One of the most imposing temples of China; perhaps the most important, since it was the Emperor’s place of worship before he abandoned the capital.] “Moreover, our ancestors and the gods have answered our prayer, so that there has never been as at present such a universal manifestation of loyalty and patriotism. “We have, with tears, announced a war in our ancestral shrine, because we feel it is better to commence a struggle than to seek further means of self-protection, involving as it does eternal disgrace. “All our officials, high and low, are of the same mind, and there have assembled without our call several hundred thousand patriotic militia [Boxers], with many who are yet but children, glad to carry a spear in defense of their country [young ruffians who looted and murdered all the respectable native residents as well as officials who did not fly from Peking before the Boxers entered in any numbers]. [Illustration: Taouist Temple of ten thousand gods in Nanking] “The foreigners rely upon crafty schemes, but our trust is in heaven’s justice. They depend on violence, we on humanity [such as killing women and children by the hundreds at the south cathedral], not to speak of the righteousness of our cause. “Our provinces are more than twenty in number, our population over 400,000,000; so it will not be difficult to vindicate our dignity.” The decree further requests people with money to subscribe assistance, promising official recognition for it, and also offers large rewards for those who distinguish themselves in action, as well as threats for those who are dilatory or cowardly, urging all to exert themselves continually in the good work—exterminating alike foreigners and converts. “June 24.—Decree: Yesterday shops and residences in Tung Tan Pailou street and Ch’ang Au street were looted by militia with arms [Boxers]. This is a serious matter, so we ordered Yung Lu to depute officers to arrest the offenders. Eleven from one division and twenty-three from another division were arrested and executed on the spot, the public witnessing the executions. “We now command the general officers of the various divisions to give strict orders to their subordinates that the braves are to be kept in order. Should these occurrences be repeated, martial law will be declared. If the officers commanding screen the offenders, instead of rigorously enforcing the laws, they will be examined, and if found guilty severely punished. [Illustration: Typical Peking beggars] “The military governor of the city is hereby commanded to arrest all desperadoes creating disturbances and execute them on the spot. Show no mercy.” A second decree, same date, says: “The board of revenue is hereby ordered to give Kang Yi two hundred bags of rice as provisions for distribution among the Boxers.” A third decree: