Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-19
Our Government Calmly Awaits
News From its Own Officers.
THE OCCUPANCY OF PEKIN
No Detailed Statements Have Boon Fur
nished tho Navy or War Departments
An Important Conference in washing
ton-situatlon at shanghni-Admirals of
tho Powers Will Act ConourrontIy The
Presidents Purpose Romans Unchang-
cd Question of Withdrawal of Troops.

(By Telegraph to Virginian-PiloO
washington, d. c., Aug. 1S.-The gov
eminent. now fully satisfied by the adj
vices In hand that the international
troops have entered Pekin, and that
the legations are saved, is calmly
awaiting detailed statements from its
own officers on the ground. Dispa tches
were received to-day from General
Barry, at Che Foo, and Consul General
Goodnow. at Shanghai, repeating the
main fact of the capture and relief.
Neither General Chaffec nor Admiral
Remey was heard from, however, and
1t Is to them-principally to the Ameri-
can commander at Pekin-that the
government looks for adviccs not only
on what has occurred. but on the local
development which intelligent infor-
nation can be made of what still re-
mains to be DONE
CONFERENCE OF OFFICIALS.
The President, Secretary Root, Act
Ing Secretary OF State Adee. Acting
secretary of the Navy Hackett and
other officials were in conference dur
ing the afternoon. 1t was stated after
ward that no additional details had
come concerning Pekin, and IT was
Understood that conference had TO do
principally with the situation at Shang-
hni. Word reached the Navy Depart
ment during the afternoon that the
Ohitcd states cruiser New Orleans lad
reached shanghai, at which point Brit
ism WarSh1pS and transports are al
ready In force. while the French, Rus
SLAMS ana Germans are hurrying their
men to the same destination
me american government so far
mas Kept quite out of this entnnglc-
In
landing OF troops by some OF the Pow
ers, 1t was stated authoritatively that
the landing Of American troops never
had been contemplated. Although the
oi n declined to give out any spe-
cine information II was understood
generally that the government was in
possession of word that the landing OF
the British forces had occurred to-
oay, and 1t was probable that this
would be followed by the landing Of
German and French forces. AS those
several forces had as the ostensiblc
purpose of their landing the mainte
nance of peace and order II Is not as
sumed to be likely that any disorder
an ARISE Out OF the course pursued.
AS n result of the conferences held
to-day, 1t is believed that a dispatch
was forwarded to the commander of
inc New Orleans, advising him OF the
course to be pursued.
GENERAL SITUATION AT SHANG-
The general situation at Shanghai.
caused by the proposed landing of
British troops and the protests of
Germany and France, continues to ho
strained, although the authorities are
more hopeful OF satisfactory adjust
nent IMAM heretofore. The State De-
partment does not treat the matter at
all grave, and regards it rather as a
Misunderstanding. one side holding
1nat i5rltish activity is confined to
Shanghai, while the other insists that
.nls ACTIVITY Is designed TO cover the
who're ahg Use region. One of the di-
natle-etf4eiais. who has been most
actlve In the affair, said today that
In one event there could be no seri-
gus rupture, for even if troops were
. ann II would increase the security
ana order prevailing.
It seems to be accepted that If the
british troops land, German and
French. and possibly Russian troups.
also VIII land. About LOO French
troops have arrived at Hong Kong
destined for Shanghai. and Germnn,
ships are now on their way to the same
point.
NO ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS.
The German French and Russian
Charge de Affairs called separately ut
the State Department to-day. The Sit
uation was discussed. but no important
changes developed
The general policy of the Govern
ment towards China heretofore has
been made known both to General
Chaffee and to Minister Conger, and it
was stated authoritatively tonight
that there was no necessity OF sending
these officials additional instructions
on the subject. The fact is emphasized
by Administration officials that the
policy of the Government is sufficient
ly stated in Secretary Hays note Of
July Sd, and that nothing can be added
n n in,,
of the points therein stated.
THE PRESIDENTS PURPOSE.
-Four distinct purposes were laid
down in this direction. viz:
1.-THE purpose OF the President is, as
ii has been heretofore, to act concur
rently with the other Powers.
First. in opening up communication
with Pel<in and rescuing the American
officials, missionaries and other Ameri-
cans who are in danger;
Secondly. in affordng all possible
protection everywhere in China TO
American life and property;
Thirdly, In guarding and protecting
all legitimate American interests. and,
"Fourthly in aiding TO prevent
spread of the disease orders to other
provinces of the empire and a recur-
renee of such disasters"
THE DECLARATIONS STAND.
1t can be stated authoritatively that
the foregoing declarations stand to-
day as they did on the day they were
enunciated. The government considers
that the first purpose enumerated
namely. Opening up communication
with pckin and rescuing the American
officials, missionaries and other Ameri-
cans who are in danger" is now
achieved. there may be details of this
rescue still to be carried out but NO