The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-06-23

large guns on the European COuCeSSAO1lSt
nearly all of which have been burned
UNEASINESS AT WASHINGTON.
Washington, June %. = Admiral
Kempms dispatch stating that an en-
gagement had occurred near Tien TSin
and that one was about to occur sent
a thrill of expectation throughout Off
c1al circles here. Other dispatches had
been received giving additional detail,
but these were not made public as they
did not shed light upon the engagement
itself, but more on the movement of
forces. The official information gave no
clue, however, as to extent of any cas-
ualtles which may have been suffered
py the American forces engageds ana
this was taken to indicate that the loss
was little or nothing in the face of
such an i'll equipped foe.
Major Waller in command of the
American marines VINO participated in
the fight, is known here as a brave and
efficient officer. whose GOODNESS and
daring were displayed during the battle
of Santiago, when he commanded the
marines on board the Indiana. The
marines referred to in the cable are
the $50 men taken by the Solace from
Manila at the first call for reinforce
mentS.
Admiral Kempf's specific statement
tnat the engagement was with the
Chinese army at first caused some
SOllc1tude among officers for this was
the first positive official statement that
the imperial forces of China and not
the boxers, were fighting the foreign
tanned that the admiral had used the
words Chinese army" as handy
means of expressing the Chinese opposi-
| ton encountered.
The view of the administration is that
the dispatches are not yet of a suff1-
GENTLY definite character to show that
any war with China is in existence.
The anxiety over the situation at
| Pekin was somewhat relieved when the
| state department received a letter from
the Chinese minister, Mr.. WI, stating
| that he was advised by cable from the
| viceroy of Nanl1in that the legations at
Pekin are safe. What means of infor-
nation the VicerOy of Nankin has is not
| known but the authorities here were
| none the less grateful for this reasSur-
| ing word. The alarming press dispatches
| from Shanghai were accepted with
1 much reserve by the officials. But in
| quarters likely to be thoroughly adj
Vised, the Shanghai statement that
| Prince Tuan was in charge OF a portion
/ of the Chinese troops, was credited as
accurate. If this is established beyond
| doubt the situation may become even
more acute than at present as Prince
! Tuan is the father of the heir apparent,
and one of the officials closely identified
with the empress dowager.
The Shanghai statement of prac-
| teal 'AnglO-American alliance" elicit
ed an expression of indignation from
the officials here who have grown weary
of explaining that there is absolutely
no such alliance, but simply harmonious
| toward the common end of preserving
their respective people and property.
The authorities here are using the ut
most endeavor to bring officers from
| every available point so as to meet the
| requirements of Admiral Remey and for
| this reason the quota at the school at
| Newport and at many other points is
| being reduced to the smallest possible
limit. There are now fifty-two vessels
| in commission in Asiatic waters, show
! ing the extreme need of a large force
of officers. The department received
dispatch today announcing the arrival
| of the Solace at Nagasaki, Japan. No
| explanation is given at the department
| as to why she went over to NagaSak1,
| instead of remaining with the fleet at
| Taku, but is believed that she made the
trip for the purpose of being in more
direct telegraph communication with
the department. 1t was the original
plan to have the Solace put Major Wal
ler's marines ashore at Taku and con-
tinue homeward to the United States
but in view of the affairs in China it
is probable that she will remain at the
right of the Taku fleet and be used as a
transport or a dispatch boat. It may
be that the department will find it
necessary to send duplicate messages to
Kempff via Nagasaki and the SOlace
could carry dispatches back and forth
and establish direct connection with
the department in this way.
U. S. TROOPS DELAYED.
Washington, June 23.-The following
dispatch has reached the war depart
ment. Manila, June 23-Departure Ninth
infantry delayed until June 27, conse-
quence storm which broke railroad tel
egraph and made approach to transport
impossible. MAC ARTHUR.
| RUSSIAN TROOPS ARRIVING.
) Che Foo June ga dispatch from
, New Chwang Cat the head of the gulf
: of Lao Tung says:
, Foreigners are concentrating here.
The British consul has telegraphed for a
port is apparently left under Russian
protection. Russian troops are arriving
from Port Arthur and the north. The
residents are safe and business is not
l likely to be seriously interfered with"
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