ABSTRACT
The internal debates continued to rage at the Manchu Court. Although a negative opinion of the Boxers had become politically and personally risky for the pro-peace party. A senior Manchu official sent a memorandum to the Court on June 19 that the Boxers were 'looting and killing during the day and conspiring in temples and residential houses during the night'. Yuan Shikai sent Li Hongzhang a further alarming message that the Boxers had attacked the Legation quarters and that the business center of Beijing was burnt beyond repair. The Empress Dowager was ready to yield. General Hieh had already received order to shoot at the Boxers. Another Court decree emphasized the importance of recruiting the Boxers. It was specifically pointed out to the government generals that the previous decrees authorizing the suppression campaign against the Boxers must be abandoned. The turn of events in northern China hinged entirely on the safe and speedy exodus of the foreign community from Beijing.
