, 1900-06-09

from here on the Taku road and killed
twenty-one of them.
No news has been received from Pao
Ting Flu for three days and the situa-
ton there is believed to be critical. 1t
is reported that the Chinese troops
have been defeated near there.
The French cruisers DEntrecasteaux
and Jean Bart and the Russian cruiser
Rosie have arrived at Taku.
Washington, June S.-The following
cablegram vas received at the navy de-
partment this morning from Admiral
Kempff, on board the Newark, off the
Taku forts:
"Tung Ku, June Seattle between
Chinese and Boxers near Tien Tsin.
Large unmber of Boxers expected to
reach Tien Tsin tomorrow"
Minister Conger at Pekin also has
teen heard from today. His message
to the state department said there was
no Improvement in the situation and
asked for instructions. 1t was not
deemed proper by the officials to indi-
cate upon just what point Mr.. Conger
needs advice, but there is an intima-
ton that he wishes to know to what
extent he is to cooperate with the dip
lomatic representatives of the Euro
pean powers at Picking.
Secretary Hay took the message to
will be framed.
The state department is steadfastly
pursuing the line of policy laid down at
the beginning of the Boxer trouble of
avoiding any interference with Chinese
internal affairs beyond such measures
as may be absolutely necessary for the
protection of life and property there.
Especially it is determined to avoid
commitment to the policies of any OF
the European powers which might in
volve the United States in trouble.
Therefore, Notwithstanding the omin.
Gus news contained in Admiral
Kempff's cablegram, it seems entirely
probable that Minister Conger will be
directed to stick to the same line OF
policy which he has pursued up to this
time.
1t is moi to be understood by this that
the United States is DESTROYS of evad-
ing any proper measure of RESPONSE
bility and the state department officials
are careful to point out that, while re-
tanning our independence of action, our
government is really acting concurrent
ly with the European governments re-
speeding this Boxer trouble. Thus at
similar manner with the commanders
of other naval vessels assembled, al
though his orders are subject to the ap-
prevail Of no one. At Tien Tsin, forty
miles up the river, which the admiral
expects to be attacked tomorrow, the
foreign naval commanders are acting
together.
Washington, June S.-The following
cablegram was received at the navy
department this afternoon:
Tong Ku, June S.-June 3 landed
forces to protect American interests
with consent of China; fifty-six Pekin,
rest Tien Tsin. Nations sent force to
both cities; no injury so far. British.
Russian, Chinese admirals and TWEEN
ty warships here. Crops likely to fail,
causing probably more trouble in the
near future. Our landing force under
McCalla; June 5 situation most criti-
cal. Russian force began fighting. |
landed fifty more men; have requested
Helena be sent Immediately to protect
interests, or vessel like her. Consider
battalion marine necessary. Gunboat
as base inside. June 6, Tien Tsin-Pe-
kin railway cut; will act in concert
with naval forces of other powers to
protect interests, if necessary. Meet
ing foreign senior naval officers today.
Present English, French, German, Aus
trian, Italian, Japanese and American
will arrange for combined action to
protect life and property if required.
Nine hundred men ashore; twenty-five
warships here. KEMPFF."