Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.
Washington , February 1, 1900 .
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 289, of December 7 last, reporting the state of affairs among the missionaries and their converts in the province of Shantung, due to attacks made [Page 97] upon them by the members of the Chinese faction known as the “Boxers.”
While American citizens may be exposed to some danger, they do not seem so far to have suffered either in their persons or property.
The appointment of General Yuan Shih-Kai as governor of Shantung may inaugurate a new era in that province. He is understood to be a man of energy and ability to deal with any questions of this kind that may come before him.
You will insist with the Tsungli Yamen that copies of the orders given to the governor of Shantung in the premises be communicated to you.
I am, etc.,