The evening times., 1900-06-18

1t was announced at the Navy Depart
ment this morning that the Nashville ard
the Newark were the American vessels
fred upon by the forts a, Taku and that
these vessels returned the FIRE.
Immediately after the surrender Of the
forts the Yorktown sailed for ChefOo from
Taku with dispatches. As communication
has been cut off between Taku and Che
foo, the Yorktown is being used as a des-
patch vessel.
The Monoeacy arrived at Tientsin this
morning having been delayed by the cut
ting Of the cable. The Nashville and New
ark will remain at Taku.
Admiral Remey has been Instructed to
keep the Department informed as 10 every
movement made.
Mr. WI, the Chinese Minister. and Herr
Won HoHehen, the German Ambassador,
called ou Secretary Hay this morning. ard
held a conference. DR.. Holleb expressed
great anxiety as to the fate CT Miui5-er
Won Ketteier and was greatly detected
when be found that no word had been re-
ceived here.
Minister WI seemed greatly worried over
the news OF the Taku forts firing on the
foreign naval vessels. 1T is all mistake"
he said. 1T must be terrible mistake.
1 am sure Of it,
The following despatch was received at
the Navy Department this morning:
"Cavite. June is.
Commander Taussig cables that the
Taku forts at mouth Of river opened
fire on foreign gun vessels on morning
Of 18th. Vessels returned FIRE and 81
fenced forts. which surrendered 4
despatch from Taussig, Chefoo, I7th.
says that the Taku forts fred on for
eign gun vessels az l2:45 in the morn
ing. and reports that the British Ad-
oiral is at Tientsin- REMEf-
The text Of a later despatch from Rear
l Admiral Remey was made pubic b. tie
Navy Department this afternoon. II To-
lows:
"Cavite C9:4O a. NJ. Jure IS.
Bureau OF Navigation, Washington
| ''Taussig cables that Taku forts fred
upon foreign gun vessels, and tlen sur
rendered 10 allied forces morning OF
June Il Kempn asks ins,ructiOcs
about joining other powers who are
taking united action in demanding hat
Taku forts be turned over 70 them 20
secure favorable termination OF trouble.
VIII department instruct Kempn
u
the same information REMEY'
The Navy Department at once cabled
TO Rear Admiral Kempn to act with the
allied forces in protecting American inter
ests-
Immediately after the receipt Of the
above. Adjutant General Corbin received
the following cable from General MacAr-
| thur. confirming the press dispatches that
troops had been ordered from Manila 10
Taku:
Manila. June II.
"Adjutant General. Washington:
Ninth Infantry, Colonel Liscum. or
dered Taku, on Logan, transportation
| Port Albert probably start 24th- Ty-
| phoon delays movement.
'MacARTHUR;
The message to the Navy Department
was forwarded by Commander fTaussig TO
Admiral Remey and an urgent request for
| special immediate instruction accompanied
| the despatch Rear Admiral Kempf asks
permission to join with the other powers
in seizing the forts at Taku and b1laing
them until the trouble has ended, v hen
some disposition will be made OF them
The despatch shows that q state Of war
exists in China, and Immediately upon re-
| ceipt of the news Acting Secretary OF the
/ Navy Hackett and Secretary Hay went to
| the White House. where they remained in
council with the President for an hour
| The result of the conference was not Civ
| en- out, but it was stated by an official of
| the State Department that in view Of the
\ opening Of hostiIities by the Chinese Army
1
| Admiral Remey has been cabled TO in
struct Rear Admiral Kempff to act in con-
junction with the other powers, and if it
is considered necessary that the Taku forts
be seized. to aid in the action.
! The orders 10 Rear Admiral Kempf Civ
| ing him full power to act in concert With
the other powers is regarded as the most
| important step yet taken in the Chinese
troubles. 1t had been announced daily
hat this Government was acting indie
2enden;Iy and would avoid any entangle-
nents OF complications by refusing to act
in coalition with the foreign forces now
in China. 1t was stated at the State De-
partn.ent that the President decided upon
the action as necessary, since the Ame.i-
can naval forces could do nothing alone.
/ The situation in China is regarded as
| extremely critical by the officials of the
| State. War, and Navy Departments. and
the entire building was in a furry all
/ day.
| The anxiety for the safety of Minister
Conger is hourly growing greater. and it is
feared that he has been murdered as no
| word has come from him and no trace
of him can be discovered
| The belief that the relief expedition
with Captain McCalla ard 200 American
marines, mas been surrounded rear Pekin
was expressed at the Navy Department
today, and it was given out as probable
that some disaster had befallen the little
party. 1t has been decided to take urgent
measures and to spare nothing to Pre- ctecs
| American lives and property
An urgent despatch was sent to General
Macarthur by the War Department tc
day, instrueting him to hurry the Ninth
Quick Service to Kansas City vim
| B. & d.
4 And points bevond as we'll as infsrr,a5;,4o -,