The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-09
FROM KEMPFF AND CoNGER.
Messages Showing the Situation In
CriticaI-InstructfOn Sent.

CrftfcaI-InstructfOns Sent.
WASHINGTON, June S.-The following
cablegram was received at the Navy De-
partment from Admiral Kempff this after
noon:
"Tong-Ku, June Son June / landed
forces to protect American interests. with
consent of China. Fifty-six are in Peking,
and the rest In Tien-Tsin. The other ma
tions sent forces to both cities: no injury
so far. British, Russian and Chinese ad-
mirals and twenty warships are here.
Crops are likely to fail, causing probably
more trouble in the near future. Our land
ing force is under McCalla. On June the
situation was more critical. The Russian
force began fighting. and L landed nifty
more men. / have requested the Helena to
be sent Immediately TO protect interests,
or vessel like her. i consider battalion
of marines necessary. Need gunboat as
base inside. On June 8 the Tfen-Tsin-Pe-
king Railway was cut. Will act in concert
with naval forces of other powers to pro-
tect interests, IL necessary. A meeting of
the foreign senior naval officers was held
to-day, with English. French. German
Austrian, Italian, Japanese and American
representatives present, to arrange for
combined action to protect life and prop
erty, il required. Nine hundred men are
now ashore and twenty-five warships here
There was battle yesterday tJune y be-
tween Chinese and Boxers near Tien-Tsin
Large numbers of Boxers are expected TO
reach Tien-Tsin tomorrow
Minister Conger, at Peking, also has been
heard from to-day. His message to the
State Department said there was no i'm
provement in the situation, and asked for
instructions Ii was not deemed proper by
the officials 10 indicate on just what point
Mr.. Conger needs advice. but there is an
intimation that he wishes TO know to what
extent he is to cooperate with the Dip
iomatic representatives of the European
powers at Peking. Secretary Hay took the
message to the Cabinet meeting. Secretary
Hay stated after the meeting that a reply
would be sent to Mr.. Conger substantially
reaffirming the one sent day or two ago
to the effect that he will be expected to do
whatever is necessary to protect the lives
of Americans and their property and to
maintain the dignity of this government
He will be instructed TO form no alliance
with any government. 1t is understood
here that the representatives Of the powers
in Peking will call I'm body on the dow
ager Empress and present the necessity of
her taking immediate and vigorous action
TO suppress the rioters. 1t is assumed that
Mr.. Conger will join with the other repre-
sentatives. 1t is understood however. that
telegraphic communication is interrupted
between Peking and Taku. a fact which
will prove embarrassing to Minister Con-
ger should he find II necessary to call on
Admiral Kempr for reinforcements.
The State Department is steadfastly pur-
suing the line OF policy laid down at the
beginning OF this Boxer trouble of avoid
ing any interference with Chinese internal
affairs. beyond such measures as may be
absolutely necessary for the protection of
life and property. Especially is IL deter
mined to avoid commitment to the policies
of many OF the European governments
which might involve the United States In
trouble. 1t is not to be understood by this
that the United States government is de-
sirous or evading any proper measure of
responsibility. and the State Department
oficials are careful TO point out that, while
retaining our independence of action, our
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