Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-06-26
American Troops Further Delayed
by Storms in Leaving Man
lila for China.
Prince Tuan Takes Charge of Chi
nese Army and Makes Dire
Threats Against Foreigners.
Belief Growing That Chinese Govern
ment Has Been Wrecked
Beyond Hope of Repair.

Washington, June 25.-The navy de-
partment Saturday morning received
an important dispatch from Admiral
Kempff stating. that an engagement is
now in progress between the United
States marines and other forces
against the Chinese army, outside of
Tientsin. The following bulletin has
been issued by the department.:
Acting Secretary Hackett has this
morning received dispatch from Adj
miral Kempff, dated Chefoo. June %. to
the effect that our marines under Maj.
Waller, together with 400 Russians have
had an engagement with the Chinese
army near Tientsin. They could not
break through the line. A force number
IA 2 aaQ the, admiral reports. is now ready
10 make another attempt"
Admiral Kempffs dispatch stating
that an engagement had occurred near
Tientsin and thatanother was about to
occur sent a thrill of expectancy
throughout official circles here. Other
dispatches had been received, giving
additional detail, but these We're not
made public, as they did not shed light
upon the engagement itself, but more
on the movements of forces. The Off
cial information gave no clew, how
ever, as to the extent of any casualties
which may have been suffered by the
American forces engaged, and this was
taken to INDICATE that the loss was lit
tie or nothing in the face of such an
illy-equipped foe.
Anxiety over Picking.
The anxiety over the situation at
hot rx-ban
the state department received let
ter from the Chinese minister, Mr.. WI,
stating that he was advised by cable
from the viceroy of Marking that the
legations at Picking are safe. What
means of information the yiceroy of
Marking has is-not known, but the au-
thorities here were none the lessgrate-
full for. this reassuring word. The
alarming press dispatches from Shang-
hal were accepted with much reserve
by the officials. But in quarters like
ly to be thoroughly advised the Shang-
hal statement that Prince Tuan was
in charge of a portion of the Chinese
troops was credited as accurate. If
this is established beyond doubt, the
situation may become even more acute
than at present, as Prince Tuan is the
father of the heir apparent. and, one
of the officials closest identified with
the empress dowager.
Solace Goes to Nngnsakl.
The navy department received dis
patch Saturday morning announcing
the arrival of the Solace at Nagasaki
Japan. No explanation is given at the
department as to why she went over tc
Nagasaki, instead of remaining with
the American fleet at Taku, but, it is
believed that she made the trip to the
Japanese port for the. purpose of being
in more direct telegraphie comrnunica
ton with the department. II was th,
original plan TO have the 'Solace pu
Maj. Walters marines ashore az TAX
and continue homeward to the Unite,
States. but in view of the critical stat
of affairs in China it is probable tia
she will remain with the rest of tn
Taku fleet, and be used as transpor
or dispatch boat. 1t may be that TIL
department will find it necessary t
send duplicate messages to Kempf vi
Nagasaki and the Solace could carr
dispatches back and forth and estat
lish direct connection with the depart
ment in this way.
LII Wants to Go to Picking.
Another communication of great in
portance was received from Ii Hun
Chang, the viceroy of Canton, WI
gives his personal assurance that IL
firing upon the foreign fleets at TAX
was not authorized by the Chinese go
eminent. He desires the authority.
the powers to proceed to Picking e
the purpose of putting an end to ii
disturbances there. purpose in whie
his great influence both with the cou
and with the people gives certai
promise of success. The United State
and it is believed the other power
have assented to this proposition of
Hung Chang, and he issupposedlto ha
started for Picking.
nEnnDS nNV