The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-17
WILL NOT HALT.

CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.)
General Smith. The conclusions reached
can be stated best by reference to the sue
cinct response of the United States govern
ment set forth in the official announce
ment.
After the Cabinet meeting the American
reply was sent to the Chinese minister, who
later In the day cabled Ii TO Ii Hung
Chang. Thus the issue was framed. finally
and unalterably. The United States de-
clined even to consider the proposition of
Ii Hung Chang for a halt and an armistice
at Tung-Chow. Even the supreme appeal
of the venerable Chinese statesman that
an advance of the allies beyond Tung-
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 be de-
iivered at the walls of Picking. and in such
circumstances as will meet the judgment
of the military commanders on the spot.
1t will be observed that the American
memorandum of the reply gives Ii Hung
Chang practically nothing beyond a repe-
tition of the two dispatches heretofore sent
to General Chaffee. The first dispatch, of
first communication laying down the con-
dition hat 'the forces composing the re-
lief expedition shall be permitted to enter
Picking unmoiested."
LEFT TO GENERAL CHAFFEE.
The second dispatch. of Aug. IA. merely
amplifes General Chaffee's authority in
anticipation of China's acceptance of the
American demand that the relief column
must "enter Peking." This second order
to General Chaffee is predicated solely upon
the presence of the allied forces at Picking.
1t specifically states that If the Chinese
authorities are willing to deliver the lega-
TONERS Ito relief column at Picking then
General Chaffee is authorized to make and
carry out an arrangement in concert with
ether commanders without awaiting the
slow process of a reference to Washing
ton. Whether this arrangement thus
freely m TO General Chaffee IS to
be an armistice, a truce. or some other
device of military science, is for him to
decide at Picking. The two dispatches to
General Chaffee contemplate action only
at Picking and IL is for him TO determine
| upon the manner of delivery at the inner
eate or at the outer wall. Thus there can
he no misunderstanding of the issue as
made up. Ii Hung Chang's appeal for an
armistice at Tung-Chow is rejected. and the
continually reiterated demand of the United
States that the ministers be delivered to
the allied, troops at Peking is REINFORCED.
The latest dispatch from Minister Conger
was scanned with eager interest. but IL
brought little nformation beyond that al
ready I'm hand. In one respect. however, IL
gave the government strong encourage
ment, as Ii was almost a categorical an
swer TO the inquiries of the State Depart
ment. This was the first definite knowl-
edge that We were I'm direct touch with our
minister. for all of his dispatches
up to to-day had conveyed infor-
nation without reference TO the re-
| reated inquiries of the government. That
the situation Is desperate is shown BY his
statement that one of the attacks upon the
| legation occurred the night before the dis
patch was sent. In response TO the request
of the State Department. Mr.. Conger gives
the list Of that brave little band OF Ameri-
can marines who fell In defense OF the Legal
ton. II is evident that the minister Is In
| formed OF the approach of the allied coll
umn. as he says nearing allied forces
| gives US hope"
The two dispatches to General chanee.
| sent on the 18th and 18th inst. were sent
also In duplicate to Minister Conger. so
that he IL well advised By this TINA Of the