Eureka Reporter | 1906-03-23 | Page 4 | By Dictates of Conscience

BY DICTATES OF conscience gen gordon went unarmed through war in china in eolie reminiscences 0 sir fred erick st john a diplomatist who served his country england well we have the facts which prompted gen gordon to carry no weapon but a cane when leading the imperial troops dur ing the tal ping struggle when acting in conjunction with the chinese general san ko alln sin against either nankin or gordon received a message from the rebel leaders offering submission their lives were guaranteed having obtained the consent ot the chinese commander he agreed the town sur rendered and the three rebel chiefs appeared before san ko alln sin he seeing that they had not shaved their heads in sign of submission had them decapitated on the spot whereupon exasperated beyond control by such treachery gordon armed himself with a revolver and was hastening to the general s tent with the intention of chastising him in the most summary manner for his breach of faith when suddenly he paused and coming on reflection to the conclusion that his contemplated act was simple murder he threw away his weapon and regis a vow that long as be remained in china he would never again carry any weapon more tormad able than a cane