the Rainy river, although a_ magnificent stream, jarger than the Mississippi at Winona, needs some improvement in the way of removing obstructions at certain places in the construction of locks and dams at two or three places. Years ago, the Canadian government commen: work on the largest and most expensive of these near Ft. cis, and the neces- sary excavation was actually completed when the Canadian Pacific railway was completen. A new party came to power in Canada and the work was temporar- ly abandoned. It is now high time this work was taken up again, since navi- the many courtesies shown us during our stay in that great commercial and manu- facturing emporium of western Canada. Resolved, That we would express our obligations to the mayor, board of trade and citizens generally, of Rat Portage, for our handsome entertainment during our visit to that enterprising and thrivin; city, including a trip to the mines ‘and | the substantially improved water power on the Winnipeg river, as well as the many social attentions shown us. We have not only gained valuable informa- tion regarding this great extent of _coun- try, with its mines and forests and fish- erics, but have been impressed with the enterprise and hospitality of this, its oe oeorn a chy esolved, t to Misses Mayme Mitchell and Bertie Kobinson, and Messrs. S. F. Alderman and E. O. Webb, with Miss Nellie Merrill, accompanist, compos- ing the Aeolian quartette of Brainerd, we are indebted for many pleasant hours, ince the large noats could not | both while enroute and during our stay at_the several places visited. Resolved, That we would ask from the senators and representatives from Min- nesota in gy tees! a@ careful considera- tion of the advantages which would re- sult from the improvement of the Rainy river, and the construction of one or more locks and dams. As there are in- ternational Bate sue. consent of the government of the United States is a pre- requisite to any improvements of Bovernment is. prepared to make wpon gove is pre} o make wu, this consent being given. mare Sar we A. W. SHEETS, EG KILEY. "ay Mr. Otto Thorson, its travel- 4 ATTACK ON PEKING. RUSSIAN FORCES BESIEGE THE CITY ON TWO SIDES. Relieving Force Arrived in the Nick of Time as the Attack on the Le- gations Had Been Renewed—One Discredited by Foreign- ers at Is That the Chinese Have Massacred All the Foreigners in Peking — Seven Hundred Chinese Were Killed in the Taku Forts. Report, Shanghai, London, June 20.—The Russian re- lieving force arrived outside of Peking this morning, says the Shanghai cor- respondent of the Daily Express, and immediately began to attack the city on two sides, employing numerous ar- tillery. ‘The force apparently arrived in the nick of time, for the Chinese assert that the attack upon the lega- tions had been renewed. On the night of June 10 the Chinese troops under Generals ‘Tung Fah Siang and Tung Ching) Attacked the Legations and set fire to five European buildings. Nothing definite is known as to the re- sult except that the Chinese were dis- appointed, alihough other reports, ut- terly discredited by foreigners at Shanghai, are that the Chinese, in- furiated by the destruction of Taku, have since massacred all the foreigners in Peking. A modified version of these rumors received st Berlin is that the French as well as the German minister have been killed. The English at Shanghai think that the Chinese Had Foreign Advice in organizing the defenses at Taku, be- cause of the persistence with which the attack was delivered. The wires connecting with harbor mines were cut by boats the night before the bom- bardment. It is now reported that it Was on board the Russian cruiser Kiretz, and not the Mandscbur, that the explosion occur iMing and wounding more than It is report- ed that no fewer than 700 Chinese were killed in the forts. The Shang- hai correspondent of the Daily Ex- press says he is officially infcrmed that Japan is mobilizing 000 for iammedi- ate transportation. The whole fleet of the Nippon Yuseon Kappsi (Japanese merchant shipping company) has been chartered. ‘The British cruiser Un- daunted arrived at Shanghai yester- day, Cleared for Action and took up a position commanding the Chinese forts. There are ‘three Chinese cruisers in the harbor. The new Chinese cruiser Hai Hx Yang, built by the Armstrongs, has been taken into custody at Taku by the British and Russians. At Yum Nanfu, where the rising has been gathering force for several days, 680 Christians have been attacked at the French mission settlement, many being put to death. The French consul and three mnissionaries are still in prison. , The disorderly elements have secured the upper hand at Wu Hu and Czechuan, where the native Christians Have Been Massacred. A thousand Boxers have gathered on the outskirts of Tien-tsin. The Shang- hai correspondent of the Daily News, telegraphing yesterday, says: “The Chinese officials here assert that they have news from Peking up to June 17. Thessituation was then very serious. Beyond that they claim to have re- ceived nothing. They deny that dis- patches have been withheld. Although Iam not willing to adopt the alarmist reports, my impression, gathered from the consuls and the Chinese authori- ties, is that the worst is to be feared in Peking. Admiral Seymour’s column is now in the middle of an arid plain, with no food and no good water, and surrounded by hostile forces.” American Troops Arrive. A dispatch from Shanghai announces that the United States transport Themas, with troops fer Manila, was diverted at Nagasaki, and has arrived at Taku with 1,200 men. The Shang- hai correspondent of the Times, tele- graphing yesterday, says: The British flag is reported to have been flying yes- terday over the south gate of Peking. This is presumed to indicate the ar- rival of Admiral Seymour. The sum- moning of Li Hung Chang to Peking is regarded as a complete change of front on the part of the Manshus, who have abandoned the hope of opposing the powers. RUSSIA’S FRANK DECLARATION. Her Troops to Be Used With No Pur- pose of Territorial Aggression. Washington, June-20.—When the of- fic'al day closed it was found that a message received in the morning from Admiral Remey at the navy depart- ment touching the readiness of the Princeton and Marietta and Zeafiro for immediate service represented all the news that had come to the government from the East since Monday. One fact of the utmost importance develoved, however, that the notice of the Rus- sian government of its intention to dis- patch 4,000 troops to China was ac- companied by an understanding that these troops were to be used for the assistance of Europeans and Ameri- cans, and with no purpose of territorial aggression on the part of Russia. This assurance was received with the greatest satisfaction. It is understood that Japan, in view of Russia’s frank declaration, will consent to assume the same obligation toward the other nations. Result of a Drunken Row. - Wausau, Wis., June 20.—Louis Jon- dreau was struck over the head with a rifle in the hands of Adolph Ashley, near Mosinee, and killed. Prior to the striking of the fatal blow Jondreau had inflicted such wounds upon Ashley with a large knife that he cannot live. The fight was the result of a drunken row. _ Fatal Tenement House Fire. Buffalo, N. ¥., June 20—Three deaths _ have resulted from a tenement house fire here, and a fourth will follow. — -_