New-York tribune., 1900-09-04
THE POWERS AND CHINA.
Continued from first page.

ernment thought II entitled to rely on
American support in the endeavor to settle the
Chinese question effectually The British Of
fcial view Is that this retirement from Peking
is only advantageous for Russia, which kills
three birds with stone. In the nrst place,
she has her troops free for use where she wants
them just now, namely, in Manchuria; second,
she limits the expenditure of money, which In
the present condition Of her finances is highly
desirable; third, she prevents the possible re-
moval of the Chinese seat of government from
Peking, where. for reasons Of her own. she par
tcularly desires that 1t should remain But IN
general, non Russian interests believe the with
drawal is a mistake. since the Chinese Will SIM
ply believe the Powers afraid OF them.
There will be reorganization. no permanent
safety for foreigners and no guarantee of an
open door" If Great Britain, in her effort to
secure a durable settlement once for all, could
rely solid American backing. she could put
herself the head of a combination of at least
four Powers, and defeat the Russian project
Were England and America united on this point
Japan certainly. and Germany probably, would
join them; but without the United States the
combination would fall through, and England's
effort to arrange the Eastern question without
partitoning China, without leaving that en-
pTe in a condition to invite future interven-
tion may have to be abandoned.
English statesmen thought that they had a
right to count on American aid in pursuing an
unselfish policy which is for the common benefit
of the civilized world, and they will be deeply
disappointed to find that they mistaken and
that American regard for the "open door" and
Chinese integrity is limited to words. The mo-
ment the United States is asked to accept some
amount of responsibility it hastily effaces itself
and executes precipitate retreat.
Active communications are now passing be-
and
ernment can be easily predicted. Unless some
prospect is held of active support of the nom
retirement policy by the United States. it is
probable the Russian example will eventually be
initiated by ali the other Powers. France, in any
case will follow Russia. Germany may do the
same, though with great reluctance, sooner than
separate from her eastern and western neigh
bors England, under these circumstances, will
naturally feel that she is not called upon to in
cur the risks and burdens of a winter occupa-
ton of Peking, and will also withdraw after a
vigorous protest and an attempt to convince the
allied Governments of the grievous mistake that
is being made.
1t should be recollected that with Taku Har-
Dor closed by ice and Russia holding the north
ern railway it would be very difficult to convey
supplies to army of occupation in winter
without Russian cooperation.
Before sending a circular to the Queens rep
resentatives abroad. giving them definite out
line of the British policy in the situation which
has now arisen, Lord Salisbury will wait to hear
the opinion of Sir Claude Macdonald. This has
not yet been obtained in full owing to the in
terruption of telegraphc communication.