The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-09-01
CHINESE PROBLEM
PROVES KNOT TTY.
Powers Asked to Outline
Their Policy.
WITHDRAW TROOPS.
.Russia's Proposition Apparently Meets
With Favor.
GREAT BRITAIN ASKS TIME.
Promises to Give Note Duo Considera-
tion-Japan Believed to Be Fully
in Accord With Our Objects
as Set Out in Note, and an
Early Reply from Her
Is Expected.
GREAT BRITAIN ASKS TIME.
(By Associated Press.) J

(By Associated Prcss.)
WASHINGTON. August 31.-The Rus
sian note, relative to the withdrawal of
Russia from China, and the United States
response thereto, were made public to-day
by the State Department, after the Cabi-
net had fully considered the eXpediency of
SO doing. The correspondence is unique in
the history OF the diplomatic exchange.
1t may be said to illustrate a clever move
by which the United States Government
again has assumed the lead in prescribing
the policy Of the Powers respecting the
Chinese troubles. This was accomplished
by the State Departments awaiting itself
OF the Russian note, to address 10 the
Powers an inquiry as to their policies. an
answer to which can scarcely be avoided.
Various meanings can be placed upon
the statements OF the two principals to this
spondence. On the one hand it may
be noted that while Russia announces a
purpose to withdraw her troops from
China, still as to the occupying force at
Niu Chwang, a condition is attached that
almost negatives the proposition.
WILLING TO WITHDRAW.
Regarding our own attitude. it appears
that, while believing the best course 10
pursue is to remain in Pellin, our Govern
this means that if there is to be separate
action by the Powers in China, the United
States proposes to deal with the situation
with a free hand 1t may be noted i'll con-
nection with our withdrawal statement.
that, whereas, Russia proposed to with
draw from China, our Otrer Is 10 WltnciaWs
only from Pekin.
A significant fact in this connection is
that General Chaftee, who is we'll advised
of the situation continues his preparations
for w:lrlering the American troops IN
z China. fJrless the mo- are out OF the
Pei IIo within the next six weeks they
are likely to be ice-pound General Chaffee
was further advised to-day of the oevel-
opnlen.s in the situation, comprehen-
sive statement of the points in the Russo
American correspondence being caDied TO
him for his guidance.
AS bearing further upon the prospe:t;'
for the future it may be noted that the
Department officials state that the Gov
c,EIrent has not consldere1 the miltSt oA
evacuation Of China.
It scarcely is expected that even with tue
aid Of the cables complete accord can
be reached upon this last propositlon M
medately. Up to the close OF the oiil:ldl
day Cnly two communications h;tu oceh
received. in consequence of our last note
One was from the British forelSn once
merely promising consideration OF the note,
aud expressing a wish for time to consider
the proposition.
JAPAN IN ACCORD.
The officials here say that they are
satisfied that Japan at least IS 1ully III
accord with our objects as set out III INC
note anc rather expect an early answer
fron, her France has not been heard
from or this point, her last comlnunlca-
finn relating entirely to the matter OF -.
unr Cbang's status. The full text OF
The French Governments answer TO Y.
Hung Chang's peace proposals mas J"t
been received here. 1t proves tc De d.
most identical in language Win t!!e lSts
of tbe American Government "h'ch iai.s
5ar,n ,s . preliminary to peace oVertures
that security in the Chinese capltal ana
,.as,orsible Government authority be es-
tablished. .,, o,rro of tho
oorefy1 consideration which officials nave
given to Ii Hung Chang's credentials lhat
they we're issued by the Empress l1o"aSei
and not by the Emperor hwahs Isu. Ms
NAV have an important bearing oi ei
subject as it opens up the authority Oh
a' tha ISmnress Dowager since the coup
d.atat september g. 1898, when she TOOK
the refns of power from the Emperor II
involves also the issues between the Ell
nress Dowuger, who is antl-forelsn, ana
the Emperor, who is pro-forelsn. Sun
further consideration is the Russian sym
patbies entertained by the impress
Dowager as against the British sympathles
held by the Emperor.
THE INITIAL MOVE.
Although the exact whereabouts OF Ii
HING Chang continued to be in doubt. it
is the understanding of diplomatic officials
that he is now in continuous communlcn-
ton with the Imperial household, and
thus is enabled to convey TO them the
nrospect of a return to the Chinese cap
ital. The expected return of Prince CHING
to Pe1in is said to be result of this COM
munication between Earl Ii and the I'M
perial family, and to be the initial move
of responsible authorities toward the cap
ital.
There is reason to believe that Earl Ii
is now in frequent telegraph:c correspon-
dence with European capitals, he failing
to get from Washington an acceptance
of his overtures, having turned to Europe
and more particularly to Russia.
1t was stated to-day as an additional
reason for American acceptance of Ii
Hung Chang. that his confidential
secretary and adviser is an American. Mr..
Pethick, formerly of the American con-
sulaje service al Tien Ts.n. and regarded
as a man Of exceptional ability and
scrupulous Integrity.
The disposition to look for ulteror mo-
5tives in Russia's plan is met by the state
ment, in authoritative quarters, that such
suspicious show lack of familiarity Win
eRussia's traditional friendship with China,
they having been on good and netshhorly
terms since 1914 This unsefish and neigh
borly sentiment is the chief motive for
Russia's present course.
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