The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-08-11
he appeal to the British Government for

the appeal to the British Government for
its information
When the first definite information was
received here of the intention of Vice Ad-
miral Seymour to land 5000 men at
Shanghai the question of the advisability
of making representations to Great Brit
ain on the subject was considered by the
Washington authorities, and the decision
was reached that the affair did not con-
Germ the United States. as any nation had
the right TO land troops in China to protect
its citizens
In taking that view of the matter the
officials were mindful of the dangers of
interfering with the affairs of another
power. Interference with Great Britains
purpose would establish precedent which
might have embarrassing results to the
United States. il at any future time this
Government deemed it necessary to land
American troops on foreign soil to protect
American citizens and their interests.
Therefore, it can hardly be expected that
the Government Will do more than trans
nit the appeal to the British Government
for its information. Even that course ap-
pears to be unlikely. in view of the posi-
ton assumed by the United States
Anxious for Another Message.
The Government is anxiously awaiting
an answer to its telegram to Minister Con-
ger of Wednesday last. The answer may
come at any time the officials say, and
they are hopeful that it will contain all
the information which Mr. Conger was
requested 10 furnish. There is a feeling
also that some formal communication in
regard TO the advance of the allied forces
will come from the Chinese Government
very soon.
In the refusal of the foreign ministers
to leave Pekin under Chinese escort, the
crisis may not come until the allies reach
the gates of the Chinese capital, but opin-
ion here incIines toward the view that
Chinas attituae will be definitely dis
closed before then. Some surprise is mani
tested in official circles over the despatch
from ST. Petersburg that the Gar had di-
under a Chinese escort
The officials are evidently concerned over
this information and the matter was dis
cussed today by tho Secretary OF War and
the Acting Secretary OF State. In the ab-
senee of official information on the sub
jecJ, however, the Government feels that
il cannot notice the report.
It is considered somewhat strange that
Russia, if the report be true, has not COM
municated her intentions 10 this Govern
ment, as the decision of the ministers not
to leave Pekin was communicated to the
powers by the diplomatic body in Pekin
in an identical note. which suggests Joint
approval by the European Governments,
Japan, and the United States. of the course
of the ministers or other joint action. But
the assertion is made by officials that
whatever Russia has done, or may do. the
approval OF this Government of Mr.. Con-
gers decision to remain in Paktn until re-
lieved by the allies Will stana
No official information has been received
here in regard TO the newspaper statement
that Ii Hung Chang has been appointed
by an Imperial ediet a special envoy TO
conduct peace negotiations with the pow
ers, but such action by the Chinese Gov
eminent is regarded as altogether likely.