To the Editor of the Nortu-Caixa Datty News."
Sin,—We have just passed through snather scare at this centre. About a fortnight since, a rumour reached us that the Boxers were on their way to Hankow.
was reported that they had actually entered the province from Honan, that the Siangyang Prefect had written the Viceroy informing him of the fact, and that the Viceroy had wired Peking for instructions as to how he was to deal with them. This rumour was immediately followed by another, to the effect that some two or three thousand Boxers had reached this place, that a large number of them were being entertained by the Viceroy la chang, and that one of their leaders, aman of gigantic stature'and strange mien, was holding daily conference with H.E. on matters of grave importance! This rumour. was followed by the appearance ofa mysteriously worded placard, widely posted on the walls of these three cities foretelling the sure and speedy mani, testation of the Boxers. These thing-coming, as they did, in rapid succession, caused the hearts of many to fail them. At the beginning of last week the people were visibly alarmed, and many of those who were able to move their goods and families to the country did so. During the whole week the Christians were se-yerely tried. Of course they were all to be murdered by the Boxers; and every-ching was done by the heathen, whether friends or foes, to scare them, and get them to renounce their faith in Christ. By Saturday morning, the excitement had reached a high pitch of intensity. On Saturday night, however, a proclamation ued by the Viceroy and the Gov-cryer, which has changed the entire aspect of things. It is one of the best pr clamations ever issued by HE. El it is his own composition.
ids like it. It is strong, clear, and enclose a copy for the benefit your readers. The proclamation did not appear one hour too soon. A delay of another day might have involved these three cities in dire calamity.
I should like to state that we are much indebted to our able and ever wakeful Consul for the timely appearance of this valuable proclamation.
I am, ete., Hankow, 20th August.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.