Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1900-07-03
SITUATION UNCHANGED.
Cabinet Council Decides that n
Change of Policy is Necessary.

~hhhS VI l. OAANJ AS ANC\CSSdAJs
Washington, D. c., June 30.-Al-
MS office at noon, being the senior cabj-
net officer in town. In the PRESIDENT
absence, he sent Immediately for the sec
rotary Of war and the secretary of the
navy. These officials responded at once
and a cabinet council was held in Secre-
tary Hays office. Of course the Chinese
situation was the subject of discussion.
All official dispatches received this morn
ing were carefully considered. The con-
clusiOn reached was that nothing has
developed Warranting a change of policy
at this stage. SO it was decided that no
further instructions should be dispatched
to our naval commander in China, nor
have more troops ordered there.
Washington, d. c., June 3O.-For the
first time since the break of communi-
cation with Tien Tsin, news came to-
day Of the foreign ministers, which the
officials accept as accurate. Assurances
coming from four separate sources that
the ministers were safe, bodily at least,
up to five days ago, seem TO remove all
doubt Oh that point, while the agree
ment, the dispatches of Admiral Kempff,
Of United States Consul Ragsdale at
Tien Tsin. and Minister Wu's ad-
vices to the effect that the minis
ters are still in Pekin would seem to af-
ford a solid basis for the acceptance of
that statement None of the recipients
of these dispatches has any knowledge
as to how the news comes from Pekin to
warrant the statements that the minis
terS are there at present. 1t is believed
however, easy to suppose that accurate
news Of the conditions in Pekin of five
days ago might have been received by
some trusted messenger.
The news of the day, important though
it is, has not changed the policy of the
government towards China. There is
nothing to show that the imperial gov
eminent is responsible to a degree war
ranting the declaration Of a state of
war. Therefore, the plan is to push for
ward in the effort to bring away the
foreign minister's doing this side by side
with the other powers, and leaving all
other questions for future determination.
If the Chinese government ordered the
attacks on our forces. then they have
declared war and if that fact shall be
established, the government will act &C
cordingly.
On the other hand if the Chinese gov
eminent was not directly party to the
uprising, then it has demonstrated its in
capacity and must reckon with the gov
ernments having injuries inflicted upon
their citizens and their interests
Meanwhile, as our naval commanders in
China appear to be following a proper
course, they will be left unhampered by
further instructions at this juncrure. and
will not even be reinforced, unless they
request II. 1nS ABOVE were the cOncIu-
sions reached at the conference today
1t was not regarded as necessary to adj
wise by wire with the President. the
cabinet officers knowing that he is in
possession of the official cablegrams and
SO is in position to advise a change of
course if he sees fit. There is still no
war with China.
It may be noted that Admiral Kempff's
prudent course, as set out in the news
dispatches and in the absence of official
statements, meets the unqualified approv-
al Of the administration.
Fortunately the wreck of the Oregon
does not seriously affect the military
plans respecting China. She was ordered
to Taku before the forts fell and for the
duty that remains to her an ordinary
cruiser will do as well.
Consul Ragsda1e Heard From.
Washington, D. c., June 30.-The fol-
lowing cablegram has been received from
United States Consul Ragsdale at Tien
Tsin, dated the 9th inst, being the first
communication received from that officer
in nearly two weeks:
Siege OF Tien Tsin raised. Troops sent
for the relief OF the legations returned. In
vain. Fighting seven separate battles.
American loss 6 killed, SO wounded. On
the 10th ministers given twenty-four hours
to leave Pekin. Refused. Still there.
RAGSDATE