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  4. Document 107

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

Legation of the United States,
Pekin, China , May 18, 1900 .
No. 372.]

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 367a of the 3d instant, in which I reported the departure of the U. S. S. Wheeling for Shanghai, I have the honor to inclose copy of my correspondence with Admiral Kempff, second in command of United States naval force on Asiatic Station, confirming my telegram requesting that a warship be sent to Taku as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be, etc.,

E. H. Conger.
[Page 127]
[Inclosure 1—Telegram.]

Mr. Conger to Admiral Kempff at Yokohama.

Pekin , May 17, 1900 .

Situation becoming serious. Request warship Taku soon as possible.

Conger.
[Inclosure 2.]

Mr. Conger to Rear Admiral Kempff.

Legation of the United States,
Pekin, China , May 18, 1900 .

Sir: I have the honor to confirm, on the overleaf, my cipher telegram of the 17th, and to report that the the antiforeign societies called “Boxers” are rapidly spreading throughout this province.

On the 12th instant they attacked a Catholic village about 50 miles from here, burned it, and killed 61 Christians; and at another place destroyed a chapel of the London mission, killed a Chinese preacher and I convert. At a place 45 miles southwest from Pekin they have driven the Protestant converts from their chapel and are threatening others.

I do not consider the danger is imminent at this moment, but it may become so at any time.

Unless the Chinese Government can be aroused to take more energetic action than they so far seem inclined to do, the situation is likely to be very serious, not only for the missionaries, but for the Chinese Government itself.

The presence of one or more war ships in the vicinity of Taku will have a good influence on the Chinese Government and may be sadly needed.

Admiral Remey, on withdrawing the Wheeling, informed me that you were to be called upon if another vessel was needed.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

E. H. Conger.