The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-08-17

Chang came first to the Chinese minister
Who earlier In the day. conveyed II to
the department Of state. Although II
was not the regular day for a meetina
OF the cabinet, word was conveyed to
those cabinet officers in the citv that
special cabinet session would be held a.
II o'clock. Secretary Root, who has
been guiding factor In the Chinese no
gouations, was with the president before
the meeting opened presenting the Chi
hese dispatches and the dispatch OF in
structions already sent to Gen. Chaffee
win the president at the cabinet table
were Secretaries Root, Wilson and Gape
and postmaster General Smith. The
conclusions reached can be stated best by
reference to the succinct response of the
united states government set forth In
the official announcement.
After the cabinet meeting the American
reply was sent to the Chinese minister.
Who' later In the day, cabled to Ii Hung
Chang.
COULD NOT CONSIDER APPEAL.
Thus the issue was framed finally and
unalterably. The United States declined
even to consider the proposition OF II
Hung Chang for a halt and an armlstioe
at Tung Chow. Even the supreme ap-
peal or the venerable Chinese statesman
that the Chinese empire would be shaken
Dy an advance Of the allies beyond Ting
Chow was not needed. The answer OF
the United States Is that our position
Is the same now as 1t has been from the
outset, namely that the ministers must
De delivered at the walls al Pelxin and in
such circumstances as will meet the an
proVaI OF the military commanders on
the spot 1t will be observed that the
american memorandum of reply gives
Ii Hung Chang practically nothing be-
yond repetition of the two dispatches
heretofore sent to Gen Chaffee. The
first dispatch Of Aug. IL gives a sharp
! response to Earl LIS first communion
ton laying down the condition that the
forces composing the relief expedition
shall be permitted to enter Pel5in unmo-
Tested"
The second dispatch of Aug. IA merely
amplifes Gen. Chaffee's authority In an
ticipation of China's acceptance of the
American demand that the relief COM
mand must enter Pekin." This second
order to Gen. Chafree IS predicated soieIy
upon the presence OF the allied forces
at Pektn. 1t specifically states that II
the Chinese authorities are willing to
deliver the legations to the relief coll
umn at Pekin" then Gen. Chaffee is au-
thorized to make and carry out an ar
rangement In concert with the other COM
manders Without awaiting the slow proc
ess Of q reference to Washington.
Whether this arrangement thus freely
committed to Gen. Chaffee Is to be an
armistce, q truce, or some other de-
vice Of military science is for him to de-
eide at Pelkin. The two dispatches to
Gen Chaffee contemplate action only at
Pckin anddt is for him to determine upon
the manner of delivery at the inner gate
or at the outer wall.
Thus there can be TO misunderstanding
of the issues as made. Ii Hung Chang 5
appeal for an armistice at Tung Chow
is rejected, and the continually reiter-
a ted demand Of the United States, thnt
the ministers in the capital be delivered
to tha allied troops at Pekin Is re-en-
forced
IN TOUCH WITH CONGE
The latest dispatch from Minister Con-
ger was scanned with eager intent, but
It brought little information beyond that
already in hand. In one respect, how
ever, It gave the government strong
encouragement as It was almost a cate
gorlcal answer to the inquiries Of the
state department. This was the definite
knowledge that we were in direct touch
with our minister. for all of his dis
patches up to today had conveyed in
formation without reference to the 10
peated inquiries OF our government That
the situation Is desperate Is shown by
his statement that one Of the attacks
upon the legation occurred the night be-
fore the dispatch was sent.
In response to the request of the state
department, Minister Conger gives the
list of that brave little band Of Ameli-
can marines, who fell in defense Of the
legation. 1t Is evident the minister is
informed of the approach Of the allied
column, as he says: Nearing approach
Of allied forces give US hope"
Tho two dispatches to Gen. Chaffee,
sent on the 18th and 14th inst, were
sent also in duplicate to Minister Con-
ger, so that he is well advised by this
time Of the movements Of the troops and
Of Gen Chaffee's authority at the walls
Of Pekin.
Beyond the important diplomatic ex-
changes Of the day and the receipt OF
tho Copger message, the chief interest
centered in exact whereabouts Of the al
lied armies. From Japanese sources came
the most advanced Information, first In
the Toxic advices that Tung Chow had
been occupied and later in the day in an
official dispatch from the Japanese for
eign Office to Minister Takihri confirm
ing this report. The minister promptly
communicated his information to the de-
partrnent Of state. and 1t was accepted
by the officials, including the secretary
Of war, as the latest and most authentic
news OF the whereabouts or the relet
column. Some days had elapsed, how
ever, since this occupation Of Tung Chow,
and there had been ample time to cover
the twelve miles between that place ard
Pelzir. Whore the allied troops actual Y
were was the absorbing question. and
all in official ard unofficial life awaited
information with an interest most keen.
Secretary Root was OF the opinion that
1'ung Chow had been left behind. and
this wos one Of the reasons why It was
regarded as futile to consider II Hung
Chnrgs proposition for an armistics
at TunR Chow.
A dispatch was received during the day
from Admiral RsIney, conveying the Jap
anese report Of the occupation Of Tung
Chow, and adding the statement also on
Japanese authority that the attack on
Pekin was expected 10 be made yester-
day A dispatch was sort to Gen. Chat
fee. but It's contents were not made
public. Although the officials regarded
It as unimportant. 1t doubtless made the
American commander aware. OF the fact
that thcve was no deviation in ths
American attitude.
A dispatch also was sent to Minister
Conger. advisory In character. giving
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