The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-06-25

Admiral Kempff's despatch giving the
first definite news of the shedding Of
American blood on Chinese soil, came
early this morning and was turned over
to Secretary Long as soon as he arrived at
the department. With Admiral Crown
inshield, the Secretary carried the de-
spatch to the White House where, on the
Presidents return from church, 1t was
laid before him. The determination
thereupon was reached to order Admiral
Remey, in command Of the Asiatic
squadron from Manila to Taku on board
OF the armored cruiser Brooklyn The
Secretary and Admiral Crowninshield re.
turned to the navy department where the
necessary orders were despatched to Ad-
miral Remey. The effect of this transfer
is to make Taku the headquarters of the
Asiatic squadron. The Brooklyn Is ex-
pected to sail at once, today II possible,as
the orders sent contemplate getting the
Admiral on the scene at the earliest mo-
ment. The advantage, Of this, it was
officially stated, is not so much in adding
the strength of the Brooklyn to the fleet
Secretary Long to be quite adequate as 1t
is in allowing authorities here to deal d.
rectly with the situation In China instead
of through the circuitous communications
by way of Manila. II the BROOKLYN starts
today as expected, 1t will take her fully a
week to reach Taku as the trip Is 1000
miles and typhoons are raging. The d.
termination to carry some Of Gen. Mac
Arthur's troops on flagship shows the
emergency OF the situation. The troops
are believed to be ready to move, but
some delay may be caused in getting on
board sufficient supplies for large body
of men for a week.
Admiral Kempff's report that four
Americans were killed and seven wound
ed in the ambuscade OF Waller's force,
caused the gravest concern among offic-
ials, but the chief feature was as to the
outcome of the second attack which the
Admiral reported would begin today.
This is little short of the dimensions OF a
battle. and Its results may be decisive,
not only to the Immediate force employed,
but in determining the fate Of the lega-
tions and foreign settlement at Tien Tsin
and also whether the issue is or Is not to
be war with China.
Word reached the navy department. to-
day that the battleship Oregon got away
from Hong Kong last night boun1 for
Taku. This Is two days ahead Of her ex-
pected start. She took on 164 sailors and
marines brought to Hong Kong by the
Zafiro. The big ship may now have a
chance to repeat her celebrated perform
ance Around the Horn, as she is being
crowded for fast run to the scene Of ac-
ton. The distance is about 1900 miles
and II she makes her record, the ship
will be at Taku in six days, about the
same time that the Brooklyn arrives from
Manila. These ships and the Monadnock
are the only ones going to China.
Admiral Crowninshield pronounced
untrue the report that the gunboats Mar
ietta, Princeton and several other ships
to Manila, have been ordered to Taku.
There is felt to be no need for them and
moreover with the ships now under orders
to sail. Admiral Remey will have force
which is considered abundantly able to
meet every possible requirement. The
Monadnock has large complement OF
men who can be used as landing party
and 1t 10 this rather than her armament
which makes her 80 available at this
time. The war branch Of the government
is preparing for any eventuality that may