Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1900-08-09
LAST CALL FOR CHINA.
United states May Give Minister " u
4 HIS I.nssports.

washington, Aug. 9.--War Wii.lh Win
l,hina without any disguise or 8quip-
bling about technicalities VIII pe
waped by this government unless there
n an immediate change of 'front.' the
part of that imperial government.
I'D This in brief, is generally believed to
no the tenor of a communication sent
Minister WI yesterday afternoon a1tef
conference had been held by the ca D.
met officers and consultation Win
President Mckinley. While it is not an
ultimatum in the strict construction OF.
the word. it paves the way tor iclioh
of that kind and war against China. So
FAR as can be learned no time was
specified in which the Chinese govern
ment was to communicate It's lnten-4
tions in regard to its conduct IN reIer
ence to the diplomats. IT Is knoWn.I
however that the government viii not
submit to much more delay. as Minister.
ConEer in his#courageous message mas
officially notified the government that
his position is rapidly becoming un-4
tenable. 1t is not known whether the
ministers have left Pekin or not, but
the general impression Is that they
have been forced TO leave the COM
Mound and are now on their way TO
Tien Tsin, which journey Minister
Conger said would be their last, as
& they would he massacred en- route.
IL the Chinese government does not
signify its Intention of doing its utmost
to protect Minister Conger and COM
municate its intentions to the state de-
partment within reasona BILE length of
time. that will be construed as a decla-
ration of war. and this government Will
act accordingly. There will be no for
mai declaration by the United States,
as this would necessitate calling con-
gress together and would cause COM
siderable delay. The president would
proceed upon the theory that the lives
Of the Amrican officials and citizens
we're in danger andit would be his duty
to protect them without delay.
Al great deal has been said about the
PRECEDENT exceeding his constitutional
prerogatiyes in sending troops to China
to relieve the Americans, and number
of persons who do not seem to have the
good OF the country at heart have
criticised him rather harshly for doing
so, or rather have condemned him fol
+ not calling an extra session of congress
There are innumerable instances where
presidents nave sent WarsnlpS 10 Tor
eign ports and landed marines for tht
purpose Of protecting the lives o
Americans.
The latest notable instance OF thi!
kind was during the Chilean incident
when President Harrison took jus
such steps to protect Americans Ii
Chilli as President Mckinley is takin.
today to protect those in China,
It is not believed, therefore. that al
"A extra session Of congress will b
called at this time. and unless the wa
In China should be protracted cne
will not be necessary to call tina. bod.
together for the purpose of providin
troops. II the war, which now seem
Inevitable, should be of short dura
tion, few more troops can be with
drawn from Cuba and the Philippine
and some gent from this country t
make up the quota that this countr
II will be called upon to supply Will
acting In conjunction with other ma
III tlons.
The Chinese minister may be give
his passports In the event OF the failur
Il Il cf prompt compliance on the part OF hi
ss osysrpmett With the suggest stions q u