The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-07-06
WORSE NEWS FROM PEKIN
GERMAN MINISTER BEATEN TO DEATH
IN THE. STREETS.
SEVERAL LEGATIONS BURNED
The News Sent by Member OF sthe Ger
man Legation-Germanv to Demand
Full Reparatfon-Feeiin& of Disquiet
Among Washington Omcials -Dras-
tic Measures for Saving Foreigners
Proposed-Tien Tsin Again Shelled.
Still Not at War With China.

Washington, July bad news came
this morning from Admiral Kempn.
confirming the worst stories which
have emanated from China relative TO
the conditions at Pekin, and a feeling
Of disquiet was noticeable among
American officials and diplomats. The
German embassy was particularly
anxious for information respecting the
sad end of Baron Won Ketteler, and
in the course of the afternoon Secre-
tary Hamann, of the embassy, paid a
special visit to the state department
to inquire. NJ. Thiebeut, the charge of
the French embassy, also called in
quest of information, it was said.
These visits revived rumors hat an
effort is afoot TO reach an information
al agreement respecting the conduct
Of the forces of the powers in China.
1t was said this afternoon at the state
department that the only news was
that there seemed to be an unanimous
agreement on the pail I the powers
TO welcome with the utmost cordiality
Japan's offer to furnish reinforcements
for the forces now operating along the
Pei Ho river in the effort to reach Pc
kin as Japan, alone of the powers, is
prepared TO throw into China what
ever number of troops may be needed.
The news to that effect had come to
the state department from all direc-
lions, and particularly from England,
Russia and France.
As far as the state department is
concerned, it had previously accorded
Japan a free hand in the matter Of the
vi ~ 4rNoDc % ho ~
China. pOn a voluntary statement Of
the purpose and employment of these
forces. The gathering in Secretary
Hays office late in the afternoon of
Secretary Root and Secretary Hitch
cock, taken in connection with the fact
that Secretary Long had been in con-
ference earlier in the day with the sec
rotary of state, led to the circulation
Of the rumors that important devel-
opments were to be expected connect
ed with the strengthening Of the Unit
States forces now in China. These ru-
morS, however, were speedily set at
rest by the statement from one of the
participants that the conference a
nothing to do with Chinese affairs, but
related to some Indian troubles in the
northwest.
DENIAL OF SENSATIONAL
STORIES.
ScCICldIS INOOl uIu " IleSlldlc "
enter a specific denial of some of the
sensational stories which are persist
emily circulated every day regardless
of facts. He said that he had not or
dered any troops to China, beyond the
Ninth inftntry from Manila, now on
the way to Taku, and possibly the
Sixth "a valry, about to start from San
Francisco for Nagasaki. The destina-
ton of the latter would depend upon
developments. He said he a not or
dered the Fourth anu Eighteenth in
fantry to China, as had been reported
in some quarters, nor had he made the
slightest preparation for their dispatch.
Secretary Long contradicted the re-
port that the New Orleans was to be
sent to Taku, or elsewhere in China,
and added that he did not ven intend
to send another ship to China to make
up the deficiency by the disaster to the
! Oregon.