The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-09-28

the Allied Forces-The Guard to be
Well Supplied with Ammunition
and Provisioned for the Winter
Nothing New In Diplomatic Circles.
washington, September 25.-The
United States government today took
n first step towards the redemption
OF its pledge made to the Russian gov
eminent August 18th last by cabling
instructions TO General Chaffee to re-
duce the American forces in China TO
the proportions Of a legation guard.
Nearly a month ago the Russian gov
was told through NJ. de VOL
liant, its charge here, thai if III Rus
sian forces and ministry were with
drawn from Pekin, I'VE shall give in
structions to the commander of the
American forces in China to withdraw
our forces from Pekin, after due con-
ference with the other mani as
to the time and manner of with
drawal.' This time has now come and
today's action marks the beginning of
the disappearance of the American
army from China, for although some
military force is to remain it viii not
be of the character of an army, but
under the conditions laid down in the
order to General Chaffee, and especially
under its official designation as a
Legation guard" will be rather of the
nature of a civil guard. This small
force will not be included in any mill
tary operations which may be con-
ducto6 bV the allied armieS and ca will
not fall subject to the direction of Field
Marshal Count Won WalderSee, the
commander-in-chief. The text of the
order to General Chaffee is as follows:
"Adjutant Generals Department,
Washington, D.. c., September 25.
ITO General Chaffee, Pekin.
September 18th, No. Al. Pending
negotiations for a settlement the Sec
rotary of war directs that a legation
guard of a regiment of infantry, four
troops of cavalry, with rapid fire guns
and a light battery, with complete
equipment and reserve supply Of ammu-
milton adequate for any be
retained in Pekin under your command,
and that you send the remainder OF
your force in China to Manila, to re-
port 10 General Macarthur. The
guard should be amply provisioned,
etc, until navigation opens next
spring. Retain such officers for staff
duties as you deem necessary; all
others of whatever corps or depart
ment will be sent to Genera MacAr-
thur for duty, Is soon as possible. All
stores, transportation and materials
not required for the legation guards
hOuld be sent to Manila. Place your
self in close relations with our minis
ter. acting with him on the lines that
will best subserve our interests, keep
ing this department fully advised. 1t
iS imnOrTant that Won have thp conf
dence of the generals of the other pow
erS.
General Wilson with his aides will
remain in Pekin for the present. Spe-
cial Instructions may be sent to him.
FCable General Macarthur concern
ing requirements to carry these in
structions into effect. Inform the gen
erals commanding the forces of the
other powers of our intention to with
draw part of our forces. Show this 10
COnger.
BY order of Lieutenant General
Miles,
"CORBIN."
Much thought has been given to the
proper number of troops to be allotted
for this purpose and it is believed that
the 1,400 men selected will be quite suf-
ficient to protect the American lega-
ton against any force that could be
brought against it. 1t is noteworthy,
100, lldI luS IuOSl OIlpLel dllSS-
ments have been ordered for the main-
tenance of the men, while care has
been taken that there shall not be a
shortage of ammunition as there was
in the British legation during the siege.
1t is estimated that about a week will
be required to bring the $500 soldiers
away from Pekin, but as the start a
not be made Immediately it will be at
least about the end of the first week
in October before the movement can be
completed.
1t is stated at the quartermaster's
department that there are enough,
transports available to bring off
the force which will come out OF
China. Three or four, vessels will be al
Taku by the time the troops are ready
to move. Besides the transports for
the men a number of animal ships will
take away the horses and mules which
will not be needed in China. General
Chaffee is authorized to tax from tho
ships now at Taku such stores as will
be necessary to last him through the
winter.
NO DEVELOPMENTS IN DIPLO-
MATIC CIRCLES.
There were no developments in the
diplomatic side Of the Chinese question
today, and, although Baron Sternberg,
the German charge, and Minister WI
called separately at the state depart
menI, tney DrOuSnt no OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
which were made public.
The instructions to Minister Conger
relative to establishing relations with
the Chinese ENJOYS are withheld pre-
sumably to allow the president to ad-
minister some finishing touches. These
Instructions are regarded as of much
Importance and will make a part Of the
case of n government to be laid be-
fore congress- at the next session It
is settled that Minister Conger is to
be a member Of the commission to set
tie the various qestions remaining to
be adjusted.
The reported adhersion of the Brit
ish government to the position assumed
by the United States government re-
-specting the proposition to make the
surrender of the Chinese ringleaders a
condition precedent to negotiations has
given the greatest satisfaction in Off
cial circles here.
PRINCE TUAN RECEIVES HONORS
The reDorts that Prince Tuan has