Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1900-08-10

CONSUL neEe received Dy wire tuesday
q message to the effect that the for
eign ministers at Peking were safe
August 1. but that they expected a re-
newal of the attack by the Chinese at
any moment. It was added'that only
Is cartridges each aud six days pro-
visions were left. 1t was also said
that the Japanese secretary had died
of his wounds.
Germany Approves.
Berlin, Aug. s.-The United States
embassy in Berlin has informed the
German foreign office that the Amer
lean government desires, under all
conditions, that the Yangtse-Kiang be
left open for American trade, and that
Washington will also oppose ell
schemes for the division of China, no
matter from what power they may
proceed. It is understood that this
attitude is fully approved by the Ger
man government, since it comedies
with the wishes. of Germany.
A Chinese Version.
London, Aug. s.-A special dispatch
from Shanghai, dated Tuesday, says:
"It is reported that heavy fighting took
place last Sunday east of Peitsang, the al
lies losing 400, of whom 65 were British. The
japanese artillery did splendid service in
the face of a CALLING Chinese cross fire, un-
der which they lost heavily. The Chinese
were forced to retreat. but saved their guns.
Their rear guard was attacked and practi-
cally decimated." -
Tells of Intended Fight.
Washington. Aug. ts.-The war de-
partment has received the following
cablegram from Gen. Chafee:
"Chefoo. Aug. Z. - Adjutant General,
Washington: Tientsin Sd. conference to-
day decided battle Sunday. Chinese in
trenched cast and west through Peltsang.
ground practically unassailable. Japanese,
English, American forces about 10000
strong attacked Chinese right, west Of
river in flank. Other forces. Russian,
French, about-4.0 900 strong, opposite side be-
tween river and railroad.
Army reported $4,000 between PebanR and
Yang Tsun or crossing of road over Pei Ho.
Yang Tsun objective. Our force 1000 and
battery. Conemaugh arrived. Sixth cav
airy left Cat Tientsin) for guard of city
and awaiting mounts. Ministers safe on
18th Of July. "CHAFFEE."
CONFIRMS Story OF Battle.
The dispatch of Gen. Chafee, written
before the battle Of Sunday, confirms
the dispatches received at the navy de-
partment Monday, and also the press
dispatches received Tuesday concern
ing the attack on the Chinese at
Peitsang. Gen. Chaffee's dispatch.
dated Friday, a not sent from Che
foo until Tuesday, an inexplicable de-
lay. The most interesting feature of
the dispatch is the information regard
ing the positions of the Chinese army,
and the fact that the advance upon Pc
king is made by two columns, one on
each side of the Pei river.
Only $4,000 Men.
The international force, as given by
Gen. Chaffee, would aggregate about
$4,000 men, while the other dispatches
say 10000, but this difference can easily
be accounted for, as more men might
have been available when the move
ment began than when the conference
was held on the Sd instant This con-
ference is supposed to have been be-
tween the several commanders present
at Tientsin. It is evident that the for
eign commanders do not underesti-
mate the task which they have before
them. as the dispatch shows that a
thorough reconnaissance of the Chinese
position had been made and that ever
before the advance Of the international
force from Tientsin the commanders
were in position of full information
relative to the Chinese position. This
is n of the most welcome features OF
the dispatch, as it proves conclusiyely
that the international column did moi
blunder upon an ~intrenched position OF
the enemy.
American Troops Engaged.
The most positive addition to the
news of the day was the brief line
from q correspondents at Tientsir