The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-07-20


Chinese sources.
Those who shared this view said that II
AR. Coneer himself had written the mes
sage he would naturally have used code
sisnatur,,.
StiEI Another Theory.
One rf the theories most generally ac-
eepted as at least reasonable was that
Mr.. Conger had really sent the message,
properly sigred. but that it was dated
Originally two or even three weeks ago
since which time the legations had proba-
bly, been destroyed and the foreigners
butchered. just as recent reports have said
that they had been.
The belief was expressed by not a few
that when Wa Tinr-fang forwarded secre-
tary Hays message to Pekin, with an ur-
gent personal request that an answer from
Mr.. Conger be obtained and its transmits
sion expedited. the Chinese officials Sc
selected message written by Mr.. Conger
weeks ago. changed the date to July IS,
wrote the signature in English to make
themselves sure Of its being really signed
by the American Minister. and sent it
along as an answer to Secretary Hay.
The fact that it took many days to get
the secretary's message 10 Pekin. even
with Minister Wus accompanying personal
appeal for haste and less than forty-eight
hourse to transmit the reply from Pekin
is pointed out as another reason for sus-
picion.
Consistency OF Trickery.
Much significance is attached by those
officials who give expression to their sus-
picions, to the consistency of all the re-
ports that have come from Chinese sourc-
es- According to these reports the lega-
tions were in great peril and the foreign
eTs in danger OF massacre on June %.
Then they were surrounded and being
bombarded with heavy guns on July and
were in even more imminent danger OF
massacre On July 6 the report was that
the foreigners were short Of ammunition
and provisions and would probably all be
dead within forty-eight hours.
The report for July was tina, the lega-
tions we're still holding cut, hut. unless
relieved at once were certainly doomed. So
it has gone on until today comes the re-
port over Mr.. Conger's signature that only
quick relief can prevent a general massa-
ere
The belief is widespread that the con-
sistency Of all these reports is of itself
an indication Of treachery and is designed
TO prepare the way for the horrible story
Of slaughter that must inevitably be re-
vealed to the world finally.
Another object, many believe. is to gain
delay to enable the perpetrators to prepare
to defend themselves against the terrific
vengeance Of the powers that will follow
a compete revelation Of the truth
The message from Consul General Fowl
er, at Shanghai, informing Secretary Hay
that the Shanghai papers Of the 10th pub
lished the announcement of the massacre
OF the foreigners in Pekin. is regarded as
further evidence Of dupHeity for the rea-
son that if the massacre occurred prior to
The 10th. Mr.. Conger could not. Of course,
have sent message on the 18th
Bad. Even il True
1t is acknowledged at the State Depart
m5nt that Mr.. Conger's message. even il
it is genuine. does not improve the sit
uation at all, but confirms the reports OF
the desperate straits o. the besieged par
ty in the British Legation. The very
wording OF the message shows that the
party is nearly ready to give up the strus-
gle, and aside from the hope that Minister
Conger has not yet been massacred. Inc
department officials realize that there must
be immediate action and an immediate ex-
pedition 10 Pekin. Secretaries Hay. Root.
and Long, held a conference on the mes
sage and discussed the methods to be
adopted for an immediate expedition.
Some speedy action viii be agreed upon
with the allied powers 50 thai there will be
no further delay in pressing on to the
capital
1t was suggested by several minor Off
cials that there was probability of the
Chinese having secured air. Conger's code
book and thus sent the cipher message
received today. Secretary Hay denies that
this could have occurred, as even in tee
event Of the Chinese Government having
dozen code books they would be useless
to one not possessing the key. which is re-
tanned mentally, TO avoid all danger. The
key is changed every now and then. and
only one knowing the key ard its uses
could. even after long study. manage 10
get a message out. That this message is
clear and without an error is regarded as
being proof Of its being sent by Mr.. en-
ger.
Sent to the President.
The contents of the message were wired
to the President shortly after his arrival
at Canton and an answer is expected to-
day. The words quick relief car only
prevent massacre" have aroused the de-
partment officials and it is believed that