The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-06-30
KEMPFF'S SIDE
Defense Of the Admiral Against
Washington Criticism.
He Opposed Attacking Chinese
Unless They Began 1t.
POSITION JUSTIFIED
BY the Fact That the Regular
Chinese Army
Was Converted Into an Ally Of
the Boxers Thereby.
He Refused to Accept a Cap
tured Torpedo Boat.
OREGON IS AGROUND
Big Battleship Stuck Fifty
Miles From Taku.

ICopyright, 1900, by Associated Press.l
Taku. June 27.-The greatest anxiety
exists concerning the foreigners at Pc
kim Admiral Kempff believes that
large reinforcements are necessary to
reach Pekin.
Admiral Kempff opposed the policy of
attacking the Chinese army unless they
began hostilities. 1t is now admitted
that the powers attacking the forts
turned the Chinese into allies with the
boxers. Americans think this might
have been avoided. Admiral Kempff
has held aloof from hostilities beyond
movements necessary to rescue Ameri-
cans.
The forces ashore now number 10000,
of which POO are British. 300 Germans,
1000 Russians. 5000 japanese and the
remainder American. French, Italian
and Austrian
Yesterday the English torpedo boat
Fame visited the fort at the New City,
i miles up the river 1t was found de-
serted and was blown up.
Lieut.. Jayne of the Newark. trying to
reach Tien Tsin by boat at the time of
the storming Of Tien Tsin, had a fierce
fight with the Chinese.
Major Walters battalion of $50 ma
rines with Commander CraddOcks Brit
ish naval brigade numbering 500 were
camped on June %. eight miles from
Tien Tsin
At daylight on the morning of the 23d
MAJOR Waller and two companies of
British marched on Tien Tstn. The re-
mainder of the British ana 300 Welsh
fuSuiers supporting went up the river
bank Another column consisting chief
ly of Russians and Germacs took up the
route chosen by Waller. They were re-
pulsed however.
on June q Russians became engaged
in a conflict with the Chinese. First.
Major Waller reinforced them and then
rejoined the British, the military college
being attacked. The Chinese exploded
a mine under the marines. merely bruis-
ing a few of the men. While crossing
to join the English they We're exposed
to a heavy, fianl1ing fire and Private
John Hunter was killed, and Sergeant
Taylor and Corporal Pedrick We're
wounded. of the English two were kill
ed and three wounded.
The English and American forces car
ried the village outside of the walled
city by storm. They found at Tien Tsin
Lieut. Irwin and Cadet Pettingill with
30 men in good condition. Among the
killed also, was Private Nichols, and
still another American was wounded
When the Chinese attacked Tien Tsin
on June p, Major Walters command
with 44O Russians was ambushed three
miles from that place. They were COM
PEELED to retreat, abandoning a three
inch rifle and Colts gun and losing
four killed and seven wounded.
Admiral Kempf is anxious to avoid
all action likely to involve Americans in
future diplomatic discussion
When the forts were attacked the
British gunbOat Algerine surprised ana
boarded four Chinese torpedo boats un-
der the shadow of the forts. They offer
ed one to Admiral Kempff, who declin-
ed to receive it. However. the Russians
Germans and Japanese each took one OF
the boats.
OREGON RUNS AGROUND.
Washington, June 30-The navy de-
partment has received a cablegram
from Captain Wilde of the Oregon da-
ted Che Foo yesterday saying that his
ship is aground so miles from Talxu. The
Iris and another relief ship are now with
the Oregon.
OREGON FULL OF HOLES.
Washington, June 3O-The followins
dispatches were received at the navy
department relative to the grounding
of the Oregon:
che Foo. June 29.-Secretary NAVY
Anchored yesterday; dense fog; in /
IaJhoms, three miles south of Howe K,
nght, CUR Of Pc Chi II. Sent out two
Podts ana sounded, least water 81
1athoms- Weather clear Got unde
way and struck pinnacle rock. Mucl
water In forward compartment. Per
fectly smooth. Shall charter steame
If possible at Che Foo and tighten tn
ship. Rock through side of shin abov
double bottom about frame 10 SmaI
hoies also through bottom of ship.
WILDE
NAAt IT bys June Et.-EeGreLarX NaVV
Washington: Iris gone to assistance O
the Oregon RAYMOND ROGERS.
Commander Nashville
Hong Kong June 29.-Secretar-
Navy, Washington: Princeton arrived
Brooklyn leaves for Nagasaki Th
Zafiro at Che Foo has been sent to as
sist Oregon reported by Rogers on
rock south of How Ke light Iris goin
to her assistance. REMFY 3"
CAPTURE OF ITEM TsIN AR
SENAL.
London, June 30-2:59 p. m.-The wa
Office has received the following dis
patch from Colonel Dorward:
"Che-Foo. June 30-The arsene
northeast Of Tien Tsin was capture
during the morning of June q by tn
combined forces. The British troou
engaged were the naval brigade and tn
Chinese regiment. The naval brigad
had four men killed and Il wounded
including two officers. The Chimes
regiment had no casualties. The latte
checked an attack by the boxers on OF
left Hank with heavy loss to tn
enemy"
MCALLA AND TAUSSIG WOUNT
ED.
Washington,Ju 30-The navy de
partment has received the followin
eablegram from Admiral Kempff: