Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-28

Washington, Sept. 22.-About two
thirds of the american troops now at
Picking have been ordered TO retire
and return to the Philippines. a le-
cation guard of one regiment, one
battery and a squadron of cavalry
about 1850 men-will be left at Pc
king under the direct control of Min
lister Conger.
German Plan Not Favored.
The United States declines TO sup
port the proposal made by the gov
eminent of Germany TO the effect
that punishment of guilty Chinese Of
ficials should be made condition pre-
cedent to the opening of negotiations.
While the United States wants pun
ishment of the guilty, it makes such
punishment a part of its negotiations,
and not a preliminary thereto.
Negotiations Invited.
The United States recognizes Ii
Hung Chang and Prince Ching as ne
gotiators on the part of the Chinese
government, being satisfied of the
prima facie validity and sufiiciency OF
their credentials. Minister Conger
has not yet been instructed TO open
negotiations. But the United States
will appoint a commission to nego-
tiate, and by implication invites the
other powers 10 do the same.
situation Cleared Up.
The foregoing important decisions
concerning China were made by the
president and cabinet yesterday after
two conferences, participated in by
Secretaries Long and Hitchcock, At
torney General Griggs and Postmas-
ter General Smith. President McKin
ley has in two days cleared up every
important phase Of the Chinese situa-
tion demanding attention. The presi-
dent left for Canton in the evening.
Note TO Germany.
A note was handed to the German
charge d'affaires, Baron Won Stern
berg, containing the reply of the
American government 10 the German
proposal The note is short and TO
the point. The United States favors
punishment and in Secretary Hays
circular of July proposed 10 hold
those who had wronged American cit
liens "to the uttermost accountable
ity." But the United States cannot
support a proposition to put punish
ment before negotiation.
Note To Russia.
4 note was handed to the Russian
- IN, 81 ha IN
quiry Of Russia as to the attitude Of
the United States, informing that
mower that Minister Conger will re-
main in Picking and have leg ltion
guard of a regiment, a battery and a
squadron of cavalry.
Note to Minister Wu.
Minister WI has been handed a
note informing him that this govern
ment recognizes Prince Ching and Ii
Hung Chang and will presently insti-
tute negotiations with them, probably
in cooperation with other powers.
Clear the Docket
These decisions Of the president and
cabinet clear up the Chinese docket
so far as the United States and the
immediate future are concerned. The
United States does not abandon Pc
king, but leaves there a legation
guard strong enough TO meet all
emergencies and TO afford protection,
not only TO our ministers, but TO the
Chinese converts as well.
send More ships.
Washington, Sept. 25.-The United
States maintains a position independ-
emit of all the powers in its replies 10
notes of inquiry, so that troops may
be Withdrawn from China at any time.
America ay negotiate alone. Six
war vessels have been ordered 10 re
enforce the Asiatic feet as the presi-
dent fears a worldwide war is i'm
pending.
Likes Americas Plan.
London. Sept - Chinese min
lister 10 London declares Americas
plan for settlement will be hailed with
Joy in China and that all the powers
will adopt a similar policy, thereby
keeping peace. France, Russia and
America hold 10 n common policy OPP
posed 10 that of Germany, Italy and
Austria. and diplomats believe peace
or war over China hinges on Eng
lands turn.
The Turning Point.
Washington. Sept. 2j.-The position
of the United States on China, as
made known in the notes made public.
is receiving the earnest consideration
Of the other powers and their repre-
sentatives here. It is looked upon as
sort of turning point in the negotia-
tons. on which the alignment Of the
several countries will be determined
and their programmes framed.
/
Fight Under CompuIsion.
London. Sept 22.-Further reports