The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-08-27
Circulation Statement.


The Chinese situation, as viewed in the
little light the press here has at the mo-
ment, is TOO much under cover to discuss
very intelIgentIy despatch was re-
ceived al the War Department from Gen
erai Chaffee this morning, and 1t is posi-
bic that it may be Of a character to clear
up the mystery which for several days has
rrounded events in Pekin. As the con-
& nts OF the message are withheld we are
IN the dark as TO that. The latest news
$made public is to the effect that the Chi
nese apparently were preparing 10 attack
the allied forces at Pekin in the nope of
being able to retake the capital. Nine
thousand Eurcpean-d drilled troops, armed
with modern rifles and with fifteen guns,
were reported at Nan Yuen ready TO move
on the city, and they were supposed TO be
supported by thirty thousand irregulars.
The japanese and Russian cavalry had
started out 10 meet them, expecting to en-
gage on August 90 At the same time the
american and British artillery had been
posted on the south wall of Pekin 10 re-
pulse threatened attack in rear
Various other disquieting reports have
munications between Pekfn and Tfentsfn
are being interfered with by the Chinese
and that there is urgent need FIR re-en-
foreements to keep them open Again.
the general disruption along the line is
producing serious famine conditions. which
promise 10 become acute before many days
What the American Executive Will do in
view of these conditions remains 10 be
seen, but there is probability thar the
six thousand troops ordered diverted to
Manila. may be now ordered 10 proceed
to Taku as originally intended Conditions
in the southern treaty ports are meHacing,
and, altogether, the military situation is
the reverse of encouraging.
Answers TO the circular note OF the
State Department TO the British, Euro
pean. and Japanese Governments, asking
fer definition of their position and rec
ommending an international conference,
are beginning to come in, but the nature
of the replies is suppressed by our execu-
tive authorities. 1t is believed on the
basis OF the private admissions of de-
paTtment officials, that they are not sat
isfactoTy. The probable response of Ger
many was forecasted in despatch frCm
Berlin two days ago. which asserted that
the German Foreign Office did not consider
the present time propitious for a confer
ence, and that the allied commanders
should hold Pekin and other occupied
parts Of China. until Count ven WaIdersee
should have assumed command and had
time TO report upon the situation.
The indications are that the war is by
nc means over. that the Chinese are re-
covering from their recent panic, and. un-
der the influence of the Imperial Govern
ment, which doubtless has placed itself at
safe distance from the zone OF hostflities
by this time, are getting ready to make
stand against the foreigners not only be-
tween Tientsin and Pekfn. but on the Ton
kin and Amur frontiers, and perhaps
everywhere else. If such conditions, which
now appear imminent, should materiaIize,
it is hard to see how this country could
about a "scutufng policy in China. or
conrariwise how the President could avoid
''scutuing' unless he were willing TO in
woke the war-making authority OF the
Constitution which so far. he has ignored