Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-27
(By Telegraph to virginian- Prot.1

(By Telegraph to virginian- Pilot)
Washington, Dec. ga cablegram
received ut the State Department from
United States Minister Conger dated at
Pekin on the Gath instant states that
the first formal meeting between the
diplomatic representatives and Prince
Ching took place on the oath. Ching
presented the credentials of himself
and Lii Hung Chang, who was unable
to attend, owing to illness, to the Dip
lomatic representatives, who handed to
him the International note. The Off
Gals of the State Department are UNI
willing TO venture guess as to the
length of time that will be consumed
by the Chinese government in consld-
GRAFTON of the note.
The last article of the note notified
the Chinese government that the occu-
patton of Chi Ii and PelSin may con-
tinue until the Chinese government has
complied with the terms of the note.
UNITED STATES NOT BOUND.
1t may be stated, however. that the
United States Is not bound or affected
by this condition. Our occupancy from
military point of view has termi-
mated and there is no disposition TO re-
new 1t. AS for the other powers, 1t is
expected that the main obstac.e they
VIII encounter in withdrawing under
tiito VIII Dt lOuIlu Ill the ultu-
Guilty in obtaining satisfactory guaran-
tees upon the Chinese promise to pay
lindemnities.
MANY CHRISTIANS BURNED.
Peltin, Dec. 26.-The Rev. Mr.. Kelly.
the Presbyterian missionary, has re-
ported to Minister Conger the burning
by Boxers of nineteen Catholic Chris
tians, and now says he has received
further confirmation OF the burning of
native Christians. He says the num-
Der burned is twenty-one and that
thousands of armed Chinese have been
seen in the San Ho country. Mr. Con-
ger has sent copy OF the communities
ton to Field Marshal Count Won Wal
dersee and Japanese and German
troops have been sent to investigate
the reports. Mr.. Kelly in first report
ing the occurrence admitted his infor-
nation was from Chinese sources and
said that the Japanese, who have juris-
diction over the territory thirty miles
north In which, 1t is alleged, the out
rage occurred. would investigate the
report.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION.
The troops of the various nations
celebrated Christmas in their own
fashion, each force being interested in
the doings of the others.
The Germans today were reviewed on
the occasion or the presentation of
flags to the regiments. The event was
made practically International All the
generals and their stats and detach
ments of their troops were present,
with the result that great military
spectacle was witnessed.
No answer has yet been received to
the Joint note of the powers.
FRENCH AND CHINESE FIGHT.
Berlin. Dec. 26.-Field Marshal Count
Won WalderSee In dispatch from Pc
Kin dated Monday. December "a, says.
re French troops encountered. De-
cember % east of Chovhan. between
Pekin and Patio Ting Flu, n Chinese
force numbering $500 men with artu-
iiasi HE Chinese fled ia-the direction
OF Kuh Ssien. They suffered losses
and left behind them five standards
and four cannon.
The Chinese probably consisted of
the reunited remnants of body al
ready dispersed"
CHINESE VILLAGE BURNED.
Paris. Dec. ga dispatch to the
Havas Agency from Pekin dated De-
cembor %. says the detachment OF
FRENCH troops, commanded by General
3ailloud. were recently attacked by
Chinese regulars and Boxers at Thi-
Tcheou. south of Pao Ting Flu. The
punitive expedition took the village
after n lively combat. many cannon
and quantity of provisions and am
munition being secured. On account OF
the hostile attitude of the population.
General Bailoud burned the village
and also the villages in the ncighbor-
hood. The Chinese loss was 1000 CD
men. General Dailloud's force sustain
ed no less. Christian Chinese families
have been maltreated by the Chinese
regulars.
REPORT DISCREDITED.
Pekin. Dec. 25.-The French report
encountering $4,000 Chinese and captur-
Ing five flags and a number of guns
and inhloIing a great loss upon the
Chinese, thrty-tive miles south of here.
The report is generally discredlted.