New-York tribune., 1900-07-09


tions and the Chinese. Mr.. Conger makes it
clear through the publication of the French
priests letter that at least one and probably
ell Of the European nations having interests
in Northern China were acquainted with the
dangers Of the situation at least two or three
weeks before the actual outbreak in Peking.
The correspondence is as follows:
Mr.. CONGER's REPORT.
Legation of the United States of America
Peking, China, May 81, 1900
To the Honorable John Hay, Secretary of State,
Washington. D. C:
Sir: have the honor 10 confirm on the over
leaf my cipher telegram of to-day
u. response TO the request of the French Min
,srer the Dean called a meeting Of the Diplo-
matte Corps yesterday, and upon information
furnished in a letter from the Catholic Bishop
n PeEing and verbal reports by other ministers
the situation was considered 50 grave that the
corps unanimously instructed the Dean to pre-
cent II to the Tsung-l-Yamen and demand i'm
mediate and effective measures, which he did
to-day by the note copy Of which is inclosed-
also 3nclose copies Of the Bishops letter and
one from the Rev. AIr. Killie. an American mis-
sionary who lives in Peking. but travels cir
cult 10 the north and east
On the 18th inst. during an extended personal
interview with the Tsung-l-Yamen, 1 called
their attention TO the fact that Notwithstanding
. constant warnings from this and other legations
the Roxers had continually increased and spread
,,r-u now they are boldly organizing inside the
wall ~ Peking: the existence Of thousands Is
known in the villages around Pedng; Christian
converts are being prosecuted and threatened
everywhere, many forced to recant their re-
ugfous professions, and some have been com
rened 10 abandon their chapels and come to
Peking for safety.
saf5. AT q London mission near Chow
Chow, forty miles west Of Peking. two native
Christians have been killed and their chapel
DESTROYED Near Pao-Tng-Fu Catholic VII
lage has been destroyed and sixty-one Chris
tians murdered. some Of them being burned
alive The foreign governments cannot longer
sit idly by and witness this persecution and
murder. can only speak for my own Gov
eminent, but ii is becoming very impatient over
Chinas continued treaty violation. 1t always
has been and still is the good friend Of China,
and only wishes II prosperity, but is now more
than ever determined TO sustain the treaty
rights OF ali American citizens and Of the Chris
tian converts and 1t viii hold the Chinese Gov
eminent 70 the strictest responsibility for every
treaty infraction IN this regard It will do this
not only for the benefit Of its own citizens, but
in the interest Of China herself, whose Govern
naent IS now sadly threatened by these lawless
organizations. At present, it is true, they
seem TO have no capable leader but should one
arise and the populace become really inf1amed,
the overthrow Of the present dynasty is most
likely TO follow and possibly the destruction Of
the empire" etc
They replied that 1 did not understand 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.
PROMISES TO DO SOMETHING.
told them saw no effective measures what
ever being put forth. They replied that the
movement had not heretofore been looked upon
as serious; but that now the Throne was fully
aware Of the gravity Of the situation and that
recent confidential decree had been sent to
the Viceroy, the Peking and neighboring Off
Gals which would surely prove effective sup
press the Boxers and restore order.
7 told them that the most alarming teIegra ms
were being sent TO the newspapers of Europe
and America Of the existing state Of anarchy
here, and that the people of the world would
be forced TO believe that the Government Of
China was either abetting these murderous
brlgan6s or that it was too weak to suppress
or control them, and it's good name and credit
must suffer irretrievably in consequence. After
those heretofore published, they asked If
would not wire my Government that they could
suppress the Boxers and were doing so.
replied that at present would not; that
had been for six months telegraphing the issu-
ence Of ineffective DEGREES, but If they would
show me the fact by actual and immediate re-
preston. which they could IL they would, in
three days I would gladly and quickly wire 1t
70 my Government
They assured me that sufficient troops had
been sent TO the disturbed districts TO restore
order and afford protection.
again told them that restored order would
De the only possible proof 1 also said that
unless the situation was relieved and the threat
ening danger from mobs averted should be
compelled to ask for q sufficient guard Of Amer
lean marines to insure the safety Of the Lega-
ton.
They said. "Oh, don't do that; it is unneces-
saTy," and again promising energetic action
The interview closed.
THE DANGER FORESEEN
Unless some energetic action is taken. the sit
uaron viii become fraught with great danger
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS.