The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-09-05

ceived at the state department today
dated fivezdays ago from Mr.. Conger, the
conclusion was reached that Gen.
Chatfee's despatch also was sent from
Pekin about August 90 or 80. General
Chatfee asks very important question as
to the withdrawal OF American troops
The answer to the question, 1t is said,
might have been found in the state de-
! partmenG's answer to the Russian evacu-
alton proposition But that answer, or
rather synopsis of it was not cabled to
Gen. Chaffee until the 3Oth ultimo, and
it is assumed that, allowing for the same
time in transmittal, as-was consumed by
General Chaffee's despatch received to-
day, the synopsis has just reached him.
When the American answer to the Rus
sian proposals was made public, it was
stated here that Gen. Chatfee had been
instructed some time before by telegraph,
Gust what course to pursue in the matter
of retiring from Pekin in the event of
the emergency that afterward arose. This
being so today's application for instruc-
tions might be regarded as an Indication
that he had not received the origin al in
struct1ons when he sent his message
1t is said that no order has been sent to
General Chaffee to leave Pekin as the re-
suit of any recent developments. In fact
it would seems that the war department.
is not able to instruct him more specific
ally on this point until the decision of
the Powers relative to general evacuation
is known. 1t was stated at the war de-
partment that our position was un-
changed; If Russia withdraws her troops
then General Chatfee will do the same.
Meanwhile it is gathered that conditions
in China are still {disordered and foreign
life and property are still unsafe.
The despatch from Minister Conger was
gratifying to officials in that 1t contained
the date Of Pekin, August 80, as an in
tegraI part of the message and this part
cipher. Aside from bringing the infor-
nation up to a certain day, it satisfied
the officials that the minister at last had
received the instructions to include the
place and date of each message as an in
tegraI part of it. This promises to do
away with the great confusion caused
thus far in dateIess messages.
The text of the Conger despatch was
not made public but it was authoratively
stated thai it did not change the situa-
tion and was devoted somew hat to ex-
pressions OF opinion. 1t was authoritative
Iy stated in this connection that Minister
Conger will remain at his post until
further orders Up to this time he has
expressed no desire to be relieved, and
the state department. holds that since he
has passed through the perilous ordeal Of
the seige he is not likely to desire a relief
under the present more favorable Lcondi-
tions
In view of the statement of Count Ian
dors, Russian minister of foreign affairs
in the Official Messenger, that orders
have already been issued to M. D. Giers
and the army to leave Pekin, the state
ment was made at the state department.
today that no such determination had
been communicated to Washington. Pos
sibIy nothing short of an official statement
from Pekin to the effect that the Rus
slams have moved would be regarded by
our government as sufficient basis for
such important action as the withdrawal
of our troops
In diplomatic quarters Russia s motive
continues to be a fruitful theme. The
theory advanced by Mr.. Biow1tz in the
London Times that it was an offseU to
France for Russia's supposed nomination
OF Count WaIdersee, is regarded as pure
Iy fanciful. much simpler and more
reasonable explanation is advanced by
one of the dipomatic officials who has
taken an active part in the negotiations
He says that Russia recognizes the obvi-
Gus fact that is to her advantage to have
weak neighbor, instead of having par
tition Of China which would range
number Of powers alongside OF Russia.
For this reason, it is said, Russia's chief
aim is to MAINTAIN the present territorial
conditions.
The report that the Chinese minister
at ST. Petersburg, Mr.. Yang Yu, was
obliged to give up his palatiaI residence
and seek cheap quarters because of the
lack of remIttances from Pekin is dis
posed of by Mr.. ST, one of the Chinese
officials, who has recently arrived here
from ST. Petersburg. He says that Mr..
Yang Yu gave up his house because the
lease had expired and he expected to be
recalled. This was before the present
trouble and was in no way due to any
lack of renittances.
SOME SHANG HAT STORIES.