The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-07-13

Washington, July 9.-DevelopmentsI
in the Chinese situation were consid-
cred by members of the cabinet at the
consultation held today. The partici-
pants explained their conference by
saying that it was the first opportunity
that had occurred lately to gather as
many as four of he cabinet members
for consultation. Results followed in
the shape of renewed activity in the
dispatch Of achievements to China.
Admiral Kempff's cablegram, giving
his estimate of the amount of force
he regarded as necessary to represent
the United States properly in the move
nlent upon Pekin was carefully ON
sidered.
An agreement was reached to say
nothing abou the admirars figures,
on the ground that it would be impoIi-
tic TO make our needs known to the
Chinese in the first instance, and also
because of the desire on the part of
this government to avoid being put in
the position of appearing to set up a.
tandard for the other powers in this
matter 1t is understood, however, that
the plth of Admiral kempff'S
cation is the necessity for speedy rein
forcements if quick action is desired,
and on the latter point, there is not a
voice among the cabinet
officers.
If reinfOrcements are to be gotten to
China speedily they cannot come from
the United States. According to the
schedule already in execution, oniy
one Steamer, with two ~battalions of
n regiment, has started from San
Francisco and the next steamer is not
II start hpfnra tho 1Rth of thn nrncarf
month. This is about the best time that
can be made viii the present facilities,
and at that rate many weeks and even
months must elapse before the 5000
additional troops ordered east Satur-
day can be landed there.
This state of affairs caused a revival
today of the report that General Nc
Arthur IS to be again called upon to
relieve the situation in dispatching
from the Philippines at least two regi-
ments in addition to the Ninth infan-
try already sent to Taku.
1t was said that the Dir officers
considered this subject and decided to
give the necessary orders, looking to
a replacement of the troops withdrawn
from General MacArthur's command
from the force going out from the
United States.
None of the cabinet officers would
admit or deny this, so it gained some
measure of credence.
Unless Japan is to be left to do all
OF the lighting in the immediate. future
Genera Macarthur must respond to
this demand. By drawing from the
Philippine forces at least a month
could be saved in landing troops in
China.
FIVE HUNDRED MARINES Or
DERED EAST.
Secretary Long this afternoon show
cd how tho navy yE-nr =
the call for reinforcements by ordering
oOO marines to be assembled from the
several navy yards and hurried to
China. 1t is significant that these are
the first military forces to be sent
directly from the United States to
China without Instructions to stop at
Nagasaki for orders. The marines will
make up a force of $50 men, as the de-
partment has already given orders for
the equipment of $50 marines for sim
liar service. They will be sent out on
the first army transport available for
the service.
The Russian and the French charge
and the Chinese minister were among
Secretary Hays callers today. Save
the Chinese minister, they came, they
said, for information, but it is sur
missed their object also was to assure
secretary lay as to the willingness of
the governments of Russia and France
to allow Japan a free hand in the mat
ter OF landing troops in China to quel
the Boxer disturbance. There is a sug-
gestion in the air that this perfect
understanding initiated by Secretary
hay, has been brought about by the
quiet acceptance of at least one most
important condition. What this condi-
ton IS cannot be learned, though it is
expected to ella to territorial ac-
QUESTIONS.
The following telegram was received
last night by Minister WI from Sheng
director general of the imperial rel.
egraphs at Shanghai. dated yesterday
On July 3, two legations in Pekir
We're still preserved. All minister.
safe RebelliOuS troops and rioters
make attacks, blu suffered many loss
es- Imperial troops are protecting tn,
legation but meet with difficulty in do
ing so II is feared that food and am
munitiOn are exhausted"