Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, May 7,
1903.
No. 1288.]
Sir: Giving, further information on the
Manchurian situation, I inclose copy of a dispatch and inclosure just
received from our consul at Niuchwang, although Mr. Miller informs me
that he sends copies of his dispatches to you.
The place spoken of selected as a drill ground is on the opposite side of
the river from Niuchwang, the Russian railway, and the Russian
[Page 59]
concession, and is a part of the
territory evacuated by the Russians six months ago, and contains the
terminus of the Peking-Niuchwang Railway.* * *
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Miller to
Mr. Conger.
Consulate of the United States,
Niuchwang, May
2, 1903.
No. 184.]
Sir: I have to report the inclosed notice
that I found posted in the native city. Inasmuch as the Russians are
in possession of the river on the Niuchwang side, and both here and
in their own settlement there is plenty of ground well suited for
drilling purposes, it is difficult to understand why they cross the
river for such a purpose, as their boats always anchor near the
Niuchwang shore.
I have, etc.,
[Subinclosure.—Translation.]
Notice is hereby given that I have received a letter from the General
Chu of the military stating that he has been informed by the Civil
Administrator Grosse that he has selected a piece of land over the
north bank of the river for the purpose of drilling the sailors of
the Russian gunboat, and asking to inform you people of Yinkou not
to be excited.
I hereby order the constable of the place to look after this and also
to inform you people of Yinkou that when you see the sailors landing
they are only for drilling, without any other bad intention, and you
people and soldiers should attend to your affairs and not molest
them.
Magistrate of Kwang-ning,
Acting for Hai-cheng District.
