The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-06-28

Is much relieved over the advices received to-
day, officials are asking: Are the Ministers not
In a more perilous position nov than they were
in Pekin? A despatch to his Government from
the German Consul at Chefoo. which is In line
with the news received from Admiral KempfY
about Seymours column. says that Seymour
was terribly harassed, had lost % killed and
200 wounded, and could hold out for two days
only. This condition existed on Monday, the
day following the departure OF the Tien-Tsin
relieving column to Seymours assistance.
There must be a large number of foreign
diplomatic Officers. missionaries and civilians
under Seymour's protection. and In Govern
ment circles here II Is regarded az a reasonable
suppositlon that some Of the foreigners taken
from Pekin may be included In the list Of
casualties. A number Of American women and
children are supposed to be with the bcsieged
international force.
Strangely enough. the Government has never
been informed definitely whether Chinese I'm
perial troops are doing the fighting against the
foreign columns The Government adheres to
It's position that a state Of war does not off,
Gally exist. and the European Powers and
Japan are apparently taking the same ground.
Although American blood has been shed. the
Government has no reason to believe that the
Chinese Government was a party to the hostil-
tiles. In fact. the treatment Of the foreign
Ministers by the authorities at Pekin is re-
garded a. showing the contrary. The news
from KempfY and the Tsung-ll- Yamen Is the
first rift In the wal cloud, and the Government
Is hopeful that when everything is explained
there will be no cause for war.
Under the agreement between the European
Powers. Japan and the United States, secured
by this Government and that Of France. that
the foreign forces landed In China will be used
only to restore order and protect life and
property. these nations are practically pledged
not TO declare war against China until that
matter has been considered by all the parties
to the agreement. OF course. China will be
obliged to make reparation for the damage
done to foreign Consulates and the persons
and property Of foreign citizens. and it is
regarded here as certain that foreign troops
will remain on Chinese territory. for sew
eral months at least, to perform police
duty. But the hope Is expressed by men here
qualihed to judge Of the outcome that the
Powers will ind a way Of adjusting their differ
ences with China without r~esorting to war.
Out Of this may. and. 1t Is believed here. will.
- 81 Niiioheh ii' tbo aboO-
lutte powers Of the Chinese throne will be cur
tailed; closed ports will be opened TO foreign
trade. and protection to all foreigners will be
secured by an international police force strong
enough to cope with any future anti-foreign
uprising.
The good news from Kempff. for the officials
30 regard II. despite the fact that the inter-
national column guarding the Ministers was
hard pressed at last accounts, will not, however,
cause the Government TO rescind any Of its ar
ransements for putting a strong American
armed force on Chinese soil and in Chinese
waters. At least a brigade Of regu-
lars will. be sent. and the Navy Depart
ment Is pushing work on golfers and
waterships to be despatched to the East.
An effort to get crews Of merchant service sea-
men for these vessels is being made. Admiral
Remey Ii supposed TO be on his way from
Manila to Taku on the Brooklyn with 800
marines. and the Ninth Infantry left Manila to-
day for Taku on the transports Logan and Port
Albert.
The supply ship Scindia. ordered to return TO
Asiatio waters with coal for the American ships
at Taku. has been unable to get her bunkers
filed at Gibraltar and has been ordered 20
Cardiff. Wales, TO get a cargo Of the celebrated
coal mined at that place.