The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-11-16
CONDITIONS Ar pEKIN.

CONDITIONS AT PEKIN.
ITEM TsIN. Oct iL-In the opinion
Of military men here is little llkelihc,d
that recently renewed operations will
be prolonged after the cold weather has
fairly set In. Few OF the forces now
here are adequately equipped for a wIn-
ter campaign ami this region cannot be
relied upon for aEy supplies Little
grain was harvested. as the harvest
season occurred after the trouble be-
san and the lahorers were driven out.
Recent foTaging parties extending to a
considerable distance have found few
herds and the allies are forced 10 rely
entirely upon their own commissaries.
The military situation is naturally de-
pendent upon the progress OF diplomatic
negotiations. but at the same time it
Is not believed that a failure Of the CON-
mencement o: those win result In much
further activity Of the troops. Il Is
known that Count Won waldersee. the
commander Of the allies. is consider
ing the advlsability Of removing his
winter headquarters TO Shanghai. and
this is taken to indicate that the allies
VIII not endeavor to prolong operations
in the north. Prior 10 his departure
from Pekin Il is unofficlally intimatei
that his plans contemplated Shanghai
as the most available point for winter
and in the event Of his removal there
1t is considered as probable that the
commanders OF at least a part Of the
other forces win 20 also. There are
repeated reports from unofficial sources.
however. Of a strong inclination on the
part OF certain legations 70 leave Pekin
unless a satisfactory commencement Of
looking toward settlement
IS effected before the river freezes.
The fears Of a coal stringsncy In Pc
kin have been somewhat relieved by
the organization OF a caravan to the
coal districts This supply. however. is /
small and even with the exertion Of all
possible efforts TO secure fuel it is be-
lieved il military circles that the win
ter viii be severe on the troops both
here and in Pskin. An early winter is
generally predicted. The temperature
fen suddenly to "a degrees last night.
which is unusually low for this season.
The British have ahandoned their
camp on the plains to the southwest
and with the return of the Pao Ting Fu
expedition viii put their men in build
ings for the winter. The bulk OF the
German force IS being rapidly sent
to Peldn. but those stiH here
are in tents and the scarcity Of lumber
VIII probably prevent the erection Of
winter barracks.
The inadequacy Of the railway facil-
ties Is a source Of much embarrassment.
AS Indicated in the dispatches Of the
Associated Press there is a likelihood
that the road from Yang Tsun to
Pekin win be in operation this winter.
consequently the allies are depending
on tie river for transportation. The
+1iaitl lNaA4e. ltdf4AE llldL Luc IdplQ Ldil
in the Pei Ho win impede navigation, ar
using wagon trains TO rush supplies TO
Pekin. They are the only force equip
ped with wagons and animals. General
Humphrey. the chief quartermaster. is
sending four-mule teams as fast as pos
sible and the bulk Of the supplies for
the foreign garrison at Pekin is al
ready under way or safely stored in
the capital
Little progress has been made by the
allied forces who with the exception Of
the Russians will maintain large gar
rison at Pekln. AS a result, the opinion
is gaining ground that portion Of the
present estimate Of troops may be
forced TO withdraw.
1t is probable that the Pekin railway
viii be restored to its owners soon and
Operated. The Russians are said to have
offered TO turn the road over 70 the
Germans. but the offer was declined as
Isuch action would involve political com
plications.
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