The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-06-09
NO IMPROVEMENT.
Battle Fought With Boxers Near Tich
TSitl

WASHINGTON, June S.-The following
raslegra,n was received at the Navy De-
spartment this morning from AdmlraA
dlempf1. on board the Newark, off the
Taku forts:
..Tung Ku, June S.-Battle yesterday
between Chinese and Boxers near Tien
Tsin. Large number of Boxers expected
10 reach Tien Ts!n to-1norroKs. ,-,,,,r,..
Minister Conger, at Pellin, also has been
heard from to-day. Ills message to the
State Department said there was no I'M
.1rovcment in the situation, and asked Tor
instructions.
Secretary Hay took the message 10 the
Cabinet meeting, where the answer VIII
be framed The State Department is
steadfastly pursuing the line OF policy
laid down at the beginning OF this Boxer
trouble OF avoiding any Interference with
Chinese internal affairs, except in sucn
measures as may be absolutely necessary
for the protection of American HE ana
property there. Especially it is desired 10
avoid commitment TO the policies Of any
Of The European Powers which might in
solye the United States in trouble.
Therefore, notwithstanding the osninus
news conveyed in Admiral kempff's tele-
gram, it seems entirely probable that Min
lister Conger viii be directed 10 stick 10
the same line OF policy which he tlas pur-
sued up TO this time.
II is not to be understood by this that
the United States Government is desirous
Of avoiding any proper measure OF respon-
sibility and the State Department officials
are careful to point out that while retain
Ing our independence OF action our govern
snent is really acting concurently with
the European governments respecting this
Boxer agitation. Thus at Tallu Admiral
Sempff is acting in a similar manner TO
the commanders OF the foreign navy there
ussembAcd, although his orders are SUB
-S,.a ar,Ib q
At Tien Tsin forty miles up the ri-er,
which the Admiral expects to be attacked
tomorrow, the foreign naval commands
are acting together. 1t is said that III
case of an emergency involving leo-ardE
to the lives OF foreigners. the United
State marine at Tien Tsin might even be
directed IN their general movement by the
senior officer ashore, although that officer
might har,pen to be 4. German, Russian,
a Frenchrlan or an iInslishman. This tenn
borary s,bordination of authority might
be brought about by facts which exist
solely through the military eXigencieS. The
expectation is to be attacked by a vast
horde of Boxers. It is entirely conceivable
according 10 military practices, that or
der. life and property in the city can be
maintained only by the assumption Of au-
thority of one competent military author
.ty while many CAPTAINS might mean de-
feat.
The naval otflCeFS mere are GoliiiltiIi
that IHen Tsin proper is not in particular
danger. Tie sunboat Helena will soon
have the town under her guns. and there
are believed TO be three foreign warships
In position 10 Cooperate
Almost the only subject before the Cabi-
net meeting to-day MAS the Chinese s!tua-
ton. Secretary Hay read q cahlegram
from Minister Congcr at Pekin,. IN which
he said there was no Improvement in the
situation and asked for instructions. Sec
retas,y Hay stated after the meeting that
u rep,y would be sent TO Mr.. Conger sub
stantially reafiirming the one sent a day
or two ago 10 the effect that he will be
expected TO do whatever Is necessary 10
protect the lives OF Americans and their
Troperty, and To maintain the dignity OF
This government He VIII be Instructed TO
form no alliance with any government. 1t
as understood here that the representa- atiyes
of The powers in Pekin will cali in body
OF, the Dowager Empress and represent the
necessity OF her taking vigorous action TO
suppress the Boxers.
1t Is assumed that Mr.. Conger will join
The other representative
II Is understood here that telesraphic
communication is interrupted between
17e,yfn and I&aku. a fact which will prove
embarrassing TO Minister Conger, should
ne find il necessary 70 call on Admiral
ke.noff for reinforcements.