The evening times., 1900-07-02

nit no hostile act In the provinces con-
trolIed By the Viceroys so long as the lat
ter are able to maintain peace and protect
foreigners.
The treaty cigned by the viceroys and
The foreign consuls in their provinces. in
cluding the Consuls of the United States,
providing for the safeguarding OF Chinese
and foreign interests in the absence OF
communication with the central Govern
ment a; Pekin, has not been ratified by
| this Government. but the general PROPOSE
tion contained in it that foreign Govern
ments will send no troops 10 the provinces
Of the viceroys signatory of the treaty
| so long as they are able to maintain order
and protect foreigners. has been accepted.
No message has been received here to
confirm the report from Tokyo that the ia
panese Government is sounding the powers
as to an arrangement concerning the Chi
uese situation. 1t was said at the State
Department today that these reports evi-
IDENTIFY referred to enquiries made by ia
pan several days ago as to whether there
would be objection to her-sending large
force of troops-more than her proportion
ate share This Government readily as
sented to the proposal and understands
that all. or nearly all. the other powers
have done likewise.
The Secretaries Confer.
Immediately upon receipt of the despatch
from Admiral Kempff. Secretaries Hay,
Root, and Long held long consultation.
It was decided that with the legations
burned and the members besieged, without
provisions, by the Chinese troops, vigorous
action should be taken by the powers.
Secretary Root was advised to forward
instructions to General Macarthur to pre-
pare the Fourth and Eighteenth Infantry
for immediate shipment to Chefoo The
transport Sherman can be used to carry
900 troops and there are plenty OF trans
ports now ready to take the balance Of
the force.
The statements OF Admiral Kempff caus-
ed no little excitement at the State, War,
and Navy Departments and the feeling is
that immediate and final action should De
taken
At the State Department the despatch
was regarded as extremely serious and It
was acknowledged that action would be
taken at once to end the daily bulletins of
horrors now existing in China.
The Ninth Infantry will arrive at Taku
on Wednesday and an immediate expedi-
tiOn will leave for Pekln. About 800 ma
rines. with naval landing guns and Max
inns. will press on to Tientsin and aid in
the reduction Of that city.
The gunboat Princeton has arrived at
Canton and Will leave at once for Taku.
The feeling among members Of the Cabi-
net is that the United States should not
declare war, even under present provoca-
ton. but should allow the powers to take
this step, this Government merely fur
nishing a fair quota of fighting men and
| artillery to aid the allied forces.
The War Department. it is thought, Will
at once proceed to order regular troops
from Cuba to this country. when they viii
be forwarded to the Philippines to replace
probably 10000 men to be withdrawn for
| Chinese service.
The New Orleans will be ordered to Che
foo for bombarding deep-water harbors. In
this she will be aided by the Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn will arrive at Chefoo on
Thursday and will at once commence active
operations. II is expected by this Govern
ment that the foreign forces will inter
cept the detail OF 1900 Chinese troops now
moving on Tientsin and prevent a juno
tion with the forces threatening that
city.
Great fear is expressed as to the fate
Of Minister Conger. and the officials desire
to forward an expedition TO Pekin as soon
as possible so as to learn the fate of the
American diplomatic representative