Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1900-08-17
DRAWING VERY NEAR
Gratifying Progress of the Allied
Forces in China.
May Even Now he Under the walls
of Pelsing--Importnnt Messnge
from Gen. Chnffee - Tells
of the Advance.

of the Advance.
Washington, Aug. 14.-The Ameri-
can commander in China, in II dispatch
of just three wopds, received at the
war department late Monday after
noon, sent thrill Of eXhultation and
expectancy throughout official quar-
ters by announcing his arrival at Ho-
Si-Wu, only 33 miles from Peking, last
Thursday. The last heard from him
before this was at Yangtsun, which
had been captured after hard fight,
and word of his movements since then
had been eagerly awaited. Thursday
he was IS miles beyond Yangtsun.
LangfanR the place where the ill
fated Seymour expedition met its fate
and turned back. had been left behind.
The battle of Yangtsun was fought on
the 9th and the advances to Ho-Si-Wu
was accomplished on the 0th--a march
of Is miles in three days. This was
four days ago, and at the same rate of
progress Chaffee is even now fairly
within striking distance of the walls
of Peking. 1t was consummation
which the war department had await
ed calmly. and as stirring as the news
was that the American force was now
nearing the gates of the imperial city
Secretary Root and Adjt. Gen. Corbin
'evinced no, surprise, as it accorded
with calculations, although the ad-
vance has peen more rapid than was
expected.
Must he Close to PeIsing.
Word of the advance soon spread
throughout official quarters. In the
enthusiasm of the moment n report
got about that Monday was the day
for the actual arrival at Peking. But
the war department had not word
of the advance beyond Ho4Si-Wu. 1t
was deemed hardly likely that the
march to Peking could have been
made since last Thursday. At the rate
of progress. six miles day, made
from Iangtsun to Ho-Si-Wu. about "a
miles would have been covered in the
last four days, and up TO Monday this
would still leave the international
forces nine miles from Peking. Viewed
from any standpoint the advance to
Ho-Si-Wu was of the utmost impor-
tance, not only strategically, but also
in showing that communication was
open back to Chefoo, that the expect
ed opposition from Chinese hordes
had not been sufficient TO prevent the
steady forward movement. and in the
influence it would exert upon the Chi
nese government
Firm Reply.
The reply of the United States gov
ernment to China's overtures for peace
was made public early in the day,
showing the firm and final position
that had been taken. While express
ing satisfaction at this pacific step,
the reply states that ii is evident that
there can be no general negotiation
between China and the powers so
long as the ministers and legationers
are restrained and in danger. Then
follows specific statement of what
the United States expects as condi-
tion precedent to cessation of hos
tilities, viz, that body of the relief
force be permitted TO center Picking
unmolested' and escort the ministers
back to Tientsin. The text of the
American reply is as follows:
"MEMoRANDUM.-T the i'm.
perial edct of August s appointing ii
Hung Chang envoy plenipotentinry to con-
duct negotiations, on the part of China
with the powers and the request for a ces-
sation of hostilities, pending negotiations
communicated to Mr. Adee by Mr. WI on
the 18th of August 1900
"1'ho government of the United States
learned with satisfaction of the appoint
ment of Earl III Hung Chang as envoy
plenipotentiary to conduct negotiations
with the powers and will. on its part enter
upon such negotiations with desire to con.
tinue the friendly relations so long existing
between the two countries.
at is evident that there can be no general
negotiation between China and the powers
so long as the ministers of the powers and
the persons unoer their protection remain
In their present position of restraint nd
danger, and that the powers cannot cease
their efforts for the delivery of these repre-.
sentatives. 10 which they are constrained
by the highest consideration of nationa
honor, except under an arrangement ade.
quate to accomplish peaceable deliver.
ance.
I'VE are ready to enter into an agree.
ment between the powers and the Chinese
government for cessation of hostile
demonstrations on condition that a suffi,
cient body OF the forces composing the re.
lief expedition shall be permitted to enter
Peking' unmolested and to escort the for.
eign ministers and residents back to Tien,
tsin. this movement being provided for anc
secured by such arrangements and disposi.
factory by the generals commanding the
forces composing the relief expedition.
ALVEY A. ADEE, Acting Secretary.
department of State, Washington, Aug
u. 1900"
VIII Leave PekinE.
Berlin, Aug. 14.-At the Chinese lie.
CATION in Berlin it was said that the
empress dowager had declared her in
tention to leave Peking and to trans
fer, her court to ano$her city before
the allied forces reached the capital
Lu Hei Houan, the Chinese minister
here, on learning of this intention
telegraphed to both the empress dow
ager and the emperor not to leave
Picking, but quietly to await the arrival
of the international forces.
HarrisOn's Claim Denied.