St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1900-09-05
THE EASTERN WAR.
Growing Hope That Russia
Will Not Withdraw Troops.
Allies Presence In Pekin Would Aid
In Providing a Government.

Washington, Sept. At cannot be
learned that there has been any marked
advancement of the negotiations be-
tween the powers touching the with
draWal of the International forces from
Pekin. The plain indication is that the
powers are acting upon the hint conveyed
in the last note of the state department
and are bringing all of their influence to
bear upon Russia to induce her to change
her mind as to withdrawing her troops.
For some reason the authorities here ap-
pear to feel a growing confidence that
this effort will be successful.
1t is noted as a fact of great signif-
canoe that the proposition is being ad-
vanced to have Prince Ching return to
Pekin as the acting head of the Chinese
government. The suggestion is made
that the progress Of this wave of re-
organization, while the international
troops are still in Pekin, promising as
1t does speedily to provide an actual de
facto Chinese government, with which
the nations may treat without further
doubt as to its strength, may solve the
present problem and put the Chinese
question in a fair way to final and sat
isfactory settlement. Much may de-
pend upon the attitude of Russia in this
matter, and the manner in which she
treats this appealing from the Chinese
notables may prove to be a test of the
sincerity of her expressed desire to deal
with the Chinese government as soon as
possible.
DR.. Hill, first secretary of state, re-
turned to Washington last night and as
sumed the duties of acting head of the
state department, relieving Mr.. Adee,
who has performed these duties during
the perplexing diplomatic exchanges of
recent date. DR.. Hill has been absent
In New England with his family on a
vacation, but in view Of the important
diplomatic phases of the Chinese ques-
ton which have arisen, decided to cuTtail
his stay and take up the work here
Soon after arriving he went to the White
House, and spent a half hour with the
president, going over the present status
of the Chinese negotiations. Later he
conferred at length with Mr.. Adee
From this time on, until Mr.. Hay re-
turns Or. Hill will be the active head Of
the state department.
A dispatch from DR.. Perley, the chief
surgeon at Taku, makes 1t apparent thai
whatever the conditions may be on the
! land route between Taku and Pekin, the
| Pei Flo river route, at least, is open, anc
safe for the transportation Of passengers
A dispatch from Minister Conger was
received by the state department Mon
day. 1t was chiefly interesting in beinl
the first word from him since his dis
patch of about the 9th ult. referring t
the proposed parade of troops through
the imperial palace in Pekin.
Like that dispatch, this Is dateless al
to Pekin. The contents were not made
public, but it was stated that it con
tanned nothing materially changing thu
situation. The lack of date led to de
termination to take energetic steps BY
which all dispatches hereafter coming t.
the state department from China will
have the date clearly stated.
Two other dispatches received from
China referred to the state of health o
the troops, which generally is salts
factory.