Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1900-07-23

lures and the violent death suffered
If early reports be true
8 has stimulated interest in the person
alities of Minister Conger, his wife and
daughter, his niece, his guests, and the
Mlevoted little band of Americans
eeventy all told-who took refuge in
Ntbe British embassy at Pekin when
the American compound was no longer
safe.
A report from China had it that M.
de Giers, the Russian minister, had
been boiled to death after brutal ILL
usage. What then, was the fate of
sNlaior Conger, and what manner of
man was this chief of the company of
american martyrs in China.
A man of many parts was Edgar H.
Conger. Soldier, farmer, stock breeder,
lawyer, banker, legislator, diplomat, he
Exhibited the versatile qualities of the
typical American, and was successful
In his every undertaking.
Without having ever won national
prominence as a statesman, he wss rec
bgnized as man of fine ability, solid
man. safe man. He was transferred
10 his present post from that of min
lister to Brazil, which is far less i'm
bortant The change involved a Curl
bus bit of diplomatic history.
President Mckinley had committed
The mistake of nominating Col" Page
BRYAN of Illinois, who was neither ex-
perienced nor able, but had rendered
valuable campaign services, for the
INITIAL mission to China.
Serious developments in China, de-
handing the presence of an efficient
american diplomat, made the nominal
zion of Page Bryan source of en-
barrasSment to the administration. 1t
WAS opposed by Senator Frye and other
Influential men. The difficulty was dis
belled by friendly arrangement under
Which Bryan consented to accept the
Brazilian post, while Conger left Rio
Dor Pekin, where he was most needed.
Bach mission pays salary of $4,000
4 year.
Minister Conger received his first
appointment to Brazil in 1890 from
PRESIDENT Harrison. 1t was a compen-
shtion for severe discipline inflicted on
Nm during the civil war by Harrison.
40 the siege Of Atlanta Conger was
Veaptain in the 102d Illinois volunteer
infantry Col Benjamin Harrison of
khe 10Th Indiana was acting brigadier-
General of the brigade. After the evac-
EhatiOn of the city an order was is
saed by Col Harrison that no officers
Below the rank of colonel should visit
DC captured town. Capt. Conger was
q an adventurous turn of mind and he
Harned to obtain a view of Peach
free street and the ruin that followed
g the footsteps of war.
His regiment was encamped four
81 les away, but with several junior
Ulcers he rode up the road toward
anta. On the way he met Acting
fgadier Harrison and staff. He 50
III led his superior officer, who returned
the compliment. Capt. Conger saw all
thht he desired of the late confederate
sNonghold and returned to his reg
ment. On his arrival he was informed
thbt he might consider himself under
a1est, and that by direction of COL
hArrison he must surrender his
sword.
or number of weeks the captain
Tenained in the seclusiOn of his tent.
knally, not hearing anything further
IN his case, he addressed communi-
cal on to the brigade commander, re-
WASTING a court-martial or relief from
hls ignominy. An order was returned
boring him to duty, and not long
aERrward he was breyeted major for
liant and meritorious service in the
fefh The next time. that Capt. Con-
Ez met his old commander was when
pe latter was a senator at Washing
ION The episode of Sherman's cam
in was discussed by the two and
HAkndly understanding was reached.
1890 Conger asked the president
am the Spanish mission. Gen. Harrl-
could not grant this boon, but he
t% why uOI bIdL1I. h8JOA ~
xeN accepted the post at Rio rather
z1h nothing at all.
the occasion of a call on the pres
lei to tender thanks for the appoint
Ment Gen. Harrison laid one hand al
Skonately on the majors shoulder,
A he observed that he was compen-
g him for his punishment during
6HNwar.
% mister Conger was IS years old
Ing been born in Knox county, Hi
ne March Z, 1913. He studied at
Lam bard university in Galesburg.
i of his fellow-students there was
k Sarah J. Pike, a beautiful and
GUS Illinois girl. He fell in love
lth her and she with him. They ex-
hK1 ged VOWS. but that did not prevent
sl when, in 1862, he was graduated
enlisting in the union army Al
lose of the civil war he studied
ht the Albany law school, and in
was graduated. Then he married
iS Pike and began the practice O.
In Galesburg.
- 1,aarr later the AGRICULTURAL