The Savannah morning news., 1900-07-09

~ uiueh anu Il neIE Frofises 10
Put Down the Boxers-He Threat
ened a Demand for Reparation.
Washington, July S.-The last China
mail to reach the state department
brought the report of Minister Conger.
perhaps the last that will ever come to
hand.
This bears date of Pekiu, May 81. 1t is
of the utmost Importance. disclosing as 1t
does full comprehension of the part of
the foreign ministers in Pekin Of the
character and extent of the Boxer upris-
ing, even though Mr.. Conger himself. by
disposition optimistic, found some reason
to hope that the worst was over at that
date.
What Mr.. Conger has to say as to the
attitude of the Chinese government to-
the formal interchange that took place
between himself and the Tsung -li-Yam IN,
is not only of peculiar interest now, but
probably will have a strong bearing on
the final reckoning that must be had be-
tween the civilized nations and the Chi
nese. Mr.. Conger makes it very clear
through the publication of the French
priests letter, that at least one, and prob
ably all of the European nations having
interests in Northern China, were ac-
quainted with the dangers of the situation
at least two or three weeks before the
actual outbreak in Pekin.
The correspondence referred TO follows:
COnger's Letter.
Legation of the United States Of Amer
ica Pekin, China, May d. 19Oo.-To the
Honorable John Hay, Secretary of State,
Washing ton, D. c.: Sir-I have the honor
10 confirm, of the over-leaf, my cipher
telegram of to-day.
In response to the request of the
French minister the dean called a meet
ing of the diplomatic corps yesterday,
and upon Information furnished in a let,
ter FROM the Catholic bishop in Pekin
and verbal reports by the other ministers
The situation wsSconsidered so grave that
the corps unanimously instructed the dean
to present it to the Tsung-li-Yamen and
demand immediate and effective measures,
which he did to-day by the note, copy of
which is enclosed.
Il also enclose copy of bishops letter
and the one from Rev. Mr.. Killie, an
American missionary who lives in Pekin,
but travels a circuit to the north and
east.
ION the 18th instant during an extended
personal interview with the Fsung-Lt- a.
men, 1 called their attention to the fact
that notwiths tanding constant warning
from this and other legations, the Boxers
had constantly incres sed and spread until
now they are boldly organizing inside the
walls of Pekin. the existence of thousands
is known in the villages around Pekin,
Christian converts are being prosecuted
and threatened everywhere, many forced
10 recant their religious professions and
some have been compelled to abandon
their chapels and come to Pikon for safe
ty.
Warned the Government.
II said: At a London mission near Chou
CHOW, forty miles west of Pekn, two ma
tive Christians have been killed and their
chapel destroyed Near Pao Ting Flu, a
Catholic village has been destroyed and
sixty-one Christians murdered, some of
them being burned alive. The foreign
governments cannot sit idly by and wit
ness this persecution and murder. l can
only speak for my own government, but
IL is becoming very impatient over China's S
cotinued treaty violation. 1t always has
been and still is the good friend CO China
and only wishes 1t prosperity. but is now
more than ever determined to sus-
tain the treaty rights of all Amer
lean citizens and of the Christian
converts. and it will hold the Chinese gov
ernment to the strictest responsibility for
every treaty infraction in this regard. II
win do this, not only for the benefit of
its own citizens, but in the interest of
China herself, whose government is now
sadly threatened by these lawless organ
izations. At present, 1t is true, they seem
to have no capable leader, but should one
arise and the populace become really in
famed the overthrow Of the present dy-
nasty is most likely 20 follow, and possi-
bly, the destruction of the empire. etc. etc
"They reported that l did not under
stand the many difficulties under which
they labored but they had succeeded in
suppressing the Boxers in the province Of
Shan Tung and would do so here.
"I told them that l saw no effective
measures whatever being put forth. They
replied that the movement had not here
tofore been looked upon as serious; but
that nov the throne was Iully aware OF
the gravity, of the situation, and that a
recent confidential decree had been sent
TO the Viceroy the Pekin and neghbor-
ing officials, which would surely prove
effective, suppress the Boxers and restore
order
Insisted Upon His Point.
''I told them that the most alarming
telegrams were being sent to the news
papers Of Europe and America of the ex-
isting state of anarchy here, ana that the
people of the world would be forced TO
believe that the government of China was
either abettng these murderous brigands,
or that Il was too weak to suppress or
control them, and its good name and credit
must suffer irretrlevaby in consequence
After reading me the decree, which was
much like those heretofore published. they
asked II | would not wire INV govern
ment that they could and were suppress
ing the Boxers.
II replied that at present would not
say. that / had been for six months tele-
qraphing the issuance of ineffective de-
crees. but II they would show me the fact
nv actual and immediate repression, which
they could, II they would. in three days, l
would gladly and quickly wire my gov
ernment.
'They assured me that sufficient troops
had been sent to the disturbed districts TO
restore order and afford protection.
"I again told them that restored order
would be the only possible proof also
AZ I'd that unless the situation was relieved
-.a ,ho threatening danger from n1obs