The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-06-05

Tien Tsin, May N.-A special train
started for Pekin his afternoon with
the following forces:
Americans. seven officers and nifty
six men.
British. three officers and seventy
two men.
Italians. three officers and thirty
nine men.
French. three officers and seventy
two men.
Russian. four officers and seventy
one men.
Japanese, two officers and twenty
four men.
The foreign contingent also took with
them five quick-firing guns
1t is rumored tina the foreign troops
will be opposed at the first gate OF the
Chinese capital. outside the wall.
RUSSIAN TROOPS PASS FORT
TAKU.
Tien Tsin, May 31.-The Russian
troops bound for this city ave passed
Taku forts and are expected here this
afternoon.
AS the Russians were nearing the
forts yesterday in the boats the Chi
nese opened fire and the Russians re-
treated. 1t now appears that the Chi
nese were only firing a gun salute in
honor of a mandarin who was aboard
a Chinese warship
Washington, May 31.-The following
cablegram has been received at the
navy department from the senior
squadron commander. Admiral Kempff:
Tong Ku (Taku), May 30.-One hun
l~o1 -ao~ 10 ~I~I 81 800 - T.~- ~,
yesterday. Fifty of these go to Pekin
this day. Other nations landed men,"
The very smallness of the force
which the admiral is sending at Min
lister Conger's request would, it is felt,
facilitate its admission to the Chinese
capital, for it could not be regarded
by the Chinese government as a men,
ace to Chinese integrity.
The admiral'S dispatch indicates that
he has not been able to take the flag
ship Newark up the Pei Ho river be-
yond the Taku forts just above the en-
trance. From that point to Tien TSin
which stand at the read of light draft
navigation, and is the terminus nearest
the sea of the railroad to Pekin, is a
distance Of about thirty-five or forty
miles. 1t is said at the navy depart
ment that the American marines were
probably towed in small boats by the
Newark's launches up the river to this
railroad connection.
From Tien Tsin to Pekin is
a distance Of seventy miles. a three
hours journey, according to Chinese
schedules. The marines could cover it
afoot in about three days if unopposed.
The Chinese minister. Mr.. WI Ting
Fang, called at the state department
at an early hour today to talk with
Secretary Hay. He was anxious for
news.
Da.;do,
Of the other nations interested in the
Chinese ituation were among Secre-
tary Hays callers today, but, as in the
case Of the Chinese minister, none of
them had received any information
bearing upon the situation.
Count Cassini, the Russian ambas-
sador, who is leaving the United States
for a visit for Europe and called to say
goodbye to Secretary Hay, is decid-
eddy of the opinion that much unwar-
ranted anxiety has been excited as to
the actions Of the Boxers. He feels
confident that there is little danger to
the life and property Of foreigners in
China to be expected from the present
uprising. There are, of course, he said,
always d~isorderly elements in a great
city like Pekin, quick to take advan-
tage of any public excitement, so that
it was probably a wise precaution for
the foreign ministers to call for ma
rine guards for the wholesome effect
their presence gave.
Mr.. Nebeshima, the charge of the
Japanese legation. who also was
among Secretary Hays callers. was
likewise disposed to minimize the dan
gers of the Boxers uprising.
Pekn, May 31.-At 2:30 o'clock to-
day the Tsung Ii Yamen sent its reply
to the foreign ENJOYS ultimatum. 1t
agreed to withdraw opposition to the
coming Of the marine guards.