The evening times., 1900-06-29


the following despatch from Admiral
Kempf:
Chefco, June 20.
Secretary Navy, Washington:
"Pekin relief expedition arrived at
Tientsin this morning, with 500 sick
and wounded Neither Minister Con-
ger nor other foreign ministers nor
Pekin party are with them No news
from them. KEMPFF"
This despatch is regarded by the Gov
ernment officials as the most serious re-
ceived in many days. It had been believed
and hoped that Mr.. Conger had escaped
to the relief column, and was safe with
Captain McCalla and Admiral Seymour
The news from Admiral Kempff is the first
positive informa lion anent the relief col
umn received in nearly two weeks.
1t is now believed by the State War and
Navy Department officials that Mr.. COnger
has been murdered, with the other foreign
ministers in Pekin.
At the State Department the despatch
has had the effect of destroying all con-
fdence in the statements and assurances
Of the Chinese officials The Government
had time and again been assured that
the ministers were safe with the relief
column, and this statement was sent evon
over the signature OF Ii Hung Chang.
Secretary Hay is not inclined to pay fur
ther attention to official Chinese advices.
The despatch is regarded as meaning
only that Minister Conger has long ago
been murdered in Pekin, or has been
slaughtered while en- route from that city
to the relief column. The situation is
regarded as at a crisis and prompt and
telling acton viii now be taken.
Discussed by the Cabinet.
Immediately after the receipt Of the de-
spatch it was hurried over to the Wfi.e
House and was the one topic Of discussion
at the Cabinet meeting. 1t was decide
that the period Of parley has come to al
end, and a cable wss sent to Admiral
Remey. directing him TO organize a strong
force at once after landing and proceed
with it to Pekin to learn the fate OF the
American diplomatic representative
Mr.. WI. the Chinese Ambassador, DID
not appear at the State Department today.
and no word of the despatch was forwarded
to him. 1t Is believed that he is near the
close Of his official capacity in Washington
and it was openly stated today thae TO
one would be surprised did he receive lis
passports before another week had passaG
The diplomatic relations between China
and the United States are already 50 far
strained as almost TO have ceased to exist,
as Secretary Hay viii agree to nothing
save the landing of American t-oops ard a
fOrcible eutry into Pekin.
The Oregon is due at Taku today, having
sailed from Hongkong on June %. With
q strong force of marines on board, to-
gether with naval, landing guns, it is ex-
pected that Admiral Kellpn will be enabled
10 begin immediate operations.
The despatch from Kempf has caused
much uneasiness among the representa-
tives Of foreign Governments in this city.
Both Lord Pauncefote and NJ Cambon call
ed at the State Department, hut were IN
able to see Secretary Hay.
Why the Worst Is Feared.
A high official of the State Department,
who has been controlling the diplomatic
end of the Chinese situation stated this
morning that in all probability. Mr. Con-
ger had been murdered.
1T is distinctly assured by the Chinese
officials that they have a direct line Of
communication with Pekin." said he, "and
yet they have carefully refrained frosn
saying any word as TO the whereabouts OF
Mr.. Conger. even when directly requested
TO do so.
The Yiceroys have lied to us repeated
ly. and the Tsung-h-Yamen has played us
false This is Chinese diplomacy and
l am assured and can assure you that
peaceful methods have come to an end IS