Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-06-09

situatiOn-Conger's Previous In
structions Repeated.
WASHINGTON, June S.--Almost the
only subject before the cabinet to-day
was the situation in China. Secretary
Hay read cablegram from Minister
Conger at Pekin in which he stated
that there was no improvement and
asked instructions. Secretary Hay
stated that reply would be sent 10
the effect that he will be expected to
do what is necessary to protect the
lives of Americans and their property
and to maintain the dignity OF this gov
srnment. 1t is understood the represen-
tatives of the powers will call in a
body on the Dowager Empress and
present the necessity of vigorous action
to suppress the rioters. 1t is assumed
that Mr.. Conger will join the others.
The following was received this
morning from Admiral Kempff on
board the Newark off Taku forts:
Battle yesterday between Chinese
and Boxers near Tien Tsin. Large
number of boxers expected reach Tien
Tsin tomorrow. "KEMPFF."
1t still More Serious.
The following cablegram was re-
ceived at the Navy Department this at
ternoon:
TONG XII, June s, 1900.
June Sd landed forces protect Amer
lean iterests with consent China; Sc
Pekin, rest Tien Tsin. Nations sent
force both cities; no injury so far.
British, Russian, Chinese admirals and
twenty warships here Crops likely to
fail cusing probably more trouble in
the near future Our landing force I'M
der McCalla, June 5, situation most
critical. Russian force began fighting
! landed fifty more men; have request
ed Helena be sent Immediately to pro-
tect interests, or vessel like her. Con-
slider battalion marines necessary.
Need gunboat as base inside. June
6, Tien Tsin, Pekin railway cut. Will
act concert naval forces other powers
urotect interests If necessary. Meet
ing foreign senior naval officers to-
day
Present English, French, German
Austrian. Italian, Japanese and Amer
lean; arrange for combined action to
protect life and property If required
Nine hundred men ashore; twenty-five
warships here.
"(Signed) KEMPFF"
The State Department
is steadfastly pursuing the line OF
policy laid down at the beginning OF
this boxer trouble of avoiding any in
reference with Chinese internal af-
fairs beyond such measures as may
be absolutely necessary for the protec-
ton of American life and property
Especially is it determined to avoid
commitment to the policies of any OF
the European powers which might in
voire the United States in trouble.
The United States government is not
DESTROYS of evading any proper respon-
sibility, and our government is really
acting concurrently with the European
governments. At Taku, Admiral
Kempff is acting in a similar manner
to the commanding officers of the for
eign navy there assembled, although
bis orders are subject to the approval
of no one. At Tien Tsin, forty miles
up the river, which the admiral expects
TO be attacked tomorrow, the foreign
naval commands are acting together.
In case of an emergency involving
jeopardy to the lives of foreigners, the
United States forces might be directed
in their general movement by the SEN
ior naval officer ashore, even though
that officer should happen to be Ger
man, a Russian, a Frenchman of an
Englishman.
If Tien Tsin is Attacked
BY horde of boxers, a successful de-
tense can be maintained only through
the command Of the foreign naval
forces by one competent officer; too
many captains may mean defeat. The
assumption of the command OF the
American forces by Captain McCalla
may be significant 1t is unusual for
captain of ship to command land
Ing party, which has been done by
Captain McCalla, and 1t may be that
be would be the senior officer and
thus obliged to assume command of
the operations of the European naval
parties there.
The naval officers here are confident
that Tien Tsin proper is not in par
ticular danger. The gunboat Helena
will soon have the town under her
guns and there are believed to be three
foreign warships in position to CO.
operate.
1t is understood that Geographic
communication is interrupted between