The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-08-28

Washington, D. c., August 24-The
p~ortance today. 1t is stated frankly
by the officials in the state, war and
navy departments that no dispatches
have beer received bearing on the
problem which has yet to be solved,
namely: The disposition of China's af-
fairs at the hands of the powers. In
the absence of other food for specula-
ton, the receipt OF two casualty lists
from General Chaffee, dated at Tien
TSin, were made the basis for a re-
port that he and the American force
had evacuated Pekin- 1t was stated
at the war department, however, that
no advices have been received indi-
eating n General Chaffee had left
Pekin, n ii was said that he would
nav advised the war department and
given his reasons for doing 50 had ne
contemplated such an important step.
a cabinet officer is authority for the
statement hat alleged differences
among the powers brought on by the
reported action Of Russia have not dis
turbe this goyernement in the least,
and there is no Information in posses
sion of this government that Rus
STA has declared war Or that she is
pursuing a course in any wa differ
ent from that of other governments
represented in China II was also said
that the statements regarding Russia
had not received consideration at the
meeting of the cabinet today.
Regarding the attitude of this gov
eminent in case serious differences
among the powers Shout arise as to
their future course in China. it was
stated on good authority today hat
this government main firmly OPP
posed to any territorial division OF Chi
ma, as was plainly stated in Secretary
Hays note of July 3rd. Every reSource
of diplomacy will be exhausted ITO pre-
vent partition of the empire, and it
was said that the diversion of Ameri-
can troops 10 Manila, already an
nounoed by the war department, was
practical evidence to the other powers
of the good faith of the United States
in this matter. Our work in China has
been accomplished in large part by the
relief of THE legations, and our furth-
er obligations-that of aiding to re-
store and maintain peace-can he ac-
cOmplished through the troops already
on Chinese soil.
1t is pointed out, however, that in
view of the attitude already
by the United States and the large part
it has had in opening the way to Pc
NIL III aSONS I lIILICAh ID LII " pOSNAIC
to urge commercial freedom of China
as a minimum condition of final set
Element, in the event of territorial di-
vision of the Chinese empire, should
that be accomplished. The United
States, of course, wants no territory,
and it is felt that her rights as to COM
mercial freedom are too clear to be
gafnsaid by the other nations inter-
eSted.
After the cabinet meeting today there
was an extended conference at the
White house in which Secretary Root
and Acting Secretary Adee participant
ed. The conference related to Chinese
affairs and il was said to be confined
largely to considering messages receiv-
from other powers on the subject and
in drafting answers to them. The Sug-
geStiOn that the powers be asked To
participate in a conference or to give
some Indication of future urpOs in
China was believed 70 be under oOn-
SideratiOn and ii was inbimated that
notes to the different powers have
been prepared.
Secretary Root said at the close of
the conference that it related to mat
ers which needed the consideration of
the president and covered the wide
field of Chinese affairs. He said moth
ing had developed of a serious nature
in the late reports from China Il was
also stated that the United Staes gov
SLlLllICl ; III ALC4uCLfG
with the other powers regarding the
Chinese situation.
During THE afternoon Acting Score
rtary Adee had a conference with the
acting chief of the bureau of naviga-
ton, the nature of which was not made
public. 1t was said in the navy depart
ment, however, that, SO far as known
here, we have no warships at Annoy.
The Princeton has touched there &C.
c~asiOnally while on duty in south Chi
nese waters, but she is thought to be
now in the vicinity of Shanghai
Dispatches We're prepared IN the ma
Wy department for transmission to Ad-
miral Remey. and, although not made
public, are understood to have con-
tanned Consul Johnson's dispatches re
garding n Annoy uprising.
Acting Secretary Hackett said. how
ever. that no warship had been or
dered . Annoy by the navy depart
ment and that he had no knowledge
that any ship had beer sent there. II
such a step were taken, he said, 1t
would be by Admiral Remey, who has
entire liberty as to the disposition OF
the vessels of his squadron.
JAPANESE TEMPLE AT Annoy
BURNED.
Washington. D. c., August 24.-Unit-
ii States Consul johnson, at Annoy
China, cables the state department.
under date of today that a mob burn
ed the Japanese temple at that place
today. Marines were landed to protecr
Japanese officials and are restoring
order. The marines alluded to must
belong TO some other nation as the
United States has no warship at Annoy
REFUSED BY AMERICAN CAV
AIRY.
Vienna, August 24-The commando
of the Austrian warsnip Kaiserin Ma
ria Theresa telegraphs that In the en-
gagement fought near Tien Tsin Au
gust 10Th, the Chinese Were repeated
1y repulsed by the Japanese and Amer
lean cavalry.
CHINESE EXODUS FROM P1KIN
Washington, August 24.-Acting Sec
retarv Adee tonight made public tn
following dispatch from Consul Fowle
at Che Foo, giving additional intorma
ton bearing on events in Pekn: :,
"Che Foo, received August 2Srd, nno
night.
Secretary of State, Washington