The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-06-24
THE DISPATCH FROM KEMPFF.
American Marines and Russians Fighting the
Chinese Imperial Troops.
(By the Associated Press


Washington, June 23.-The Navy De-
partment this morning received an i'm
portant dispatch from Admiral Kempff.
stating that an engagement is now in
progress between the United States ma
rines and other forces against the Chi
ncse army, outside of Tien Tsin. The fol-
lowing bulletin has been issued by the
Department:
Acting Secretary Hackett has this
morning received a dispatch from Admiral
Kempff dated Che Foo, June 23rd. 20 the
effect that our marines under Major Wal
ler together with 400 Russians have an
an engagement with the Chinese army
near Tien Tsin. They could not break
through the line. A force numbering
2,000 the Admiral reports, is now ready
to make another attempt.
Admiral KempT's dispatch stating that
an engagement had occurred near Ten
Tsin, and that another was about to oc-
cur sent thrill of expectancy throughout
official circles here. Other dispatches had
been received giving additional details,
but these were not made public, as they
did not shed light upon the engagement
itself, but more on the movements of the
clue, however, as to the extent CT any
casualties which may have been suffered
by the American forces engaged, and this
was taken to indicate that the loss was
little or nothing in the face of such an
i'll equipped foe.
Major Waller, in command OF the
American marines WHO participated in
the fight is known here as a brave and
efficient officer, whose GOODNESS and dar-
ing were displayed during the battle o.
Santiago when he commanded the MA
rnes on board the battleshiD Indiana.
The marines referred to in the cable are
the 1870 men taken by the Solace from
Manila at the first call for reinforce
mcnts.
Admiral Kempff's specific statement
that the engagement was with the Chi
nese army at first caused some soiici-
tude among officials for this was the frst
positive official statement that the I'm
perial forces in China, and not the Boz
ers were fighting the foreign troops. Lale r
however, the view obtained that tbe Ad-
miral had used the words Chinese army
as handy means of expressing the
Chinese opposition encountered, without
intending to officially declare that the
Imperial troops were fighting.
The Shanghai statement of a practical
anglo American alliance" elected an
expression of indignation from the Off
Gals here who have grown weary of eX-
planning that there is absolutely lao
such alliance but simply parallel action
by this and other Governments. toward
the common end of preserving their re-
spective people and property.
The authorities here are using the ~
most endeavOr to bring officers from
every available point so as to meet the
requirements of Admiral Remey, and for
this reason the quota at the torpedo
school al Newport and at any other point
is being reduced to the smallest possible
limit There are now 50 vessels in COM
mission in Asiatic waters, showing the
extreme need of large force of officers
The Navy Department received dis
patch this morning announcing the ar
rival of the Solace at Magasaki, Japan
No explanation is given at the Depart
ment as to why she went over to Maya
sak instead of remaining with the
American fleet at Taku. but it is be-
rival of the Solace at Nagaski, Japan
csc port for the purpose of being i'll more