The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-11
The War storm in China.

The War Storm in China.
There is no longer any chance to think
that the situation In northern China is
less than positively alarming, either from
the local or the international point oil
view. The Chinese Government has given
fresh evidence of its completely with the
Boxers insurreetion in ordering the i'm
perial troops to lie withdrawn from the
Pekin-Tientsin railway line, thus leaving
the intermediate territory at the mercy
of the murderous fanatics. The last ex-
cuse that the Tsung-li- Yamen could give
for resenting or cbjecting TO the landing
Of foreign troops in force has disappeared
with this last act of open perfdy. 1t Will
assuredly result in precipitating the crisis,
and intervention by the powers is not
likely to be longer delayed.
1t cannot be denied that the United
States is placed in difficult position by
the trend of events in PeChi-Li; but that
does not affect the truth of the PROPOSE
ton that the duty of this Government in
the premises is clearly defined. Our min
lister at Pekin cables that, in his opinion,
American troops ought 10 be landed at
once. He is entirely right. We have sew
eral thousand citizens and highly impor-
tant commercial interests in the area Of
disturbance. Our legation at the Chinese
capital is in danger of attack, and its in
mates OF massacre. As one of the great
world powers, and having an ample
military force of veteran soldiers within
three or four days OF Taku by sea, it
would be despicable on our part TO keep
hands off, and trust our diplomats, con-
suls, merchants, and missionaries 20 the
protection of other nations. who, with the
exception of Russia, will have more than
enough to do to rescue their own people
from the general heather reign Of terror.
In the interests of civilization and COM
mon humanity it is our plain duty to
throw in a force at Taku and Tientsn
strong enough TO punish the fanatics and
to take and hold the railway to Pekin.
England has few troops to spare and oth-
erwise could not transport any to the neid
of operations in time to meet the emer-
gency. She may be able to land matter
of two thousand marines and half as many
bluejackets. and Germany and Italy can
probably add thousand fighting men.
But the troops now present at the mouth
OF the Pei-Ho are totally inadequate to
the work before them, and must be
promptly and largely REINFORCED, or it
is all but certain that every foreigner in
Pekin and the capital province Of Pe-Chi-
Ii will be butchered. All the military
force at Taku would be insufficient to
march upon Pekin through the Boxer
army, now augmented by thousands OF
regular Chinese soldiers. Supposing it
were: the cities of Taku and Tientsin,
with their inhabitants and foreign prop
erty, would have to be left to massacre,
sack, and destruction. The occasion is
not one for hesitation. AS many regi-
ments as can be spared from the Philip
pines and provided with transportation
should be forwarded without moments
unnecessary delay.
Russia evidently is about to act on an
Independent line. Our course
in landing troops could not, therefore OF
fend her The United States is not con-
cerned with the political interests. differ |
ences, or jeaiousies of the European pow
ers If Russia should take possession OF |
Pekin with an army and thereby probably |
establish the Muscovite power perma-
nently in northern China. American pub |
lie sentiment might view the movement |
with regret and even apprehension, but |
the American Government would have no |
real right OF objection. Neither. on
is merits, could our action be con- |
,trued as in support Of the preten-
sions of any foreign State to territory or |
spheres of influence in China. Our mis-
sion would be solely TO aid in restoring
order and in rendering safe the lives of
Europeans and Americans in the country.
These things having been accomplished,
he United States should Immediately
withdraw, whatever might be the ultimate
England and Russia and Japan and Russia,
which appears likely to end in war. With
hat eventually We have nothing to do, in
he sense OF interference.
Unless the situation has vastly improved
ince yesterday, ii is probable that orders
ave already been sert 10 Manila to pre-
ARE an expedition with all possible haste
nd Instantly 10 despatch an advance guard
S large as possible. In adopting such
measures Mr.. Mckinley need not fear that
ny honest American will accuse him of
making war on China. The legitimate gcv-
rnmerG Of that Empire has been over
brown by usurping and murderous She
evil. Its legal ruler is in favor of peace,
commerce, and progress, and should be re-
tored to his throne. China is In state
( anarchy. An effort on the part OF
ivilized powers to put down rebel
ion and bring order out Of the pres
Mt chaos would be help to the Chinese
nd their imprisoned Emperor, and not an
ssault upon their fatherlznd. Agents OF
ne Empress Dowager in the United States |
nay be willing to pay literally for the
Of an opposite opinion. but
hey should understand that they are mere
throwing their money in the gutter.
Over EiabOrntions.
A satirical observer OF men and things, |
ba rarnc Of Elliot Craunrv opfuirae in | I