The Omaha Daily Bee.
ESTABLISHED JUNE 10, 1871.
OMAIIA, TUESDAY MOUSING, JULY 21, I'MO-TEX PAGES.
SINGLE COPY PI YE CENTS.
HOLDS THEM IN PAWN
Chins Keeps Miniaters as Hostages Against
Probablfcdtion,
NEW STATEMENT FROM
1
British Secretary of Chinese Embassy at
London Startles Colleagues.
GIVES OUT ASSURANCES OF SAFETY
Bays Delegations Are Alive in Pekin and
Will Bo Sent to Tien Tsin.
U HUNG CHANG'S UNANSWERED PROFFER
Agrees to Deliver the Minister Safe
j anil Soantt If Given Crrlnln
Authority to Pledge the
ruirers Policy.
(Copyright, 1300. by Press Publishing Co.)
LONDON', July 33. (New York World
Cablegram Speclnl Telegram.) "The Pekln
legations ar safe and the ministers are
bout to proceed to Tien Tsin," Is the state
ment made today by Sir Halllday Macartney,
British attache of the Chinese embassy here.
This Is the first statement to which
Macartney has committed himself since the
reported massacre, and It obtains general
credence because It Is believed be could not
pledge himself to It unless he was absolutely
assured of Its truth.
4 hear LI Hung Chang offered the powers
to undertake a mission to Pekln to secure
the release and safe conduct of the foreign
ers, but urged to only promise success It
empowered to assure the authorities at
Pekln that the allies entertained no design
upon China , boyond punitive measures
egalnst those responsible for the murder of
the German ambassador. The reply of the
power has not yet been sent, but Macart
ney's statement seems to promise the release
of the foreigners Independently of U Hung
Chang's mediation. In ministerial circles
Macartney's declaration has caused the
greatest Interest, excitement and hope. It
appears the anticipation of the secretary of
the Japanese embnssy, given the World the
day after the reported massacre, that the
legations might be held as hostages and not
murdered, Is likely to be fulfilled.
Prltchard Morgan, M. P., said tonight: "If
U Hung Chang arrives safely in Pekln.
which I don't doubt, he will put an end to
the doubi'cnncoi'nlng'the safety of 'the lega
tions. At the most the Chinese, authorities
may detain them as hostages until It Is made
plain there Is no attempt at partition of the
country by the powers, of which the
Chinese aro Intensely apprehensive."
Looked Ku With Skfiitli'liiii,
The latest assurances of the safety of the
foreigners In Pekln la regarded In official
circles here with studied skepticism. Even
the statement Issued by the Chinese ambas
sador tonight has failed to Inspire the offi
clnla with confidence, since It came through
Sheng, who is regarded as a "tainted"
source. In fact, nothing abort of a direct
Diesffage from Sir Claude McDonald will
lead them to believe that the foreigners have
Dot been massacred weeks ago.
The Chinese ambassador. Interviewed to
night, reiterated absolute confidence In the
accuracy of Sheng's message to him. He
said: "It was at my suggestion that the
under secretary of the tsung II yam to was
cent to see McDonald, and saw htm alive
and .I1."
Asked why McDonald was not allowed to
send messages himself tho ambassador said
"I do not know. You will hear from him In
two or three, days at the latest. 1 am as
sured of this after petitioning the Chinese
government for three weeks on the subject.
It Is enough that the tsung 11 yamen re
ports the legations sate. My emperor can
not lie to his 100,000,000 subjects and all the
rest of the world. You will have the whole
truth soon from McDonald, Then you will
believe and not think so many hard things
of the Chinese."
SHENG SAYS THEY ARE SAFE
Mlnlatcra Were OtIW-lnlly Visited
I'eLiu on the ISth anil All
Were Well.
In
LONDON. July SI. I a. m. Tho Chinese
minister. Chlh Sen Lo Feng Luh. has com
munlcated to the press the following dis
patch from Sheng, director, general of
Chlntse railways and telegraphs and taotal
of Shanghai, dated, Shanghai, July 23.
"Information from Pekln, dated July 18",
says that the tsung II ynmen deputed Won
Jul, an under secretary of the department,
to see the foreign mlnl&ter and he found
every one well, without any missing, the
German minister excepted.
-"General Yung Lu Is going to memorlallie
the throne to send them all under escort to
Tien Tain, In the hope, that the military
operations win men be stopped.
The Shanghai correspondent of the Dally
jiaii, teiegrapning or July 23, says
"A letter from a Chinese official in Shan
Tung has been received by a native ftinc
tlonary here containing the following pas.
sage: 'At the beginning of the month the
foreign missionaries made several attempts
to send messages out of Pekln, but thanks
to the strict watch kept on the city the
bearers were nil caught and executed. On
the 4th Inst, only 400 foreigners, much ex
hausted. were left alive in Pekln and one
night, when the big guns were Incessantly
fired, It was known that all the legations and
foreigners were finished, although pretendei!
telegrams contradicted these ficts."
Kuialsna Are nt Vnrlnnee.
The St, Petersburg correspondent of the
Dally Mall aiserta that there are differences
of opinion In the Russian council of war.
The minister of war, General Kouropatkln.
wishes to tend 100,000 men to clear the
rebels out l Manchuria. On the other hand,
according to this correspondent. Emperor
Nicholas wishes the operations limited to
the defense and pacification of the frontier
districts. LL two strong armies, one of the
(Contlnued on Second Page.)
FEELING OF HOPE GROWS
. ,
Oltlrrri Knron rnnril by Helternted
Statement Hint Dlplontnta
Are Alive.
WASHINGTON, July 23. Administration
officials are more hopeful over the situation
In China as a result of the dispatches which
have come In the Inst few days, and more
tlcularly the European advices of to-
t, asserting that the ministers are safe.
n answer Is received to the second tele
gram which has been sent through the
Chinese minister here to Mr. Conger and
that answer should bear Internal evidence
of genuineness, the situation will be ma
terially Improved and the government, with
the additional Information which Mr
Conger may transmit, will be able to move
Intelligently toward the rescue of the be
leaguered foreigners. It seems probable
from the Brussels dispatch that the note
of Mr. Hay to the United States representa
tives abroad, directing them to urge upon
the government to which they are accred
ited the opening of communication with
Pekln, Is bearing fruit and the officials
hope that united action by ttie powers gen
erally on this matter may be taken.
Dr. Hill, the first assistant secretary of
state, is acting secretary in the absence of
Mr. Hay, and he said tonight that there
were no fresh developments In the situa
tion, nor had any additional information
other than made public today been received
here. Ha expressed his satisfaction over the
reiterated statements coming from abroad
that the legatloners In Pekln were still
alive.
Mr. Wu, the Chinese minister. Is busily
engaged In preparing for transmission to
his government the reply from the secretary
of state to China requesting the United
States to mediate In tho present troubles
between the Chinese empire and the pow
ers. He declined to say lomgnt wnetner toe
reply will be satisfactory to hlnJ or would
bo to his government; nor would he Indicate
In any way what its nature was. There Is
considerable work to be done on the reply
before It can bo sent to China, as It has to
be reduced to cipher. In addition to this
the minister will prepare a communication
to accompany what the president has to
say. He expects, however, to have the
document ready for transmission early to
morrow. The minister expressed his satisfaction
over the foreign news tonight, as showing
that the ministers in Pekln were safe and
In connection to the dispatches from Lon
don recalled that, according to one of the
Imperial decrees, the Chinese government
had decided, as a measure of precaution, to
request them to retire temporarily to Tien
Tsin. After the murder of Baron von Ket-
telcr, however, this project was abandoned.
TEXT OF IMPERIAL EDICT
ChlneKe Government Expresses W II-
llnifneas to .Settle for All
Dnmige Dune.
WASHINGTON. July 23. The State de
partment makes public the following text
of an edict delivered today by Minister Wu
to Secretary Hay. The edict Is referred to
by United States Consul Fowler at Che
Foo in his message received here yester
day:
'An Imperial edict, Issued on the 1st day
of the sixth moon (July 17). Transmitted
by the Viceroy LIU Kun Yih-ou the 2t)tu j
ol July and received by Minister Wu on
tho 21st day of July at 7 o'clock:
'The present conflict between China and
the foreign powers had Its origin In the
long-standing antagonism between the peo
ple and Christian missions. The subse
quent fall of the Taku forts precipitated
the meeting of force with force. The Im
perial government, having due regard to
the Importance of international Intercourse,
still refused to go so far as to interrupt the
existing relations. We havo already Is
sued decrees providing for the protection
of the foreign legations and also com
manded the provincial authorities to pro
tect missionaries. Inasmuch as tnere Is
still no cessation In the employment of
force, foreign merchants and subjects re
siding In China, who form a numerous
body In the country, should be protected
without distinction. We hereby command
all the Tartar generals, governors general
and governors of provinces to look after tho
foreign merchants and missionaries living
In the open porta, perfectures, departments
and districts under their respective Juris
diction, and to afford them dun protection
In accordance with treaty stipulations
without fall. Last month we heard with
profound astonishment and regret of the
killing of the chancellor of the Japanese
legation, Mr. Akira, and the same fate
befell the German minister shortly after
ward. Tho violent removal of the Ger
man minister, whose residence at the cap
ital was necessary to the transaction of
business between the two countries, affected
us very deeply. It is the duty of tho au
thorities concerned to cause stringent or
ders for the speedy arrest and punishment
of the murderers to be carried out.
"Since tho commencement of the attack on
Tien Tsin. there arc foreign subjects and
missionaries who have, on account of local
disturbances, suffered death or loss of prop
erty through no fault of their own. We
hereby command the governor of Pekln and
the viceroy of Chlh-LI to cause Investlga
tions to be made by their respective subor
dinates of all such claims except those arts
Ing directly from the said attacK. with a
view tn their ultimate settlement. Moreover
local outlaws and rebellious subjects have of
late given themselves up to burning, killing
and plundering, to the groat disquiet of our
loyal subjects. This Is an utter defiance of
law We hereby command the said governors
general, governors and commanders of our
forces to Investigate the situation and to
take such measures for the punishment of
the offenders and restoration of order as the
necessities of the case demand. We hereby
command this, our general edict, to be made
known for the information of all It may con
cern. Respect this."
A significant statement In the above edict
is noted in that passage which dlrectn an In
vestlgatlon of all claims "except those aris
ing directly from the said attack (attack on
Tien Tsin). with a view to their ultimate
settlement."
REMEY GOING TO TIEN TSIN
Xewnrlt Sent to Ximn.nkl to
Uookeil Senior OtTicer Left
In Co in in n nil.
lie
WASHINGTON. July 23. The Bureau of
Navigation this morning received this tele
gram from Admiral Remey:
"TAKU. July 22. Going Tien Tsin today
to look Into matters, leaving senior officer
here. Newark gone Nagasaki for docking."
NO UPRISING IN SZECHUAN
To .Xorthenat of that Place, However,
Mlaalona llnve Keen De
stroyed, PARIS, July 13. According to a telegram
received here today from the French consul
at Tschong Nlng, dated Wednesday, July
18, there has been no uprising at Szechuan.
In the country northeast of that place
some mission have beon destroyed.
LI HUNG CHANG'S MISSION
He Hopes to Pacify China and Restore Order
and Government.
WANTS A WHITE MAN'S ARMY BEHIND HIM
., the Boxer Are n Hnblilc, Enally
Cootrolleil, Hut the Chinese Will
Vigorously llenent Attempts
nt Partition.
(Copyright. 1D00, by Press Publishing Co.)
SHANGHAI. Middle China. July 23. (New
York World Cablegram Special Telegram.)
Li Hung Chang, who arrived here Satur
day on bis way to Pekln, received me today
and talktat of the situation. He said: "The
members of the legations are still alive, but
an advance of the allied troops upon Pekln
from Tien Tsin would probably be the death
herald of every white man In Pekln.' Then
the conservative element would be entirely
overpowered by the radicals.
"The causes of the present situation were
the lack of backbone and a wrong policy on
the part of tho Chinese government, while
the drastic measures of the foreign powers
aggravated the situation.
"Wo thank the Americana for their friend
ship, which we have always appreciated,
and Admiral Kempt! for his Justice and for
bearance In refusing to Join In the bom
bardment of the Taku forts. We are trust
ing America to stand by the Integrity of
tho Chinese empire.
"I will say that If the powers da attempt
to partition China, then the southern and
central provinces, which are now peaceful,
will no longer be neutral, but all the Chi
nese of all classes will fight the foreigners
with every means In tho power.
"With a strong hand to fight for the
policy of the integrity of the empire It can
bo maintained and efficient reforms can
bo made."
Despite his extreme age it is generally
understood that Prince Li's ambition Is to
havo a foreign policy at his disposal to
pacify the rebellious districts and main
tain order throughout the empire after the
prrsent Insurrection la suppressed.
I asked him If he could restore order
with 20,000 white troops.
"With less," he anewered. "The Boxers
are a rabble, not to be considered. I would
turn to my side the Imperial troops, too,
but the powers don't want them and would
not permit It.
"I don't know when I shall go to Tien
Tsin to take up my duties as viceroy of the
metropolitan province of Chl-LI."
FREDERICK PALMER.
HAS NO HOPE FOR LEGATES
Ilerlln Official Circles Convinced that
Ambuasuilor at 1'eUln Arc
Aoiv Demi,
BERLIN. July 23. Tho Berlin govern
ment and press continue to disbelieve the
assurances of the Chinese authorities that
the Pekln legations are safe. The foreign
office surmises that the Conger dispatch was
either sent about simultaneously with the
dispatches of Dr. von Bergen, secretary of
the German legation, and Sir Hubert Hart,
but suppressed or was captured from the
messenger fo whom It was entrusted and 13
now produced to create tho desired effect In
Washington, or on the other hand that the
dispatch was conceived for purposes of de
ception with the aid of a cipher key.
Ambassador White said today the latter
was quite plausible, for If the American
legation had been captured and the records
there seized the cipher key would likewise
be secured and that then it would be an
easy matter for anybody to do the rest.
At all events tho German foreign office
will continue to regard the report that tho
legations still exist as a myth until com
munication, now cut off for nearly a month,
shall have been re-established In the most
Indubitable fashion.
No Pekln or other Important China nows
has arrived today and the question whether
there Is or Is not a responsible government
in Pekln Is as much in dotibt as ever.
The German government considers un
likely that an advance to Pekln will be
feasible before September.
Chinese SlirctTtl Diplomat.
The government Is gratified to find that
the correspondence published on the sub
ject proves that Japan honestly Intends to
co-operate with the powers. On the other
hand considerable disappointment Is ex
pressed In official circles at the tenor of the
reports from Washington concerning Amer
ica's policy. On this point the Berliner
Tagoblatt, with evident inspiration, says:
"The Chinese have then already succeeded
In creating (inferences of opinion among tho
powers. The government of th United States
seems determined thus early to occupy
a separate standpoint with the concert of
the powers. As at Taku, when the American
admiral would not Join, so President Mc
Klnloy now apparently means to oppose the
Joint action of the powers aimed at the re
establishment of order tn China, all of
which proves that the Chinese are Indeed
the most cunning diplomatists in tho world."
While most of the papers point out the
Impossibility of an advance upon Pekln be
cause of the) smallness of the allied forces
as against a greatly superior force because
of tho disastrous effect which a possible al
lied defeat would have upon tho whole of
China and also because of the rainy season
the National Zeltung contends that there
Is but one way to ascertain the truth or un
truth of the Chinese claim that the legations
aro safe, namely, an Immediate advance on
the capital.
The correspondent of the Associated Press
learns authoritatively that the question of
the chief command an land and sea still
forms the question of diplomatic negotiation
and the question has not been settled.
The semi-official Berliner Post says Ger
many must send a number of war ships ,0
the Yang Tso Klang to protect the comraer
cial German Interests In Shanghai and Han
Kow, adding:
"If those Interests are Jeopardized by the
Chinese our naval guns must talk. Every
attempt to block navigation there by mines
must be prevented from the start. Free
navigation upon tho Yang Tse Klang Is of
the greatest Importance."
SAW THE MINISTERS ALIVE
Story from Conmil (ienernl liiimlnnn
Dun Not itrec Tilth Men
mi Ke from t'o nicer.
WASHINGTON. July 23. The State
de-
partraent made public the following
The State department has received a dls
natch from Mr. Goodnow. thn consul een
' era! at Shanghai, dated today, saying that
Prince Tuan wires that an officer of the
tsung It yamen saw all the ministers on the
ISth. that none were Injured and that no at
tack was at that time being made. He does
not say to whom the dispatch of Prince Tuan
was addressed and It Is to a certain extent
at variance with the dispatch of Mr. Con
ger of that date, describing the legation aa
being under fire at that time.
AIDS FOR GENERAL CHAFFEE I
Ilrlnndlcr (Irnrrnli ISrnnt. Harry and
Wilson May He Aisluneil tn Serv
ice In China.
WASHINGTON. July 23. Although the or
ders have not been Issued It ir pretty gen
erally understood In military ".Ircles that
Brigadier General Frederick D. Urant, U. S.
A., and Brigadier General Ti'nmas Barry
have Vn selected for assignment to duty
tn the military division In Ohln-. Their as
signments, together with tfiat of Brigadier
General James H. Wilson, t S. V., al
ready announced, will gl've Major General
A. U. Chaffee, the commander- la-chief, men
of recognized ability to asslrt him In the
military operations In China.
General Grant Is now on ! ity with the
troops in the Philippines, bf ng stationed
near Manila. General Barry !t a passenger
on the transport Sumner. wl..uh left San
Francisco on the 17th Inst, 'of Nagasaki.
The orders under which ho t. led required
him to report to General MaeAithur at Ma
nila for duty as his chief of st.-tf. It is now
proposed, however, to change Us orders so
as to assign him, temporarily at least, to
duty with troops in China. (.11 undoubtedly
will receive orders to thatet'Tt upon his
arrival at Nagasaki and will mtlnue with
the troops on that verael to Taku, China
General James H. Wilson, the '--nlor brigade
commander now at M.ttanzas, ritiba, is ex
pected to start on his lons rney to the
Orient Immediately. He will ; akt the trip
by tho way of San Francisco tnd will not
arrlvo on Chinese soil until' a mt a month
later than the other brigade co imander. 4
Genernl Coin Direct to Tnku.
The transport Grant U e.xper'ed to arrive
at Nagasaki early this week, possibly to
morrow or next day. She lei' San Fran
cisco on the 1st Instant with Major General
Chaffee, two troops of the Sixth cavalry
and a battalion of marines. It was origi
nally Intended to transship these troops at
Nagasaki to other vessels of the transport
service, but they were to be taken direct
to Taku and the Grant wan to have con
tinued on to Manila. The urgent need of
these reinforcements In China has neces
sitated a change In the plans, and orders
have gone forward for the Grant to proceed
direct from Nagasaki to Taku with tho ut
most speed, stopping only long enough to
take on coal. Tho officials of the War de
partment calculate that General Chaffee
and his reinforcements will Join Lieuten
ant Colonel Coolldge and the Ninth Infantry
at Tien Tsin before the end of the month.
It Is nlso expected that the troops from
Manila, consisting of two battalions of th
Fourteenth Infantry and a battery of artil
lery, will arrive at Taku tomorrow or
Wednesday at the latest. The arrival of
these troops will give General Chaffee an
effective fighting force. Including marines
already there, of about 4,000.
Ono of the first duties of General Chaffee
on orriving- at the seat of tho trouble In
China will be to report to the War de
partment the prevailing conditions and his
views as to the best course of military pro
cedure for the rescue of the beleaguered
missionaries in Pekln. It Is said the mil
itary plans of the administration will be
governed to considerable extent by General
Chaffee's report on the possibility of a
successful movement against Pekln with
the forces at his command, acting in con-
Junction with tho forces of the allied
powers. ii.y
CAPTAIN EVANS ON CHINA
FlRhttnir noh Says the Powers Are
Slttluit on Pointer
Ilnrrela.
ST. LOUIS, Mo., July 23. Captain Robley
D. Evans, U. S. N.. ("Fighting Boh") wno
has been taking baths at Hot Springs, Ark..
for two months, passed through this city this
forenoon enroute to Washington. hile
at Union station he talked freely about
the Chinese situation and among other
things said:
In my estimation the great powers of the
earth are facing the mcst critical situation
that has arisen In modern history. To put
it vigorously, they are sitting on powder
barrels, and an explosion may come at any
time. ' If it does come, it will annihilate
present national boundaries and change the
map of the world so that it will not be
recognizable.
I do not believe In the talk that China
may become a world power of Its own force.
It stands in Immediate danger of dismem
berment, and the partition of the empire
can only be prevented by the United States.
I approve of the policy of the administration
as now outlined. This country cannot af
ford to stand by and see China divided up
among the European governments without
making a protest that will shnke the world
and announce to all the earth that this na
tion must bo supreme In the cast because
It holds tho Philippines."
AMERICANS TAKE BATTERY
Itrllllnnt Dnah Heaiilts III Victory
Without the l.oaa of a
.Slnule 3lilll.
NEW YORK, July 23. The Journal and
Advertiser dispatch from Che Foo, July 20,
says: A brilliant dash against a large
force of Chinese at Tien Tsin was made
this morning by a detachment of American
troops, assisted by some English fusiliers.
The object was to capture a battery of
large caliber cannon which had been doing
great damage.
The Anglo-American troops charged a
large fort acrobs an open space nnd were
exposed to a hot, but poorly directed, flro
from tho enemy. They dashed Into tho
fort. and. after engaging the Chinese In a
sharp hand-to-band fight, put them to flight
and remained masters of tho fort.
Eight large modern guns were captured,
together with carts and all the accessories.
The battery was immediately turned upon
the fleeing enemy, who, under a well di
rected Are, suffered heavily. The victory
was won In an incredibly short time against
an overwhelmingly superior force, and, de
spite tho charge under fire and the fight tn
the fort, neither the Americans nor the
British lost a single man.
Tha Chinese army is now retreating to
ward Pekin.
ENGLISH REPULSE CHINESE
('eleatlnla ttnek the Flnicllah Force
III the Vicinity of Wei
Hnl Wei.
ST PETERSBURG"" July 23. Two en
counters are reported to have taken place
between British and Chinese forces near
Wei Hal Wei. The latter It Is reported,
were repulsed after a stubborn encounter.
No dates are given.
M. Krutizlkl, engineer of the Eastern
Chinceo railway, telegraphing from Algatchl,
In the trans-Baikal territory, under date of
July 20, reports the occupation of Chailar
by Chinese troops. The Russians, accord
ing to thb dispatch, continued to concen
trate at Charbln.
Ilrltlah Force Ilednced.
BERLIN, July 23. A dispatch from Taku.
dated Friday. July 20, says tha British force
at Tien Tsin hus been reduced to 300 men.
BRILLIANT MOVE BY BOERS
Dewet Makes Haid, Gutting Eoberta' Line
of Communication.
MANY HIGHLANDERS ' TAKEN PRISONER
Dispatch from Cnmninnilcr-ln-rhlef
at Pretoria. Confirms Story
of Disaster to Ilrltlah
Arms,
LONDON. July 23. General Dewet has
again succeeded In cutting Lord Roberts
communications, both by railway and tele
graph, and has captured 100 of the High
landers. The story of the federal com
mander's bold raid comes In the form of a
telegram from General Forester-Walker,
dated at Cspetown, Sunday, July 22, for
warding a dispatch from General Knox at
Bradwood as follow?:
"Have followed commando since July 16.
Hard, sharp fighting at Palmletfonteln.
July 10. Prevented from pursuing laager
by darkness. Eight hundred Boers found.
Our casualties five killed and seventy-six
wounded. Reached Vajlksrantz today.
Enemy doubled back through Paardckraal
in darkness. Shall march tomorrow to
Roodcvual station. Send supplies for 3.000
men and horses; also any news of the en
emy's movements. I bellevo the com
mando consists of 2,000 men and four guns
and Is accompanied by President Steyn and
both the Dcwets."
General Knox continued: "Tho wire and
main line of the railway north of Honlng
sprult have been cut and also the telegraph
to Pretoria via Potchefstroom. According
to my information Dewet has crossed the
railway and is going north."
General Kelly-Kenney telegraph? from
Bloemfonteln under date of Sunday, July 22:
"Tho railway has been cut north of
Honlngsprult and a supply train nnd 100
Highlanders captured by the enme A
report was received this morning that a
largo force of the enemy Is moving on
Honlngsprult. All communication with
Pretoria is cut otf. The Second and Third
cavalry brigades are following the enemy."
Itolicrta Confirm Xewn,
LONDON. July 23. The War office has
received a telegram from Lord Roberts
dated Pretoria, Sunday. July 22, which re
peats the news contained in the telegram
from General Forestier-Walker, given above
and continues-
"Methusn continued his march after the
occupation of Heckport, and engaged the
enemy's rear guard at Zlndsfonteln on July
20. Casualties, one killed and one wounded.
Early Saturday he attacked the enemy
again at OUphant's nek and completely dis
persed them, Inflicting heavy loss. Our
casualties were slight. By thesn successes
Rustenburg has been relieved and Metbuen
and Baden-Powell have Joined hands.
"Hunter reports that Bruce Hamilton se
cured a strong position on the Spltzray
yesterday, with a battery and the Cameron
Highlanders and 500 mounted men. Our
casualties wore three of the Camerons killed
and Captain Keith-Hamilton of the Ox
fords, Captain Brown anil Lieutenant Stew
art and thirteen men of tha Camerons
wounded."
BOERS ARE NOT YET BEATEN
Lust Three Dnys Have Seen Hard
Flahtlnir. In Which Hrltlah
Were Losers.
LONDON. July 24. The Daily Express
has the following from Machadodorp, dated
July 23:
"There has been severe fighting during
the last three days and thc Boers have In
flicted heavy losses upon the British at
Derdcpoorte.
"Six hundred women and children from
Pretoria, Including Mesdames Krugcr,
Botha and Meyer, have arrived at Bamber
ton." Exenae for Ilrltlah Failure.
LONDON. July 24. Letters reaching Lon
don from the British troops In Orange river
colony assert that both men and horses are
on short supplies and out of condition for
bard work. If this be true there is little
cause for wonder at the failure to capture
DeWet and at tho apparent paralysis of
the operations.
ARRIVED NONE TOO SOON
Horrible .Scene Knceil Wlllcncka He
ller Kxpcilltlou When It
neucheil Kitmuaai.
LONDON. July 23. Advices Just received
here say that Colonel Wlllcocks, the com
mander of the relief column In Ashantl, de
Hcrlbes his entrance into Kuraassl July 15
as presenting a scene of horror and desola
tion, burned bouses and putrid bodies being
visible on all sides. He adds that the na
tive soldiers were too weak to stand and
that the British officers thanked God for
tho?ell(f. as a few more days, they declared,
would havo sen tho end. Colonel Will
cocks left tbn garrison well supplied with
food and ammunition.
USED0M HONORED BY KAISER
Oaptiiln of t'rnlser llertha Appointed
Alilexle-Cnmp lij- Km per or
William.
BERLIN. July 23. Emperor William. In
announcing the appointment of Captain
I'fedom of the cruiser Hertha, now In
China, as an aide-de-camp, says:
"This valiant and circumspect leader has
won the admiration of all. especially the
English and Russian adnrtrals. To him
and all who valiantly helped to win laurels
for my young navy I express my thanks.
I appoint him aide-de-camp."
The hot wave has been broken and there
havo been terrific rain and thunderstorms
since last evening In many parts of Ger
many. An enormous amount of damage
has been done In tho district west of Ber
lin. Berlin will have a special department of
theater censors.
An oleomargarine trust has been formed
In Germany to go Into effect at ttTe be
ginning of next year.
Emperor William has accepted from the
manufacturers three autnmohllrs. In which
he Intends to ride during the ugust ma
neuvers. Delay of I'cnry Heller .steamer.
ST. JOHNS, N. F.. July 23. The Peary
relief steamer. Windward, entered the
harbor at Port Au Basques, at tho south
west extremity of the Island, Saturday, with
part of Its machinery disabled. Pieces to
replace rbe broken sections reached here
by train at noon today. It will probably
require a fow days to make the necessary
repairs. The delay may seriously disar
range the ship's plans for reacbtng the far
north.
Tho repairs to the machinery of the Wind
ward will be effected In time to enable It to
sail Thursday morning, though owing to Itr
poor sailing qualities tbo setback is uerlous.
CONDITION OF THE WEATHER
Forecast for Nebraska
Fair, Warmer, Variable. Winds
Temperature nt Oimiliu cnterdit y I
Hour. tint. Hour. lieu.
n . m 71 t . m 7.'
it a. m 7it U p. m 7 1
7 il. ni 7- It i, m 70
M n. m 71) t p. n 71)
II it. in 71) .1 p. ni tit)
It) n. m 71) II p. m 01)
11 n, in 7'J 7 p. m tls
1- m 7t S p. ill 07
I) p. ni 07
PHIL WINTER GETS A PLACE
.Made an lntnttt Attorney In the
Interior Depnrtment at
Wnahlnittoii.
WASHINGTON. July 23. (Special Tele
gra.) Philip E. Winter of Omaha has. upon
recommendation of Senator Thurston, been
appointed to on assistant attorneyship tn
thrt Interior department under Assistant
Attorney General Willis Vandcenter. Win
terhas been ordered to report in Washing
ton within a fortnight.
Oue of tho largest rural free delivery
services In the country 1 an additional
route to be established at Davenport, Scott
county. Ia., on August 1. The route will
be covered by four carriers, covering nn
area of 127 square miles anil serving a
papulation of 2.(140. F. F. Bauer. W. A.
.Miller, B. F. Fort and Theodore Wendland
were appointed carriers.
The National Bank of Commerce of New
York has been approved as reserve agent
for the Yankton (3. D.) National bank;
alto the Continental National bank of Chi
cago for tho First National bank of Wor
ley, la.
Application for authority to organize the
First National bank of Mllo, la., has been
approved; capital. $25,000. John A. Note
stlne, J F. Good, James Schu, Samuel Shaw.
William Buxton, jr.. and R. B. McClelland
are named as Incorporators.
The comptroller' certificate authorizing
tho First National bank of Coon Rapids,
la., to begin business was Issued today, cap
ital 123.000. A. Dixon, president; John A.
Dixon, cashier.
Comptroller Dawos has been advised of
the following changes In officials of na
tional banks: Nebraska The First Na
tional bank of Wymore. no vice president
In place of L. Brldenthal; L. J. Dunn, cash
ier. In place of L. Brldenthal; no assistant
cashier in place of J. E. Cameron. Wyo
mingThe First National bank of Kem
merer. Thomas Sueddon. vice president.
An order was Issued today establishing
a postofflce at Twetem. Winnebago county,
la., with Enoch L. Thoe, postmaster.
SEYMOUR'S REPORT AT HAND
Ilrltlah Ailmlrnl llnkes .o .Mention of
Aliened Killing of Ilia
Woiinilril Men.
SAN FRANCISCO. July 24 There is
nothing in the extensive report of Admiral
Seymour, which has been received here to
day by tho American Muru to prove the
sensational story that was circulated the
earlier part of this month to the effect that
Admiral Seymour, who commanded the
Pekln relief expedition, killed hla wounded
to savfj them from the Chinese.
Comnianjer fi. W. Vrcrr, U. S. J., who
returned from the Orient on tho steamer,
and others who were at Hong Kong when
Admiral Seymour returned from Tlcn Tsin,
did not hear the story and the admiral's
report, which Is an elaboration of the cable
gram published on Juno 30, makes not the
slightest mention of the affair, hu on the
contrary goes Into particulars of the brave
allies In guarding the wounded, who were
placed in flat bouts and towed down tho
river by details of soldiers and marines,
while the main body of troops fought the
Chinese off with rifle and Maxim. .
In the fight at Lang Fang, where the
Boxers attacked the forces with great vigor,
twice the Italian contingent bore the brunt
of the fighting on the right flank and lost
live men killed and a number wounded. The
Chinese retreated, leaving a largo number
of dead on the field. In the afternoon a
detail of British marines, who were sta
tioned to guard the railroad at Lang Fang,
was attacked and reinforcements had to be
rushed forward to save them. It was In
this engagement that tho enemy lost about
100 killed which was mentioned In tho tel
egraph report and the British marines had
two of their bluejackets wounded. An ad
vance was then made to Ren Ting, where a
halt had to be made, as thi tracks tor miles
had been torn up. The Chlneee advanced In
great numbers and a desperate battle una
fought. The column fell back to Yong
Song, that the rest of the trip might bo
made by steamer. Admiral Seymour then
said:
Prior to our departure from Lang Fung I
ordered two tnilriH to stop there In order
to enable part of our men to proceed later,
but these trains were attacked after such
departure by the Boxer jjnil the t'hlnese
tronpa who hnd come from VpMv anil light
ing ensued, in the courae of which !'"' to
r) were killed on tho enemy's side 4ml six
of our men killed and forty-eight wounded.
At Yong Song 1 wan Jolneii by the men
who came down there in thrue train. All
the trnlnn were completely destroyed and
not a single one could bn used for further
work. Moreover, the want of provision,
together with the prrsence of numerous
wounded soldiers, compelled iih to retreat
to Tien Tsin. Communication with Tien
Tain remained entirely suspended for six
days, nnd accordingly we were deprived of
tho means of obtaining supplies. We ac
cordingly marched bock though constantly
attacked by the enemy along the river, es
cortrnB at the same time the wounded sol
diers carried In boats.
Vfter detailing tho capture of the forts
and suppllm, Admiral Seymour then added
that the ammunition nnd food would havp
kept the relief column In condition for
several days, but owing to the presence of
so many wounded It was decided to roturn
to Tien Tsin. On the 23d tho reinforce
ments from that city smo ta the ndmlral't
assistance, and later the entire force
reached the headquarters of tho allied
armies.
Mlaaloiinrlea Heni'h MimiikIiiiI.
RED WING. Minn., July 23. A cable
gram was rerolved today from Rev. T. II.
Hllman .announcing that the missionaries
of tho Hnuge Norwegian synod of America
had safely reached Shanghai from their
station. TOO or 800 miles inland.
i DO N0THAVE BUBONIC PLAGUE
.fnpaneae DhJeet Mronuly to tlnnrun
i tine Imiioaeil hy Colorado Hoard
of Health.
I DENVER. July 23 Governor Thomas to
I day received a brief communication from
Secretary of Stato John Hay Inclosing an
extended letter from N. Nahesbima. the
Japanece charge d'affaires at Washington.
The letter to In the nature of a demand on
tho part of Japan that tho Colorado Statu
Board of Health raise the quarantine on
Japanese subjects on account of tho bubonic
plague.
Tho Japanese, according to Mr. Nabe.
shlm&'s claim should not be Included with
I the Chlneo In anything. He says they are
I not given to plague and never have been,
i In concluding, he states very plainly that
Ithe Iraperlat government of Japan will In
sist that the race thall not be discriminated
asalnit.
AGREES TO AID CHINA
President McKinley Will Likely Act as
Mediator with Powers
CERTAIN CONDITIONS .MUST BE MET
Chinese Appeal and American Reply to Be
ilado Publio Today.
FOREIGNERS MUST BE GIVEN PROTECTION
Administration Acting on the Theory that
Oonger is Alive at Pekin.
CONSUL GOODNOW REMAINS SKEPTICAL
Meaaaac IlecelTeil "Wnrnlnir Govern
ment 'ot to Place Too Much He
lllluoe In Itepreaeiitntlon
from Chlneae Sources.
WASHINGTON. July 23. (Special Tele
gram.) Chinese Minister Wu Ting Fang
denies that he has promised our government
to have Minister Conger placed upon an
American war ship, as was asserted In sev
eral of the eastern nowspupers this morn
ing. In order to show tho world that the
assertions of lnilumtlal Chinamen lu Pekln
as to the safety of foreigners are to bo
believed. Beyond this ho refused to say
anything, although Tho Bee correspondent
asked him particularly whether he had re
ceived any information as to the decision
reached by thu president upon tho subject
of China's request that tho United States
should act as peacemaker between that
country and the vers.
Tonight it la said that President McKlnloy
has Instructed Secretary Hay to preparo the
acceptance of this government to mediate
at tho Instance of China upon ono condi
tion, that Minister Conger and hla family
are safo and that no Immediate danger
threatens them. When tho president Is
assured of this he will proceed to do what
ever la possible to bring about nn under
standing between the powers and China.
But this alternative proposition Is what
hurts.
Wu I'nilertnkea the Tnak.
How to satisfy tho United States in the
present chaotic condition of China Is one
of the moat troublesome questions which
Wu has been called upon to solve. He has,
however, undertaken the task and has al
ready sent a messnge to his government
setting for'h the absolute necessity of satis
fying the United States as to the safety of
its mlnlBter nnd a reply Is expected almost
any time.
There is now a growing feeling In the
State department that It may have been
hoaxed in regard tn tho "Conger" messago
and consequently it behooves China to make
good the assertion that the ministers were
safe in Pekln on July 18. Since the repulse
of the allies at Tien Tsin many dispatches
have been aent to Lieutenant Colonel
COQlidge.'commanulng the Ninth Infantry,
but although most of these cnlled for nn
answer no reply has coraov from him, his
only communication being a list of casual
ties. Our forces have hut one dispatch
boat in Chinese waters and that belongs to
tho nary. It Is understood that it has
been kept busy at other service and thnt
the failure to hear from Colonel Coolidgo
Is due largely to want of means of com
munication by water from Taku to Hong
Kong, whero the cahle station Is located.
To remedy this the United States govern
ment has purchased u vessel at Hong Kong,
which will bo ready for use as a dispatch
boat by the time General Chaffee arrives
at Shanghai. It will be for the army ex
clusively and aa It is of light draught It Is
thought it will be ablo to navigate the
river as far as Tien Tsin. which will' nbvlnte
sending the messages by overland courier
to Taku.
GIVES CONDITIONAL PROMISE
Secretary Hay ,lnwrr Mlnlater Wn'a
nriiucat thnt the I nltcd itatca
Med I ntc.
WASHINGTON. July 23. Tho president
has listened to tho nppcal of the Chlncjo
government, ns transmitted through Minis
ter Wu, and hns signified his willingni'ss to
medluto between the imperial government
nnd the powers, but only on conditions
which first must bo met by tho Chlncsu
governmunt.
Tho exact nature of tho terms proposed by
tho Stato department cannot bo stated until
tomorrow, when it is expected that publi
cation will be made of tho text of tho Chi
nese appeal and of tho president's reply It
Is known, however, that tho answer is en
tirely consistent with the stntomrnt of
principles laid down by Secretary Hay in
his Identical note to the powers nnd more,
over It accepts as truthful tho Chinese state
ments relative to tho safely of tho foreign
ministers at Pekin.
It would not, of cnurno, be possible to
take even the Initial steps nward
mediation were either party to tho negotia
tions to entertnln openly dlslruat of the ac
curacy of -the statements of tho emperor
There must be confidence between tlmm.
The United Stateh' answer does not go to
tho length of tho French answer to o similar
appeal In laying down conditions which tho
lll tiijtvii i:uuII,uii.-i wio
rnmpnt could not meet. vcii
it It actually is struggling Mr
ence. It does however, look
Chinese government could not meet. vcii
If so disposed,
Us own exlHtenci
to tho Immediate relief of tho foreign miiv-
Isters In Pekln anil, moreovor, to tho proie-
tion of all foreigners, missionaries and trad
ers, In China and to tho restoration of order
With that much accomplished tho State de
partment feels that It can properly ai
pronch the powers with tho Chinese prnponl
tlon for a settlement, for what has occurred
Tho Chinese appeal came to Secretary Hay
yesterday through Minister Wu. The e -rotary
promptly telegraphed it to the presi
dent nt Canton nnd after taking a full day
for Its consideration tho president's answer
came this afternoon to the State, department
It was put In the proper diplomatic form and
a copy deltvornd to Minister Wu, who Is to
forward It to his own government. Appeal
and answer will he mado public bore to
morrow. Clilun Vpiuireiitl)' Sincere,
The imperial edict, made public tody
at the Stato department, shows that the
Imperial government already has taken tho
first steps toward doing what the United
States government requires for the exerclsu
o( Its good ottlre. In unjoining the vice
roys, magistrates and leading men to stop
thu disorders and protect foreigners. Our
government will await the result of this
before proceeding. It is expected that ad
verse, criticism upon the action of the State
department In this matter will he heard
from Europe, where tho governments an
acting upon the belief that all of the for
eign ministers in Pekln have perished, but
our government nevertheless regards i's
'0'irso aa the correct ono. All of the
