The Oskaloosa herald., 1900-08-09
Ii STILL EVASIVE.
Makes No Direct Answer to Secre.
tary Hays Demand.

Washington, Aug. 4.--Another move
was made Friday in the diplomatic
situation by the return of an evasive
answer by Lii Hung Chang to Secre-
tary Hays peremptory demand of
August / to be put in communication
with the foreign ministers at Picking.
Lis answer is not final and leaves the
matter open to diplomacy. But Lis
actions, as reported by Consul General
Goodnow, are unquestionably sinister
and will amount to a final rejection
of the American proposition, If per-
sisted in. Mr.. Goodnow's dispatch con-
tains some further information bear
ing on the question of responsibility
for Picking conditions in the state
ment that the commander of the Chi
nese troops, by inference answerable
to the Chinese government, ordered
the Paoting massacre. 1t is learned
here that Ii Ping Hong, the COM
mander referred to, is a civil official
and we'll known to all the Chinese Of
ficials abroad as one of the most rabid
anti-foreign leaders in China. He is
close friend of Prince Tuan, and the
association of these two in Picking af-
fairs, with power enough behind them
to cause the ignominious death of two
high officials, is regarded here as a
bad sign.
simultaneously with Mr.. Goodnow' S
dispatch came Enthusiastically
diplomatic message from Yuan Shih
Kai, governor of Shantung, repeating
the story of two days ago that the
Chinese government was arranging to
deliver the ministers in safety at Ten
tSin. No effort is made to reconcile
that statement with Earl Lis refusal
to allow communication with the min
listers.
Gen. Chaffee's message as to the UNI
expected resistance offered to the Jap
anese reconnaissance is regarded by
military men here as forecasting a
greater degree of opposition to the in.
tcrnational advance than had been an
ticipated, and they are now satisfied
that the Chinese troops will furnish
material for at least one severe battle
before the way is clear to Picking.
LII Makes suEEestiOns.
Washing ton, Aug. 4.-Consul General
Goodnow has cabled Secretary Hay
that he delivered to Ii Hung Chang the
secretary's answer to the formers sug-
gestion that the attack on Picking be
deferred in consideration of opening
free communication with the foreign
ministers. Ii Hung Chang made no
positive comment upon the answer,
but Immediately beganto advance sug-
gestions looking to further negotia-
tons on the same point.
Ii won't Deliver Messages.
Washington, Aug. 4.-The state de.
partment makes public the following
telegram received Friday from the con
sui general at Shanghai and the consul
at Chefoo:
| Shanghai. Aug. 3.--Secretary of State
| Washington: Americans left Chunking
yesterday. Ii told French consul to-day
no messages will be delivered ministers
| because foreigners advancing on Picking
| Two pro-foreign members of the tsung-li'
yamen beheaded 9th for urging preserva-
ton ministers, by Ii Ping Han. now com.
handing troops Picking. He ordered Pao'
| Ting massacre.
Csigned) "GooDNow."
"Chefoo. Afternoon. Aug 2-Secretary OF
| State, Washington: Just received telegram
| from governor of Shantung, requesting
me to transmit to you the following:
Have just received telegram dated
| July 30. tsung-li-yamen, stating various
ministers, the German legation and other:
! Goreigners) all we'll; not in distress. Pro
/ visions were repeatedly sent. Relations
most friendly Now comforting as TO prop
er measures to protect various minister:
| TO Tientsin for temporary shelter, which
! conference will soon be ended.
(Signed) YUAN, Governor
FOWLER"
Japanese Repulsed.
Washington, Aug. 4.--The navy de
partment Friday morning received III,
following cablegram from Admira
Remey:
'"raku, Aug 2-Bureau Navigation
I Washington: Chaffee reports that 500 Jap
I anese scouting toward Pei Tang lost thre,
men killed and rs wounded. Enemy Il
trenches and loopholed houses.
tSigned) "REMEY."
A cabinet meeting was held Frida.
which lasted about an hour TIL