THE CHINESE "BOXERS" 

 By Llewellyn James Da vies 



The society or league which is now turning China upside down and 

 forcing the attention of, the whole world is known by various names. 

 The one most commonly seen in the American papers is the " Boxers " 

 or "Spirit Boxers." The origin of this name is to be found in the 

 gymnastic exercises which constitute the drill of the society and in 

 the mysterious incantations used. In the Shan-tung Province the 

 society is commonly called the " Ta Tao Hui," or " Great Sword 

 Society.'' This is one of the names used by the society itself, and 

 is a general name. On the cards and posters issued by the society 

 other names occur, which I understand to be of local use. 



The " Boxer" society is one of the many secret societies of China, 

 and, as is usual with such societies, has both a political and a relig- 

 ious significance. It is said to be of ancient origin. One Chinese 

 tells me that it had its origin in opposition to the " Manchu dynasty ", 

 which has ruled China for the past two hundred and fifty years. 



Whatever may have been its past history, the society has now col- 

 lected its forces against the foreigners within the Chinese Empire. It 

 has been preparing for this present outbreak for several years. About 

 three and a half years ago I learned from Chinese friends that such 

 a society was being organized, and that it was growing rapidly. Its 

 anti-foreign purpose was known distinctly at that time. It was said 

 to be spreading from the south toward the north. Those favorable 

 to governmental reform and to foreign influences in the districts now 

 overrun by these marauders felt and reported what may be called 

 the ground-swell of the storm wliich has now so furiously burst upon 

 them. Chinese Christians were told, " Well, you will soon have a 

 chance to enjoy the heaven of which you talk; " and, "Soon, soon ; your 

 time is coming soon." Shortly before the outl:)reak it was frequently 

 and })lainly said that at no very distant date all foreigners and foreign 

 sympathizers w(nild be killed. 



In organizing this movement the leaders established at convenient 

 centers wliat were called " ying," or " encampments." The members 

 of the society living in the i)eigh})orhood met to drill and recite their 

 incantations at these places, and here new members were initiated. 



