The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-07-10
SUSPECT THE CHINAMEN.
CABINET CONFERENCE.
Important Action In China Affair,

| Important Action In China Affairs
Relieved to Have Been Taken.
| WASHINGTON, July 9.-Developments
| III the Chinese situation were considered
| by members of the cabinet at consulta
ton held today. The participants ex-
planned their conference by saying that it
was the first opportunity that had oc-
CURED lately to gather as many as four
of the cabinet members for consultation.
Results followed in the shape of renewed
activity in the dispatch of reinforce
ments to China. Admiral KempR's ca
blegram, giving his estimate of the
amount Of force regarded as neces-
sary to represent the United States prop
erly in the movement upon Peking, was
carefully considered. An agreement was
reached to say nothing about the admi-
rails figures, on the ground that it would
be impolitic to make our needs known to
the Chinese, In the first instance, and also
because of a desire on the part of this
government to avoid being put in the po-
sition of appearing to set up standard
for the other powers in this matter. It is
understood, however, that the pith of Ad-
miral Kempff's communication is the ne
cessity of speedy reinforcements, If quick
action is desired, and on the latter point
there is not a dissenting voice against
the cabinet officers.
If reinforcements are to be gotten to
China speedily, they cannot come from
the United States According to the
schedule already In execution, only one
steamer, with two battalions of one regi-
ment, has started from San Francisco,
and the next steamer Is not to start be-
fore the 18th Of the present month. This
is about the best time that can be made
with the present facilities, and at that
rate many weeks and even months must
elapse before the 5000 additional troops
ordered East Saturday can be landed
there
This state of affairs caused revival
today Of the report that Gen. Macarthur
is to be again called upon to relieve the
situation by dlspatching from the Philip
pines at least two regiments in addition
to the Ninth infantry, already sent to
Taku. 1t was said that the cabinet Off
GERS considered this subject and decided
to give the necessary orders looking to
replacement of the troops withdrawn
from Gen. MacArthur's command from
the force going out from the United
States. None Of the cabinet officers would
admit or deny this, SO it gained some
measure of credence.
Unless Japan is to be left to do all Of
the fighting in the immediate future Gen.
Macarthur must respond to thfs demand.
By drawing upon the Philippine force at
least a month could be saved in landing
the troops in China.
Secretary Long this afternoon showed
how the navy was responding to the call
for reinforcements by ordering 500 marines
to he assembled from the several navy
yards and hurried to China. 1t is signifi-
cant that these are the first military
forces to be sent directly from the United
States to China without instructions to
stop at Nagasaki for orders.
The marines will make up a force Of
750 men, as the department already has
given orders for the equipment of $50 ma
rines for similar service. They will be
sent out on the first army transport avail
able for the service.
The Russian and the French charge and
the Chinese ministers were among Sec
retary Hays callers today Save the Chi
nese minister, they came, as they said
for information, but 1t is surmised that
their object was also to assure Secretary
Hay as to the willingness of the govern
ments of Russia and France to allow ia
pan free hand in the matter of land
ing troops in China to quell the Boxer
disturbances. There is a suggestion in
the air that this perfect understanding
initiated by Secretary Hay, has been
brought about through the quiet accept
ance of at least one most important con-
dition. What this condition is cannot be
learned, though 1t is suspected to relate
to territorial acquisitions.