The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1900-09-01


prolonged indefinitely.
One important effect of the announced de-
termination OF Russia will be to strengthen
Muscovite influence in China. 1t is fact
that at least one Power objected to treat
ing with Ii Hung Chang because It be-
heved him to be under Russian influence.
and the representative Of this Power here
said to-day that he would not be surprised
had Russia been In communication with the
Chinese Eiceroy before II made its proposal
TO the Powers. Russia will more than ever
be regarded in China as the best friend of
the Imperial Government. She kept Japan
out of China after the war between the
Toxic and Pekin Governments, and then, as
reward. secured concessions In territory.
the cessfon Of which was demanded by
Japan. She will. according to a diplomat
who discussed the situation to-day. ask to
be again rewarded when the allies leave
Pekin
But more than a prospective reward. It is
undoubtedly fact that Russia considers
Pek1n within her ultimate sphere of infiu-
ence. 1t will be necessary for her to retain
troops along the line of her railroad from
siberia to Port Arthur to protect 1t from
destruction, and this will necessitate the
maintenance of an armed force in China and
mean the Russianization of Manchuria-
According to an official dispatch received
by Mr.. Tskahira. the Japanese Minister to
the United States. Japan was represented
In the relief of Pekin by I'D men and fifty
three guns: Great Britain by 22a2 men and
thirteen guns; Russia by $3.50 men and twen-
ty-two guns, and France by 400 marines and
eighteen guns. Great Britain and japan,
therefore. were overwhelmingly the superior
OF the RusSan-Franco forces. Since that
date. however, all the Powers have hurried
re-enforcements to Pekin. but the Russians
are still numerically greatly inferior From
the military point Of view in ST. Peters,
burg 1t fs desirable that the Russians should
retire. and 1t is altogether likely they will
do SO, especially In view OF the declared
purpose Of the administration to order Gem
era; Chaffee to withdraw unless there il
such general expression by the Powers in
favor of continued occupation as to modify
the views expressed by the Government of
Russia and lead to a general agreement for
continued occupation
Mistake to withdraw.
An early Withdrawal from Pekin by the
United States. Great Britain, France. Jaran
and Russia may be anticipated, bat It Is the
belief OF the administration that a with
drawa1 from Pekin at this time would be
d mistake.
Secretary Adee's note in reply to the
communication of the Russian Government
declares that It is the opinion of this Gov
ernment that the purposes set forth in
the note of July can best be attained "by
the joint occupation Of Pekin under a def
mite understanding between the Powers un-
til the Chinese Government shall have been
re-established and shall be in a position
to enter into new treaties with adequate
provisions for reparation and guarantees of
full protection"
What this Government desires above all
else. however. Is harmony OF action among
the Powers. The President does not pro-
pose TO be drawn into any International
complications over China II It can possibly
be avoided. The withdrawal of any one
Power from Pel<in would endanger such
complications, and the United States would
at once recall General Chaffec and confine
its efforts 10 the protection Of Americans
and their interests until such time as the
Powers might be able to unite again upon
common line Of action.
Whatever might be the attitude OF the
American forces would withdraw as the only
means of avoiding serious international
complications IL the other Powers with
draw
The full text of the French Governments
answer to Lii Hung Chang's peace proposals
of August 10 and 21 has j.st been received
here. 1t proves to be almost identical In
language with the reply of the American
Government, which laid down as q preIim-
mary TO peace overtures that security in
the Chinese capital and responsible Govern
ment authority be established.
1t has been developed. in the course OF
the careful consideration which officials
have given to Ii Hung Chang's credentials.
that they were issued by the Empress
Dowager, and not by the Emperor, Kwang
Tsa,. This may have an important bearing
on the subject, as 1t opens up the authority
of the Empress DowaGer since the coup
detat sf saptembsz = 1ss& when shs took