“A quarrel has broken out between China and foreign nations, and it is difficult to see how matters can be arranged. The viceroys and governors have all been the recipients of imperial favor, and it is now their manifest duty to use every effort to make return, and to lay before us the detail according to the respective circumstances of their several provinces, schemes for the selection of generals, drilling of soldiers, and plans for properly paying them. They must also suggest plans for safeguarding the borders of the country from the aggression of foreigners, as well as see that reinforcements be sent to the aid of the capital in order that no harm befall the dynasty. It is very plain that the situation hinges on the zealous united coöperation of the viceroys and governors that the situation be saved. It is our earnest expectation that full assistance will be given, as is needed in a crisis of this importance. This decree must be published everywhere with the speed its nature demands.” “July 18.—Edict: [Commencing now to hedge, and to negotiate with the foreign ministers still penned up in the British legation. This is after the defeat of the imperial armies at Tientsin]. The reason for the fighting between China and foreign nations sprung from a disagreement between the people and the Christian converts. [That is, the Christian converts objected to being murdered and pillaged wholesale by their heathen neighbors.] “We could but enter upon war when the Taku forts were taken. Nevertheless, the government is not willing lightly to break off the friendly relations which have existed. We have repeatedly issued orders to protect the ministers of the various countries, and have also ordered the protection of missionaries in the various provinces. [Illustration: Native wheelbarrow—Tientsin] “The fighting has not yet been very extensive, and there are still many merchants of the various countries within our domains. All alike should be protected. “It is hereby ordered that the generals and governors shall find out wherever there still exist merchants or missionaries, and still protect them according to the provisions of the treaties without the least carelessness. [For nearly a month after this the Empress kept ministers, missionaries, and merchants under the almost constant fire of her troops within two miles of her residence, where she could not but hear every gun fired at them.] “Last month the chancellor of the Japanese legation was killed. This was most unexpected. Before the case was settled, the German minister was killed. Suddenly meeting this affair caused us great grief. We ought rigorously to seek the murderers and punish them.