The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-09
CABINET is AppREHENsIvE.


WASHINGTON. Aug. S.-The gravest ap-
prehensions are felt here in official circles
for the safety ofrthe imprisoned ministers
I'm Picking. The alleged statement of Ii
Hung Chang that it is absolutely impossi-
bic for the allies to enter Picking 10 escort
the ministers to Tien-Tsin adds greatly
to the seriousness of the situation. 1t clear
~ implies the purpose OF the Chinese gov
eminent to resist the advance movement
of the allied forces TO the full extent CT
its power. coupled with the further implica-
ton that further hostile demonstrations on
the part of the allies may jeopardize the
lives of the ministers. So far as known
there is no present purpose of calling
halt I'm the allied movement against Peking
IL is acknowledged that the relief column
Is not strong enough to maintain war
against the Chinese kingdom for any great
length of time. but heavy reinforcements
are en- route to China. Their arrival on the
scene may alter the situation entirely and
bring the obstinate Orientals to their
senses.
IL Is the present situation. however, that
worries the administration. and there is
general chagrin that II is not in position
TO enforce its demands and bring the Chi
nese authorities to instant terms. In the
course OF the next two months there will
he about 5000 American troops on Chinese
soil. not counting many thousands more
that could he transferred from the Philip
pines in case Of necessity. The Chinese
will be held 10 a strict accountability for
any injury that may be sustained by Amer
lean interests in the present crisis. What
should be done for the immediate relief
of the ministers Is the problem now con-
fronting the administration and is the sub
ject OF anxious conferences between the
officials IN this city and telegraphic CORE
spondence with the President at Canton
and the secretary Of state at Sunapee n. II.
The message from Minister Conger was
regarded as bringing the Chinese situation
10 It's most serious stage. The authorities
are aware that nothing but the
most vigorous action can meet the condi-
tfons. save the ministers and other for
eigners in Picking. and avert "A war OF long
duration After conference of the men
In charge OF the diplomatic and military
affairs, in which President Mckinley parti-
cipated over the long distance telephone, IL
was decided 10 send a message TO Consul
General Goodnow, repeating the contents
OF the conger message and advising him
that the situation was very serious and a
crisis had been reached He was directed
20 Sheng and other Chinese officials who
were 20 transmit IL 10 the government OF
China with strong representation that
the present situation was intolerable and
could not be continued without the most
serious results. Ia IL understood the dis
patch Vas practically an ultimatum and an
early reply was demanded. An answer Is
expected without delay. and IL probably
will determine the future action OF this
government.
n is not believed by the War Depart.
ment officials that the international forces
row operating along the Pei-HO river ear
reach Picking in time 10 rescue the minis
tiers IL active hostilities should begin
against the legationcrs by the imperial
fFrsopsts So serious do the officials regard
the situation that IL Is believed by some
that there Is greater safety for the minis
tiers and other foreigners 10 accept an es.
cort1of the imperial army 10 Tien-Tsin
thak "a remain IN Picking n war should
be declared.
The Information received through the
Chinese minister regarding the opening ol