The evening times., 1900-09-28
Circulation Statement.
THO Chinese puzzIe.


1t is presumabIe that the international
situation in China cannot continue much
longer in its present enigmatical condition
Something must drop before many days
Lord Salisbury has not yet replied to the
German note, but his answer will have to
be forthcoming soon. Probably he is wait
ing TO see what Field Marshal Count Won
Waldersee's first move may be after his
arrival at Taku, which should occur today
1t is hardly expected that the count will at
once resort to the drastic measures pre-
dicted in recent sensational reports from
Europe; but his initial step or steps. what
ever they may be, are likely to affect the
immediate British policy.
Since Mr.. Mckinley broke the concord
Of the powers by accepting the Russian
proposal for evacuation, the relations be-
tween the Governments having opposite
interests in China have been steadily in
creasing in strain. and on this account
much OF the irritation displayed ty the
European press in relation to the course
OF the United States is perhaps eXcusahle.
The Presidents Russian alliance has not
been creditable to his statesmansnip or
diplomacy. as far as can be judged by
developments to date. This country has
been cleYerly eliminated from influence
in determining international action, while
Russia having used the President for her
own purposes, cynicalIy turns her back
upon Mr.. Mckinley. proceeds to annex
Manchuria, and to invite the ahe-deyil
TIE Hsi to return to Pekin. there to re-
sumo her full imperial power under Rus
sian protection This is humiliation for
the United States equal to that OF Prince
Tuan's appointment as Grand Secretary
and President of the Privy Council!
The latter insult appears to be little
too much even for the pachydermatous
hide of the Administration. Not that 1t
really minds any little indiscretions in the
way of torture, murder, or attempts to
massacre the legatioEers, Of which the
Prince may have been guilty; bat there are
two important elements Of American po-
liticaI society which, rightly or wrongly,
synpathiZe with the German position, and
believe that ii would be puerile and cow
ardIv for the United States 10 treat for
peace with the blood-reeking iends who
are responsible for the horrors Of the
the war waged against US in Pekin, Tien-
tsfn. and Yangtsun.
The missionary element is calling loudly
for the head of the demoniac Tuan. if not
for that Of his mistress, TIE Hsi, and is in
no mood to tolerate American recognition
of either. save in the character Of crimi-
nails whose crimes have cutlawed them in
the eyes Of God and man. The German
American clement naturally side with their
FatherIand IN a desire to punish the In
perial murderers who killed Baron Won
Ketteler; because he was of their blood.
Naturalization papers do not efface that
feeling from the hearts OF any assimilated
people.
With such a sentiment strong within
them, the German-Americans resent the
curt and undiplomatic manner of Mr. Me
Kinley's answer to the German proposal,
and regard the panicky ut-and-scuttle
policy of the Administration with disfavor,
as one certain to destroy the prestige Of
their adopted country abroad,
The President and his advisers appear
to have become aware that the play they
have been making does not constitute the
DeSJ variety OI SCUG pO!IlLCSs anu al Z
now showing signs of fresh and original
wobble, to get under cover. Now it is
reported that the latest plan is to have
Minister Conger notify Ii. Ching, and
Yung Lu, in an amiabIe but fierce tone of
voice, that the United States views with
alarm the elevation to power Of Tuan- Aft
er that, it is said. unless he is Immediate
Iy deposed and disgraced, our legation ana
legation guard will be Withdrawn and Mr..
WI will be removed from his position
as Confidential Secretary of State for
Chinese Affairs, and sent home. Then,
as the reader will observe, we should be
entirely out of China, and the seuttle would
be complete automatically es well as in
& military sense. Altogether the Admins
tration phenomena of the day appear to
reflect a policy as strenuous, active, and
vigorously direct as that of a chicken with
its head cut off.