Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-09-12
CALLS FROM MR. WI.

Minister Wa was twice at the depart-
mont il was understood that his first
cal was In part, ut least to secure
transportation for Ii Hung Chang from
Shanghai to Tnku on United states
vessel His later call was to receive
the answer of the department to that
application as we'll as to the communi-
cation respecting Ii Hung CHANCES
functions. The answer returned by the
state department to the latter com
munication apparently made il unnec-
essnry at this time To pursue the in
curry as to the shin; If Ii may not
enter into negotiations at present.
there is not occasion To transport him
to Taku. At any rate. no call was made
TO the Navy Department for n ship for
the purpose indicated.
II HUNG CHANGES POWERS.
Washington. Sept. 1.-THE state De-
partment this afternoon issued the fol.
lowing:
The following communication was
handed TO Acting Secretary of State
Hill. on September 10Th. by the Chi
ncSr minister:
Cableeram from Earl Ii Hung
Chang. dated the eth September. laOn.
transmitted by the Chinese minister at
ST. Petersburg under date OF the 9Th
September, and received by Minister
WI on the last named date;
II am in receipt of an imperial edct
of the Goth day of the seventh moon
august "A. 1907 transmitted by way
OF Paoting Flu. 1t is as follows;
Iii Hung Chang, envoy plenipotcn-
tiary, is hereby vested with full dis
cretionary powers, and he shall prompt
ly deal with whatever questions may
require attention. From this distance
we will not control his actions. Let
this edict be forwarded with extra en-
petition at the rate of six hundred II
per day Ito Earl Liz for his informa-
ton and guidance. Respect this
A HOPE EXPRESSED.
To the above communication Acting
Secretary Hill has handed Mr.. WI the
following reply:
The United States does not feel call
cd upon TO express any opinion at this
time as to the sufficiency of Ii Hung
Changes authority, but hopes it will
transpire that his credentials are full
and authoritative. not only for nego.
tiations. but to enable him without fur
Their delay to give assurance that the
life and property OF Americans will
henceforth bc respected through the
Chinese empire"
LOOTlNG PROHIBITED.
Washington, Sept. 1.-THE War De-
partment to-day made public a tele-
gram of inquiry sent by the War De-
partment on July 2lst last to Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Coolidge. commanding the
American troops at the occupation OF
Tien Tsin regarding the reports of ex-
tensive looting in that city. The mes
sage was sent through United States
Consul Fowler at Che Foo. as follows:
Fowler Che Foo.
Send following cablesram to Cool
idge. commanding United States forces
Tien Tsin: Reported here extensive
looting in Tien Tsin. Report immedi-
ateiy whether American troops took
part If so punish severely, reprcss
sternly. Absolute regard for life and
property of non combatants enjoined
BY order of Secretary Of War
"CORBIN."
y DENIAL.
On July Goth the Department received
the following from Colonel Coolidge
denying that American troops took any
part in the pillage OF the Chinese city:
"Che Foo.
"Corbin, Washington:
"Tien Tsin July 25th. Looting by
American troops walled city Tien Tsin
unfounded and denied. Silver taken
from burned mint under direction CCl-
onel Meade marine corps), command
ing, who was invaded to-day. No
property destroyed except under mni-
tary exieency. American troops have
orders to protect life and property non
combatants in American southeast
quarter OF the city assigned them
VIII forward reports commanders of
American guards in city.
COOLIDGE"
OTHER REPORTS.