The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-01
Circulation Statement.
The Russo-American Movement.

The RussO-Americnn Movement.
With the publication yesterday of the
communication of the Russian Govern
ment, declaring its purposes and pro-
gramme in China. and of the reply of
the State Department thereto. it becomes
all the more apparent that Russia with
her astute Diplomacy. has won an i'm
portant point from her rivals. Not the
least clever part of the Russian play was
En- approaching the United States indi-
ViIually. and in attempting with signal
success to get this country committed be-
fore the other powers should know what
was in the wind. IN ordinary circum-
stances, before announcing to Great Brit
an, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and
Japan. through our diplomatic representa-
5ives. that he had adopted and would act
in practical accordance with the Russian
Iasition. Mr.. Mckinley naturally would
have asked the Foreign Offices of those
Governments for their views on the matter.
But it is probable that he was too eager
to find an excuse for ''scuttling policy"
10 wait for anything Of that sort. or to
risk the disapproval of London. which cer-
sanity would have come over the cable. as
soon as the nature Of the proposed move
nent had been made known in Downing
Street
As matters stand, the attitude of Rus
sic alone is well defined. She has ordered
the withdrawal of her minister, his suite,
and the Russi-n troops from China. That
e. IS a Significantly radical move on the part
Of tho Car and one which We appre-
bend. Mr.. Mckinley and Mr.. Adee have
not aualyzed very critically. 1t is likely
70 be followed by Muscovite suggestion
tat. inesmueh as everything that Japan
sought to accomplish in China, conformity
Sith the other powers, has Deen accom-
plisheG. it would be timely and fitting for
Japan 10 now follow the example of Rus
STA ard also retire from Chinese territory
With the forces Of Russia, the United
States. and Japan Withdrawn, the small
ccntingents of Great Britain, Germany.
Austria, and Italy, even if acting in per-
fect harmony would be powerless to ac-
ccmplish any good, and Russia would con-
1Iol the situation from over the Manchu-
ia frontier. 1t is 10 be noted that our
S ate Department has not altogether adopt
ri the Russian programme. 1t recognizes
;le embarrassment and danger which
would accrue if the "scuttling' from Pekin
were 10 be undertaken separately by the
c different hitherto allied forces, and while
recommending retirement. suggests that it
b. accomplished by joint action of the in
1srnational commanders as was the ad-
vance This Government, therefore, will |
order its commander to withdraw the
american troops from Pekin after confer
snce with his colleagues as 20 the time |
ard circumstances Of the movement.
The American memorandum states that 1
agser the solidarity of the alliance has been
broken by the retirement Of one Of the
allies from Pekin it viii be the right Of
each State individually to provide for the
protection Of its own interests and Of its
citizens and their property in China in
whatever way it may deem best. This is
an obvious position to take. as it does not
commit US to the evacuation Of China at
shy time preceding receipt Of satisfaction
and assurances of,the future good conduct
Of the Chinese Government. But perhaps
lis is an unimportant consideration in the
presence Of the fact that the destruction
hy Russia OF the common policy and action
In advance Of a settlement. with the en-
dorsement and approval of the United
States, renders any sort Of solution de-
pendent upon the harmonious cooperation
Of all the powers concerned extremely
doubtful OF accomplishment Instead Of
promoting amity and common under
standing. the Russo-American coup is only
toD well calculated TO precipitate the diff
ferenees which have been feared when the
questions Of damages and a punitive fine
should come up for discussion and adjust
ment in connection with the peace nego-
tiations. This view Of the situation has
Jiawned upon the Administration and is
giving it great concern. The only party
81 all justified in feeling eIation is Russia.
i was said yesterday that Mr.. Hay had
oasn urged to return to his post at the
earliest moment possible in order that he
might try his Machiavelian hand at the
muddle- Those who know him best best
know whether or not that would be likely
% alleviate conditions which in part have
been created by recent manifestations OF
our splendid diplomacy"