The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-08-09
ONLY ONE VESSEL AVAILABLE.
The Petrol Is Our War Ship That Can
Ascend the Yangtse kiauU

WASHINGTON, Aug. S.-The State De-
partment has not called on the Secreatry of
the Navy for war vessels TO assist in pro-
tecting the missions, but it is known at
both departments that the Petrol on her
recent voyage up the Yangtse river as
sisted materially in maintaining quiet
There has been received at the State De-
partment a report from Counsul-general
Jernigen in which he quotes from one of
the French fathers at Wuhu, saying that
the arrival Of Petrol AT Wu-Hu was pro-
vidential, saving many lives and prevent
ing anticipated trouble. British Consul
Ford confirms the report and says that
had it not been for the American gunboats
the foreigners at Wu-Hu would have suf-
fered in the riots. The Petrol is the only
vessel Of the Asiatic squadron which can
go up the river any considerable distance,
the others being too great draught. The
Petrol on her last voyage went to Hankow,
six hundred miles above Shanghai. This
would not bring the vessel to the i'm
mediate scene of the first disturbance, but
II is believed that If vessel were sent up
the river it would have quieting effect
upon the rioters. Acting Secretary Nc
Adoo to-day sent for the list of vessels
on the Asiatic station, with their positions
and will consider moving them so as to bet
ter protect American interests. The De-
Yangtse river, but II would be useless
for her to attempt to ascend the Yangtse
The Petrol, the highest of the fleet, is at
Yokohama Z long distance away There
miral Carpenters management of his
squadron unless the State Department
at the aSa Nevy W @ that it %ond
have to be the Petrol in case of her in-
mediate need. Admiral Carpenter will be
60 advised.
At the Chinese legation the statement
is reiterated that the central government
will do everything in its power to sup
the offenders. The latest Shanghai dis
patches giving alarming reports Of out
breaks in new quarters was shown to the
legation officials, but no additional informa-
tion could be given by them beyond locating
the scenes of the trouble and explaining
the classes involved. The places mentioned
cities of Annoy and Shanghai. 1t will be
much easier to reach them than the mac
cessible places where the first uprisings
occurred. 1t is said that military forces
would not be sent from Peking or other
large cities as there garrisons near at
hand under the direction of the Governor
geneal of the provinces. There is tele-
graphic communication between the au-
thorities at Peking and these provinces
SO that there need be no delay in putting
into effect such strong military policy as
China may adopt.
The Vegetarian fanatics who are causing
the outbreaks are a secret political order.
They claim to be a religious sect, but in
reality they stand TO China as the Nihilists
do TO Russia, They have long been seek
ing to overthrow the Peking government
and II Is the belief that their main purpose
at present Is not directed against Chris
tians. but is intended to embroil the gov
ernment with foreign countries and thus
lead to the embarrassment and possible
overthrow of the present Peking authori-
ties. For this reason II is believed that
the central government will use all it's
resources to suppress the yegetarians. not
as measure of self protection. The Vege-
tarians get their name from the fact that
they live Wholly on yegstables. denying
Buddhists. for the central government al
lows Buddhism, confucianism and one