The Portland daily press., 1900-07-09


and six Christians murdered, some of
them being burned alive. The foreign
governments cannot longer sit idly by
and witnesses this persecution and MUIR
der. can only speak for my own gov
eminent but it is becoming very impa-
tient over China S continued treaty viola
tions. It always has been and still is the
friend of China and only wishes it pros
perity but it is now more than ever
determined to sustain the treaty rights
of all Americans and of the Christian
converts and it will hold the Chinese
government to the strictest responsibility
for every treaty infraction in this re-
gard. 1t will do this not only for the
benefit of It's own citizens but in the
interests of China herself whose govern
ment is sadly threatened by tEse lawless
organizations, At present, it is true,
they seem to have no capable leader but
| should one arise and the populace be-
come really indamed, the overthrow of
the present dyn asty is most likely to
follow and possibly the destruction of the
empire, etc. etc.
They replied that I did not understand
the many difficulties under which they
labored but they had succeeded in sup
pressing the Boxers in the province of
Shang Tung and would do so here.
told them l saw no effective measures
whatever being put forth. They replied
that the movement had not heretofore
been looked upon seriously but that now
the throne was fully aware Of the gravity
of the situation and that recent conf
Dental decree had been sent to the vice.
roy, at Pekin and neighboring officials
which would surely prove effective, sup
press the Boxers and restore order.
L told them that the most alarming tel
egrams were being sent to the newspa-
pers of Europe and America OF the exist
ing state of anarchy here and that the
people of the world would be fore ed to
believe that the government of China
was either abetting these murderous
brigands or that it was too weak to sup
press or control them, and that it's good
name and credit must suffer irretrievably
in consequence. After reading me the
decree which was much like those here
tofore published, they asked if I would
not wire my government that they could
and were supp ressing the Boxers.
I replied that at present would not ;
that had been for six months telegraph
ing the issuance of ineffective DEGREES,
but if they would show me the fact by
actual and Immediate repression which
they could if they would in three days
[ would gladly and quickly wire it to my
government.
They assured me that sufficient troops
had been sent to the disturbed districts to
restore order and afford protection.
1 again told them that restored order
would be the only possible proof. also
said that unless the situation was re-
lieved and the threatening danger from
mobs averted, I would be compelled to
ask for a sufficient guard of American
marines to insure the safety OF the lega-
ton
They said "Oh, don't do that. 1t is
unnecessary, and again promising en-
ergetic action the interview closed.
Unless some energetic action is taken
the situation Will become fraught with
danger to all foreigners, not
from any intelligent or organized attacks
but from ignorant and infamed mob vio-
ence. I, however, believe as said in my
telegram that the government is aroused,
itself alarmed at the situation and will
take more energetic action but no one
can be certain of this until it is done.
Since the United States ship Wheeling
had already left Taku deemed it pru-
dent to ask the admiral for the presence
of another vessel and responding to the
request Admiral Kempff with the New
ark sailed hither from Yokohama on the
10Th and should arrive soon.
have the honor to be,
Your Obedient Servant,
(Signed) E. H. CONGER,
The enclosures referred to by Mr.. Con-
ger follow, beginning with the cablegram
OF the same date as his letter:
Telegram sent (Cipher):
Pekin, May 81, 1900.
Secretary of State, Wash ington.
Boxers greatly increased in this PROV
ince and inland around Pekin. Village
40 miles Pekin burned. Sixty native
Catholics killed. No foreigners attacked.
Chinese government aroused and prom
ises Immediate suppression. Diplomatic
corps demanded immediate effective
measures. Newark enroute Taku l
hope and believe the worst is passed.
(Signed) CONGER.
Enclosure No. ~
The diplomatic body to the Tsung Lii
Yamen.
Pekin, May 81, 1900.
The Prince and Ministers.
have the honor to communicate to Y.
H. and Y. e the text of resolution
prepared yesterday by the representatives
of the foreign powers accredited to Pekin:
''The diplomatic body, relying upon
-. l. -