The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1900-06-25

anything will be done that would in any
way interfere with the most effective use
of the troops for the relief and protection
of all Americans In China at the earliest
possible moment.
Unless there is some interference by their
home Governments the commanders of the
combined forces in China will probably
bring on an engagement on large scale
within a few days. as information received
from Admiral Kernpn to-day shows that
they are sending re-enforcements to the
relief of Tien-Tsn and the small detach-
ments already sent toward that place
Sincere regret is expressed hy WI Ting
Fang the Chinese Minister 30 the United
States, that American blood has been shed
in China. The Minister feels deeply the
present complicated situation. and ne IS
earnestly hopeful that peace ana ORDER VIII
shortly be restored as a result of the forth
coming visit of Ii Hung Chang to Pekin-
Preparing for War.
The war branch of the Government is
preparing for any eVentuahty that may
arise out Of the Chinese situation. As
stated bv one of the highest officers OF the
army. the magnitude of these preparations
would interest and surprise the puohc:
But he added. the Information wouiu
be of even greater interest and service to
any foreign foe which the onited states
may be called upon to face within the next
few weeks or months, and. Tor that reason
there is no purpose to make puo1c the
complete preparations making TO meet
whatever issues arise. All that the officials
will say is that both the army and the
navy. II the occasion afise. VIII give sooo
account of themselves.
Adiutant General Corbin was at his desk
during the morning. and after going over
the dispatches went to the Wmte House
The President was about 10 start tor
church, so tha: there was time for ONLY
brief consultation. General Corbin sam
nothing had been received up to that hour
from General Macarthur as to the Philip
pines or Chinese situation.
While the Berlin reports as to the s2le'y
OF Baron KetteIer and the legations AT re-
kin appear 10 dispose oil one OF 'ne nioSe
alarming stories Of the crisis. Minister Con-
ger at Pekin. is still cut off from comfnu-
nicatiou here and there is no direct and Of
fciaI assurance OF the safety Of the MINIS
ters and legations.
Secretary Long retuBned from an outing
at bingham last night and to-day resufhed
charge of affairs, relieving Assistant Sec
retary Hackett The Secretary looks great
iy refreshed.
May Send More Troops.
The War Department is considering the
plan of sending more troops TO the fhihp-
pines. and preparations are now uhuer way
to dispatch to Manila on the first transports
on which they can go the regiments which
Some of these troops have recently returned
from the Philippines. but should the situ-
alton prove to be as serious as 1t now APP
pears orders will be given in a day or two
TO prepare for transferring these com
mands:
The First Cavalry. mostly In Wyoming:
the Sixth Cavalry, at Western posts; the
Ninth Cavalry. in Arizona and Utah; troops
of the Tenth Cavalry, now in Texas; com
panies Of the Tenth Infantry, in Wyoming
and Nebraska, and possibly those of the
First Infantry. at Fort Leavenworth, Kas.
The events Of the next few days are nat
urally awaited with the greatest excite
meut by the naval and military officers
They have made plans for meeting almost
any emergency, and the adyices from
China will determine whether these costly
plans will be carried out or abandoned.
During the week the officers have been re-
luctant TO admit their apprehension. but to-
day most of them confessed the hopeless
ness of the situation. They were prepared
tonight for the most sensational adyices.
Remey's Instructions.
A feature of the Chinese war plans is the,
necessity for Joint action with the European
Powers having naval and military repre-
sentation in Chinese waters. This has re-
ouired much consultation by cable with for
eigners Much time is consumed. of course.
in this conference with our allies, but since
the operations in China are to he joint, the
orders from Washington to Remey must
take into consideration the plans proposed
by associate commanders
In general terms it Is stated at the Navy