The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-06-08
TIE CRISIS IN The ORIENT
Tie Troubles in China Discussed at
the Cabinet Meeting.
Dispatches From Minister COnger
Show That the situation Is BecOm-
structed To Act in Concert with the
Representatives of Other Powers.

The Chinese question engrcssed the at
tention Of the Cabinet officers at their
meeting this morning. Almost the whole
session was devoted TO its discussion. The
members feel that the situation IS very
acute, and that the most careful Diplomacy,
accompanied by a show OF whatever force
is necessary. is needed TO protect Ameri-
can interests.
Secretary Hay presented a small budget
Of messages from Minister Coager at Pc
kin. One OF the latest dispatches an
nouneed that the situation is not improved.
ard Mr.. Conger asked for additional in
structions. The President and his ad-
visers agreed that 1t would be unwise 10
add any fresh Instructions to those al
ready given the Minister. The latter is
personally on the ground and being in
touch with both the Tsung- -Li-Yamen and
the foreign ambassadors. he is in position
to see what may be needed.
1t was decided TO place the situation in
his hands to deal with as he sees best.
In exercising that discretion, however, the
Minister will be bound by the policy Of the
Government which in brief is 20 give
every measure OF protection TO American
lives and property in China. while at the
same time avoiding any coalition with
European powers. Mr.. Mckinley is par
ticularly desirous that nothing be done
which will bind this nation at the present
crisis in an Old World ENHANCEMENT.
The American Minister in China may.
and without doubt Will. keep in close touch
with the purposes Of the other ambassa-
doris at Pekin. His policy VIII doubtless
be shaped in sympathy with theirs. He
may make appeals and may execute shows
Of force at the same time and along the
same lines with them
A message from Pekin says ttat the for
eign ministers will make pint demand
upon the Empress 10 restorr order. TIE
announcement was discussed the Cab
met and it was agreed that .he American
Minister might, with propriety, make a
similar demand at the same time.
Nothing has yet been done about oSE-
tralizing an American squadron or addi-
tional marines at Taku. message from
Admiral Kempf indicated that he is in
close communication with the commander
ready TO work together at any time.
The following cablegram was received
at the Navy Department this morning:
--Tougku, June s. 1900.
Battle yesterday between Chinese and
Boxers near Tientsin. Large number Of
Boxers expected to reach Tientsin tomor-
row. KEMPFF, Rear Admiral"
A despatch was received at the State De-
partment this morning from Minister Con-
ger but its contents were not made public.
Railway communication between Pekin
and Tientsin has been destroyed, though
the wires are still working. No action has
yet been taken looking 10 the sending of
land force 10 assist the few marines al
ready landed. but from the tenor OF dis
eussion at the department, it is evident
that this is regarded as an extremity
which apparently approaa aaes rapidly.
The Chinese trouble is the more embar-
RAISING 10 the Administration in view of
| its determination, announced a week ago,
that more troops must be sent to the Phil
| ippines. 1t was strenuously denied at the
| War Department at the time Of this an
nouncement that the new plans involved
any increase in the Philippine army. that
it meant merely the replacing OF i'll,
wounded or incapacitated men by sound
troops But it was pointed out by Army
officers at the time that while the send
ing OF three regiments Of cavalry to the
Archipelago and bringing back an equal
number of men in invalid battalions would
not increase the American Army there nu-
merically, it certainly would increase the
fighting efficiency Of the command. With
more troops needed at the present time to
garrison Luzon and the other islands. the
Administration breads the withdrawal II
/ any force to be used In China.