Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-09-12
THE CHINESE TROUBLES.

Ii is stated in Washington that this
government will shortly notify the pow
ers that 1T will withdraw American
troops from China if the allies do not
come to an agreement within a reason
able time.
The way is being paved by the State
Departm emit, under the direction OF the
President, to withdraw the military
force ofthe United States and remove
Minister Conger and his official family
to Shanghai, unless it shall appear ad-
vantageous to keep the legation IN
PekiD.
AS the imperial government has de-
signated LII Hung Chang and Prince
Ching to represent the Emperor at Pc
kin, and a Earl Lii will repair there If
the powers permit it, Pekin may be the
centre OF interest this winter and nego-
tiations carried on there.
DR.. Hi /, Acting Secretary # State,
yesterday evening handed Minister Wa
the answer of this government 10 the
imperial edict Of August "a. received
Monday, investing Ii Hung Chang With
full discretionary powers as envoy plen-
potentiary to deal with whatever ques-
ton may require attention.
The answer is nou-committal, but 1t
is pointed not tust THE government does
not wish TO appear hssty 10 accepting
Lii Hung Chang at this time. though
willing to treat with him eventually.
The delay in taking any decisive action
at present was partly due to the fact
that Minister Conger's answer 10 a
cablegrsm sent last Friday is awaited.
The advice contained 10 the American
Minister'S reply, which is expected
about the first OF next week, will, in a
large degree, govern the action taken
by the United States as to whether the
American Legation shall be kept IN
PekiB.
The French government has in
struciei Its troops in Pekin to act in
concert with the Russian and Ameri-
can commanders in Withdrawing troops
from the city.
A dispatch from Paris says: A cor
respondent learns from the foreign If
| fee that majority of the powers have
agreed on three points regarding the
settlement OF the Chinese QUESTION
the preservation Of the integrity of the
empire, the necessity OF securing guar
sntees that similar outrsges will not &C
cur in the future, and compensation for
past grievances. Pourparies are nav
being exchanged between the powers
as to what guarantees and compe nss.
ton shall DO demanded. The CORES
pendent learns from other good
sources, however, that Germany is
prabably the only power that at pr s.
ent hesita es to join in with the other
governments 10 the agreement. The
difficulty with Germany is to climb
down 10 a dignified manner from her
hastily assumed attitude.
1t is reported that the Russians have
captured the Dowsger Empress, but thu
report is not confirmed. The forelgu
governments seem at loss TO know
how to treat the Empress. While she
is responsible for the attacks upon the
legations, the foreign goverDm ents re-
al re that only by granting her immu-
nifty can the peace negotiations be iaCil-
itated.
At he same time this Government
having within Id its decision regarding
Independent action pending the replies
OF the various powers to Russia's propo
sal to withdraw is disposed to allow b
reasonable time to elspse for the powers
to signify their policy in this matter.
Add if Sd agreement ia shortly reached
In Europe on a uniform plan of action
10 China this government will join,
provided such sn agreement would not
conflict with the avowed and reiterated
purposes of America in the Far East.
A similar request to that received
here yesterday has been cent by Earl
Ii to the Chinese representatives in the
cspitsls OF Europe and Japan. He also
forwards the text OF two edcts of the
Emperor dated August 81, one direct
ing him to proceed to Pekin and with
Prince Ching, who is there, deal with
whatever questions arise with the pow
ers, or any one OF them. The other
edict directs Sir Robert Hart to provide
Chinese warship to take Ii to Pekin
Immediately. Minister Wa expects an
answer today.