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