Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1900-09-13
THE CHINESE WAR.


Office allowed it to become definitely
known that the British Government was
Of the opinion that it is advisable for the
allied forces to remain at Pekin nntll
satisfactory arrangements for peace are
concluded with the Chinese Govern
ment.
The Rt. Hon. Sir Matthew White
Ridley, Secretary Of State for the Eng
lish Home Department, speaking at
Blagdon, said that in China no arrange
ments would be satisfactory that would
give the Chinese Government plaus-
ibIe appearance CT triumph. The Brit
ish, he declared, must obtain adequate
satisfaction for the IN ost wanton outrage
of the century. They did not want a
foreign power in China, but would pre-
fer a strong Chinese Government able to
give security to foreigners and to nam
tain treaties. Il hope, said Sir Mat
thew. ''that this will be done in concert;
but, if necessary, we must carry it out
in our own way"
With the exception Of the statement
that the Foreign Office sides with the
Powers, discountenancing the immediate
evacuation OF Pekin, there was lack Of
reliable information as to how the
dilemma of Pekin would be solved.
Most statements are started merely with
the object Of Indirectly eliciting facts
There is no doubt that almost any fairly
palatable prescription will be swallowed
by the British Cabinet, and well-in-
formed authority says that, as soon as
the Chinese Government appoints toler-
able Commissioners with serious in
structions, it viii find Great Britain
ready to respond and aid in utilizing
what William Woodville Rockhill,
Special Commissioner Of the United
| States Government, recently termed the
| beautiful occasion TO settle for all time
| the status Of foreigners In China.
At st. Petersburg it was believed in
well-informed circles tn at the ad-
herence Of the United States and France
to Russia's proposal to withdraw the
Powers from Pekin might be relied
upon. Japan's acceptance was also ex
| pected and the support Of Germany and
| Great Britain was not yet despaired Of.
| But, If they do not agree TO do 50,
| Russia, it was again asserted, would
nevertheless firmly maintain her decis-
ion to Withdraw her troops from Pekin.
x-President Cleveland has decided
that he does not wish to be a member OF
the international court Of arbitration
and las 50 notified the President. The
reason said to be given in his letter Of
declination is that he has no desire tC
return to public life.
Gen. Chaffec's despatch confirms tst
l view that the Chinese Government VII
not return 10 Pekin while it is occupied
by foreign troops, and he is Of opinion
that il will be long time before Pckir
again becomes the seat Of diplomatic
relations with the Chinese Government
He regards it at present as merely q
camp for the foreign army pending
settlement with the Powers at Other
points The Russian Government il
seems. adheres to its declaration regard
inx the withdrawal Of its representative
from Pekin. as Gen. Chaifee reports
that the legation leaves there very aoor
for Tientsin. In conformity with the
intention expressed by our own Govern
ment at the time Of the Russian declara
tion communication has been sent tc
Mr.. Conger under which he will acl
whenever the Russian withdrawal takes
place Meantime it is understood that
Great Britain and Germany have agreed
not TO evacuate Pekin until full salts
faction has been obtained from China
for the late outrages; and Gen Gaselee,
in command Of the British contingent,
reports that he has occupied Feng tai
junction just ouside Of Pekin and com
mauds the railway TO Pao-ting fu.
The Chinese Government now appears
to be- under the direction Of the En-.
peror as he has issued an edict, dated
Aug q. by which ii Hung Chang il
appointed sole Plenipotentiary with nm
limited power TO treat with the Powers.