The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-09-12

lowing cablegram TO Coolidge. COM
manding the United States forces at
Tien Tsin. 1t Is reported here that
there has been extensive lOOting In
Tien Tsin. Report Immediately whether
the American troops took part. IL so
punish severely and repress sternly.
Absolute regard for life and property Of
non -combatants is epjoined.
e" BY order Of the secretary Of war
"CORBIN.
Coolidge replied:
"LOoting by American troops in the
walled city at Tien Tsin Is unfounded
and denied. No property has been de-
stroyed except under military exl-
gency"
WASHINGTON. Sept. 11.-From a
formal statement given out today It
appears that the state department. is
not YET ready to begin direct negotia-
tions with Ii Hung Chang. 1t does
not question his credentials as pleni-
potentiary but simply leaves the mat
ter in allowance. Probably this Is be-
cause the powers have not returned
their responses TO the Russian note. as
il is desired to avoid being the first
among the bowers TO abandon hope Of
harmonious action and strike for Itself
toward settlement directly with Chi
IA. Also it may be deemed well TO
wait to hear from COnger who, sew
eral DAYS ago, was invited TO express
his opinion about quitting Pekin.
WASHINGTON, Sept n.-Minister
WI has received cable message from
Earl Ii Hung Chang giving an i'm
perial edict signed by the emperor,
directing him to proceed Immediately
to Pekin and there to cooperate with
Prince Ching toward peace negotiations
and a settlement of all war difficulties.
The edict Is dated August q. Accord
ingly. Ii Hung Chang asks that the
powers cooperate in aff0rding him per-
sonal protection. He probably win leave
Shanghai at once. going by sea. Sir
Robert Hart. imperial minister of GUS
toms. has been asked TO procure steam
er accommodations for the trip. Min
lister WI will probably ask that Unit
ed States gunboat be designated for
Earl Lis use.
LONDON. Sept. 11.-France has for
mally adhered to the Russian proposal
to withdraw from Pekin to Tien Tsin.
A representative of the Associated
Press learns. on unquestionable au-
! thority. that telegraphic instructions
sent from Paris and st. Petersburg to
NJ. PichOn and NJ. De Giers, respect
lively, the ministers Of France and Rus
sia at Pekin. directing both ministers
in conjunction with Generals Frey and
Linowitch to take measures to with
draw the legations and military con-
tingents of both countries to Tien Tsin
Immediately, if circumstances permit.
Diplomatic circles in London are in
clined to believe that this step will lead
to similar action on the part of the
United States and Japan, and that
while Germany may hold out until
Field Marshal Count Won Walders5e
arrives in China. she will ultimately
acquiesce. leaving Great Britain litt
choice but to follow suit.
LONDON, Sept. ia dispatch from
Nagasaki. Japan, says it is reported
there that the dowager empress of
China has been captured by the Rus
slams at Johol CO.
PARIS. Sept. ia special dispatch
from Rome SAYS that the Italian min
ister of foreign affairs. Marquis Wis
cont VenOsta has addressed to the
powers a note proposing negotiations
with China on the following basis
First-The evacuation of Pelxin as
soon as the peace preliminaries have
been signed.
Second-The participation and sup
port of the powers in enabling China
Il contract alone to pay the indem-
mites.
Third-The maintenance of the in
- ~. chinese pONnirh hNF the
collective engagement Of the powers.
LONDON, Sept. 1.-THE Toxic cor
respondent of the Times. wiring Sep
tember s, says:
Japan has replied that she will not
object to the withdrawal Of her min
ister from Pekin and to the other meas
ures recommended by the concert uf
powers, and since her geographical po-
sition enables the prompt adoption or
the necessary military measures. she
is willing to withdraw her superlluous
troops.
According to trustworthy rumors
Russia is preparing to winter 10000
troops at Chi Pi.'
LONDON, Sept. 1.-THE Chinese min
lister in London, Sir Chih Chen Lo Feng
Lufl Is UNDERSTOOD IO NAVE NeCSlNFu
from Ii Hung Chang copy Of the
credentials emanating from the impe-
rial household appointing the plenipo-
tentiaries 10 conduct the negotiations
for peace and laying down the con-
ditions in relation thereto.
1t Is intimated that similar documents
have been transmitted to the Chinese
ministers at other capitals and that the
credentials are such as will satisfy the
American and European governments
Sir Chih Chen Lo Feng Luh informed
Ia representative of the Associated
Press that he had received a decree
similar 70 the one WI Ting Fang, the
minister to the United States, handed
to the state department at Washing
ton. and added that he personally
transmitted the decree to the foreign
Office this afternoon.