The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-09-05

NEW YORK. Sept. "A dispatch TO
the Tribune from London says:
Explanations Of the American cIrcu-
lar note which have been oabled here
from Washington have caused general
establishment Whatever the state de-
partment may have meant to convey.
Downing street understood the United
States government TO be supporting
lusslas proposal for immediate retire
ment from Pekin.
The British foreign Office has received
two disagrecable surprises in the last
week. Il was Justly annoyed at find
Ink that Russia. after all her declara-
ilons OF affection for the international
concert. had calmly given orders for
the retirement Of the Russian troops
and legation without even waiting 70
hanr what The other powers thought OF
the movement. But the attitude Of the
United States was almost equally dis
roncertlng. The British government
thought It was entitled to rely on Amer
lean support In the endeavor to settle
the Chinese question effectually.
The British official view is that this
retirement from Pekln is only advan-
tageous FOR Russia, which kills three
birds with one stone, In the first place
she has her troops free for use where
she wants them Jus, now. namely in
Manchuria; second. she limits the ex-
pendlture OF money which. In the pres
ent condition OF her finances. Is highly
desirable: third. she prevents the pos
sible removal Of the Chinese seat OF
government from Pekin where. for rea-
sons Of her own. she particularly desires
that II should remain. But in general
Russian interests believe the with
dra0al is a mistake since the Chinese
win simply believe the powers are
afraid OF them.
There will be no reorganization, no
permanent safety for foreigners and no
guarantee OF "an open door" II great
Britain. in her effort TO secure dura-
BILE settlement once for all, could rely
on solid American backing, she could
put herself az the head OF at least four
powers and so defeat the Russian pro-
ject, Were England and America unit
ed on this point Japan very probably
would Join them: but without the Unit
ed States the combination would fall
through and England's efforts to ar
range the Eastern question without
parlluoning China or without leaving
that empire in a condition to invite flu
ture Intervention may have TO be
abandoned
English states thought that they
had right to count on American aid
In pursuing an unselfish policy which
is for the common benefit Of the civil
lied world. and they viii be deeply dis
appointed to find that they are mlstak-
en- and that American regard FOR the
open door" and Chinese integrity is
limited to words. The moment the |
United States is asked to accept some
amount of responsibility 1t hastily ef-
faces itself and executes a precipitate
retreat.
Active communications are now pas
sing between London and Washington
and London and PelSin. The final de-
cison of the British government can be
easily predicted. Unless some prospect
Is held out of active support of the nom
retirement policy by the United States
il is probable the Russian example will
eventually be initiated by all the other
powers. France In any case will follow
Russia. Germany may do the same,
though with great reluctance. sooner
than separate from her Eastern and
Western neighbors. England under
.hese circumstances will naturally feel
that she is not called upon to incur the
-lsks and burdens Of winter occupa-
lion Of Pekin and will also withdraw.
lfter vigorous protest, and attempt to
The allied governments OF the
yrlevous mistake that is being made.
II should be recalled that with Taku
larbor closed by Ice and Russia holding