The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-26
Russian Commander Not I'm Accord
with the Military Representa-
tfves of Other Powers.
INSTRUCTIONS TO DIPLOMATS
NOTE SENT TO UNITED STATES REP
REsENTATIvEs ABROAD.
The Administration Hopeful that an
International Conference VIII
Result in Harmony
srsclal to the indianapolis Journal.

Special 70 the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON. Aug. 25.-Despite re-
ports Of outbreaks in southern China and
that great force OF the Black Flags has
arisen and is marching on Peking 1t is be-
lieved in official circles here that the mill
tary situation in China is giving way to
the diplomat Nevertheless there is no in
tention of bringing away the American
troops now until affairs are settled and
have resumed their normal conditions.
The story that General Chaffee had
recommended the withdrawal of troops on
the ground that there was no further use
for them there. and that If Russia began
formal war on China he would withdraw
our forces anyway is an absolute canard.
General Chaffee simply cabled he was wait
ing further orders. making no recommended
tons. He has already been informed that
an American force is to remain in China
until the troubles are at an end and order
restored. There is a great deal to be done
IN a diplomatic way, and the withdrawal
Of our troops at this time or any time
previous to the restoration of peace would
he construed by the Chinese as a retreat
and an acknowledgment of defeat, hence
they must remain.
The Associated Press says the diplomatic
feature Of the Chinese situation to-day
took precedence over both the naval and
military features. The officials of this gov
eminent were. If anything, more uncom-
municative than heretofore as 10 the rela-
tions between the powers and China. 1t
was stated authoritatively that no news of
operations had been received, and that the
diplomatic negotiations could not be made
public.
REMEYS REPORT.
The most unsatisfactory development of
the day, so far as the pacific programme of
this government goes, was the receipt of a
dipatch from Admiral Remey conveying the
reports which had reached him of a dis
agreement between the commander Of the
Russian forces in Peking and the other
internationals. The text of this dispatch
was not made public, but IL was said on
good authority TO contain the statement
that the Russian commander had forbidden
communication with the Chinese on the
well as practically, at war with China. 1t
may be said that this information was not
conveyed by Admiral Remey as official
news. but merely as areport from reliable
sources which he considered this govern
ment should possess for its own informa-
ton. Assuming Admiral Remey's report to
be correct. this move on the part OF Rus
sia strikes the first note of discord in the
heretofore harmonious concert of the pow
ers. The possibilities OF future complica-
lions that it opens up are almost infinite,
and would be serious 10 a degree. 1t may
be said, however, that the news is not taken
very seriously by this government, and GER
tainly will not affect our course in any
way until it has been officially confirmed.
II was explained that the situation grow
Ing out Of the joint occupation OF Peking
oy the powers was delicate, although not
necessarily TO be described as serious. The
interests OF all the powers there are re-
ported as at least competitive, If not an
~sonistic, and an ill-considered move on
the part OF any one government might
easily entail diSagreeable consequences in
which all would be more or less involved.
Al the same time. it was explained that
al the governments represented in China
we're anxious to avert an open clash. If
'his could be done without sacrificing what
'ney considered their rights in the prem
sss- IN this the United States occupied
'ns situation it held all through the dis
ufoanee, namely. Of being the one power
east under suspicion by the others OF self
.sh and ulterior motives. This government
exceedingly anxious to maintain this
'ahAge ground and retain the confidence
VI the other powers. so that IL is now
more than ever cautious as to the next
step to be taken
INSTRUCTIONS TO ENJOYS.
me decision 10 address instructions to
e United States representatives at the
ours OF the various powers was reached
eroay after the most mature delib-
auon- 1t would have been a satisfac-
oH 70 this government II the action could
been taken without exciting public
.snent OF any sort. Owing TO the fact
ehis communication was not addressed
!. ,suy 70 the other governments. and that
on'ained merely Instructions for the
sance Of our diplomatic representatives
.s.,' u was decided not TO make public
ths text or the substance Of the