The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-08-13
The CHINESE sIrUATI0N.

The statement in the Orfcial Messenger Of st.
Petersburg that the Russian Government has
authorized It's representative at Pekin. NJ. De
Giers. to leave there on condition that the
Chinese authorities give him safe conduct, In
PRODUCES q new and unexpected feature
into the situation. IL Ia to be presumed
that the statement is accurate. In which
case the action OF the Russian Government
indicates an intention TO act Independently IN
this matter OF the ENJOYS. What Its exact
motive may be in taking this step. will probably
be explained later on. More than one view
may be taken OF 1t; and 1t would also be inter-
esting to know in connection with 1t whether
the Manchu or the Chinese infue ice Is the pre-
dominating one In Pekin. 1t Is In tho last de-
gree improbable that the Russian Government
would play with the lives OF Its Envoy and his
stan; In giving him authority. therefore,. 10
place himself under the protection OF the
Chinese authorities. II has done 50, either to
test their good faith or because it has perfect
confidence In their ability to deliver him with
oil the personnel Of the legation safe at the
Russian headquarters on the road to Pekin
from Tientsin.
The gravity Of the incident lies In the fact that
by 1t Russia virtually separates herself on one
important question from those with whom she
has been hitherto acting. 1t is also an encour-
agement to the Chinese to maintain a dubious
and stiT- necked attitude. and TO 60 on strength
ening their forces about Pektn. which they are
reported to DO doing BY drawing reenforcements
from the warlks populations Of Honsn and
Hupeh.
As regards the advance on the capital, II Is re-
markable that full details OF the situation at
Yangtsun should not have been yet received.
though seven days have elapsed since Its cap
ture was reported. The delay in communicating
them may be due to the field wire being blocked
by work connected with the service OF the con-
tingents. or there may be political Influences
dominating the situation and bringing the
military movements to a temporary stand
still. --latest reports lead to the belief that such
Il the case, and that some arrangements are
under discussion by which the ENJOYS may be
brought out from Pekin in safety. leaving the
other matters for subsequent negotiation.
Tho reports from Shanghai As to the oppo-
sition 10 the landing Of foreign troops there
o'h. The .ou pss1 q sic. re h pols,. c to he a aqa .Ss
Of a crisis IN that part Of hina, for the decision
OF the British Government to send 5000
troops to Shanghai win undoubtedly be
ment will be very unlikely to 20 back
on its intention to send about an equal
number Of French troops to protect is inter
ests. The Chinese can hardly fail 10 be
disturbed by the coming OF large bodies OF
troops OF rival Powers to the great commercial
capital Of their country and it can be easily
conceived that in the circumstances. trade there
IL coming to a standstill owing to the appre-
tensions of the people.
The nomination Of Field Marshal Count Won
Waldersee to he chief OF the allied
forces, and its acceptance by some Of the
Powers with the probability Of all concerned
acquiescins under conditions; Is fattering to
Germany and its army. of which he is one Of
the most distinguished officers. The position,
however. can hardly be more than honorary,
entity "a a milita airy organization under it, own
commander. but is subject at any moment to
have Its action as part OF the international
OF its Government. The action of the Russian
Government In the matter Of Its Envoy Is an
Illustration Of the uncertainty Of the situation.
and Of its future possibilities.