The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1900-07-28
DOUBT is GROWING
EVEN WASHINGTON Is LOSING ITS
FAITH IN CHINESE.
EVERYTHING IS SUSPICIOUS
MORE MAssACRES OF MISSIONARIES
ARE REPORTED.

FOrces-May BE Difficult to Settle
on Commander-An Eager for
the March to Pekin to Begin.
Allied Forces Are Gathering at
Tien Tsin.
Washington, July H.-Unless some au-
thentic assurance as 10 the condition of
the Americans in Pekin reaches the state
department within a day or two the ad-
ministration is likely to abandon what
ever faith it has manifested thus far in
the truthfulness of Chinese informa ton.
The Chinese minister is confident that
within that time there will be news from
Pekin, of a character to satisfy the most
skeptcal to its accuracy, and he is
also confident that this will be good news
from The American point of view
The state department is still receptive,
though looking with growing coldness
upon the numerous edicts and kilograms
out bringing any news.
The contributions of the day were from
Consul General Goodnow at Shanghai and
Consul Fowler at Che Foo. So much of
their messages as was given out for pub
lication related to the welfare of certain
American missionaries who have been
made the subject of inquiry by relatives
in this country.
The cables mangled these messag ges and
ther is reason to doubt the value of the
information attempted to be conveyed
through them.
Mr.. Goodnow also had something to ray
about the political situation and it is be-
lieved that that part of his message was
not of an encouraging character Al any
rate it was withheld from the press, prob
ably because the department did not re-
gard 1t as wise to give the stamp of its
approval to matters which Mr. Goodnow
wishes to be taken in purely speculative
sense
The Doubt Is Increasing.
Ever since the receipt at Tien Tsin of
the autograph message from Mr.. Conger,
dated Pekin, July 4, state department off,
cials have had grave doubts as to the au-
thority of the cipher ge attributed
to him. dated Pekin. July 1S. There have
been many little sidelights on this message
that afford ground for suspicion, and now
the British authorities have added their
quota to the growing distrust of things
Chinese.
1t seems that a Mr.. Warren, at present
acting as British Consul at Shanghai,
has been told by Sheng, the famous Chi
nese director of posts and telegraphs, tha,
Yuan, the Governor of Shan Tung, told
him (Sheng), that message had passed
through to the United States from Mr..
Conger on the 18th of July. telling of the
conditions at the British legation. This
fact is cited as conhrmatory of the sus-
picions that the cipher dispatch was
faxed by Chinese officials. 1t is point
ed out at the state department. however,
that there are plausible explanations of
this curious fact which tend to show the
authenticity of the cipher dispatch.
Secretary Hay cabled Mr.. Conger that
he might have implicit faith in the per-
son who brought the dispatch to him.
Mr.. Conger. therefore, had a right 10
trust the man, and possibly he told him in
a general way the contents of the dis
patch, in case the messenger should be
safety. However that may be, the Brit
ish government has thought Mr.. War
ren's report worthy the attention of our
own government.
Question of Commander
1t is the earnest desire of this govern
ment that the forward movement on Pekin
be made at the earliest possible moment.
uph
the number of troops under his command
would entitle this government to press
him for command of the international
forces, the government feels that he per
sonally is fit for such an honor and in such
a position would acquit himself with cred
1t. If another commander is selected IL
Is the wish of the President that the Amer
lean force should not be divided as to COM
mand, but that ia carrying out its share
of any movement all orders to the Ameri-
can force should go through Gen. Chaffee
In case the commanders OF the allies
cannot reach an agreement as to who
shall command, II may become necessary
for the governments themselves to decide
the matter. While the Secretary of State
mas sent out no circular on this subject
to those of the foreign ministers who have
seen him and who have broached the
subject he has suggested this solution in
the event of hitch. 1t is earnestly hoped.
however. that no such necessity will
arise. but that the commanders them
selves will reach an agreement
Gathering of the Troops.
The beginning OF the campaign on Pc
kin depends entirely upon the gathering
at Tlen Tsin OF sufficient number OF
troops. Therefore, anxious as II is that
the campaign shall be started at once,
our government is watching the arrivals
Of the for ign legions and is pressing Ad-
m.ral Remey for reports as to the mill
tary conditions. Not all of his responses
are given publicity for reasons of sound
policy. 1t Is reported that 1900 soldiers
are already at Tlen Tsin, not half of the
force regarded as necessary to begin the
movement.
The State Department advices this af-
ternoon. however, were to the effect that
all Of the Japanese troops have now been
landed, In which case the international
force should be considerably augmented.
The War Department. lacking exact in
formation. owing to che slow means Of
telegraphic communication. believes that