The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1900-07-12

conflict of forces began, but certainly the
initiative did not come from our side.
Even supposing that China were not con-
scious Of her true condition, how could
she take such a step as TO engage in
war with all the Powers simultaneously,
and how could she, relying upon the sup
port of an anarchistic populace, so into
war with the Powers?"
China's Position.
"Our position in this matter ought to
be clearly understood by all the Powers
The above Is a statement of the wrongs
We have suffered, and how China was
driven to the unfortunate position from
which she could not escape.
Our several minis 1ers will make known
accurately and in detail the contents of
this decree and the policy of China TO the
ministers of foreign affairs In their re-
spective countries and assure them that
military authorities are stll enjoined o
afford protection to the legations, as
hitherto, to the utmost of their power
AS for the anarchists. they Will be se-
Yerely dealt with as circumstances per
nit.
The several ministers will continue in
the discharge of the duties of their
Offices, as heretofore, without hesitation
or doubt. This Geographic decree is to
be transmitted for their Information. Re-
spect this"
Pleased by the Document
The document gave great satisfaction
here, as it showed that, assuming there
was some foundation for the first reports,
that the imperial government had encour-
aged the Boxers and even participated in
the attacks upon the legations, an effort
IS about to be made to retrieve that mis-
take
The note is said TO have originated with
the privy council, and, at the State De-
partment, this body is declared to be
identical with the tsung-i-yamen, being
the power next to the throne. and the
one which deals exclusively with for
eiSn Powers. The curious means adopt
ed of forwarding the note are supposed
to have been resorted to because what
amounts to martial law in civilized coun-
tries is now in force in Pekin and Shan
Tung, so that the tsunS-li-yamen would
ma turally confide the message 60 the war
board, now in supreme control, to secure
its transmission to Shanghai. The an
nounced purpose of the Chinese govern
ment to protect the foreign ministers is
gratifying 10 the officials here, for they
have all alcng been more or less doubtful
Of che authenticity of the several dis
patches which have emanated from
Shanghai, respecting the relations be-
tween Prince Ching and the legations.
for answer from the State Department
az this stage, and will not materially
| affect the military programme laid down
by our government. Such forces as we
can land in China will be pushed forward
with rapidity to PelIin. The only con-
sideration that would induce the adm MIS-
tration to relax that programme at any
point would be the reopenIng Of communi-
caSion with Minister Conger and his re-
| le frnr nv of or restraint
! Possibly, now that the tsung-l-yamen
is communicating with the outer world,
Il will permit the foreign ministers In
! Pelk1n, If ahey are alive to do the same.
Our government probably will suggest to
the tsung-li-yamen. through Minister
WI. here, that this be done. Much will
depend upon the response.
| Admiral Remey, the commander-in-
chief of the United States naval forces
on the Asiatic station, having arrived in
Chinese waters. is in command over the
head of Admiral Kenpff whom he ranks.
1t is believed that his caDlegrem this
morning relating to the landing of the
Ninth Infantry has lost a date line, for 1t
is not doubted that the troops were landed
at Taku instead of at Che Fec. as his mes
sage reads.
Admiral Kempff scored another credit
through the formal statement by the Chi
neSe government that the bombardment
of the forts at Taku, which was done over
his protest, and without his participation,
precipitated the crisis at Pekin.
Heavy Clothing for Troops.
Quartermaster General Ludington has
been making inquiry is to the character
of the weather to be expected in that por-
ton of China where hostifties are in pro-
gress with a view to ascertaining the needs
of the soldiers in the matter of clothing.
Reports show that the climate in the fall
and winter is even more rigid than that
of Northern New York and New England.
Consequently, the allowance of winter
clothing already ordered has been doubled,
and the Meade and the Sumner will now
take out 5000 winter outfits.