The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-25
IL Persisted I'm 1t VIII Delay Peace
Negotiations and Possibly Pre-
cipitete War In Earnest.
AMERICANS TO WITHDRAW
ONLY A LEGATION GUARD OF 1,5OO
TO REMAIN IN PEKING.
Will Not BE Subject to the Command
Foster Not Going to China.
special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON. Sept. 24.--The elevation
of Prince Tuan to the position of chief
councillor or premier of China, if persisted
in, is likely to lead to new complications
and retard a settlement of the Chinese
troubles. He is the principal official at
whom Germany's demand for the punish
ment of those guilty of outrage ON the
legations and massacres of foreigners is
aimed. His appointment to the post for
which he has been named is slap in the
face of Germany and a defiance of all the
powers. 1t is too much to expect them
quietly to submit to his being the inter
mediary through whom alone, by virtue
OF his new Office. the representatives of the
powers can reach the imperial throne. The
State Department has not yet been Of
ficially notified of Tuan's appointment, and
will take no official notice of 1t until Ii
has been so informed. If Tuan's appoint
ment has been made simply to test the
humor of the powers to Try how far they
will let the Chinese government go to-
wards restoring to office and promoting
the leaders and abettors of the anti-for-
eign crusade-in a word, if this appoint
dlgnant protest with which 1t is met will
lead to a speedy revocation of the edict
announcing it.
The administration intends to withdraw
all its troops from China except a regf
ment Of infantry, squadron of cavalry
and battery of artillery. about 1,5O0 men.
This force, small brigade, is TO be re-
tanned as a legation guard. and will prob
ably be commanded by Brigadier General
Wilson, it being too small a command for
a major general. that being Chaffee's rank.
Our naval force in Chinese waters will be
greatly strengthened, enough warships be-
ing sent there to enable US to have an
armed vessel at every treaty port where
We have interests to protect. This pro-
gramme contemplates the immediate open
ing and early completion of treaty negotia-
tions. 1t is. of course, within the easy
range of possibilities that the folly. stupid
ity and obstinacy Of the Chinese govern
ment based on its almost incredible ignor-
ance and arrogance. will prevent the speedy
carrying out of this programme, and may
even force a renewal of the conflict OF
the powers, which could have but one end
ing, the downfall of the Manchu dynasty
and the dismemberment Of the Chinese
empire.
The American contingent to be left In
Peking, being specially known as lega-
tion guard, will not be subject to the
orders Of anyone save the United States
minister resident, as made known through
the senior American military commander
and. not being part of the allied military
forces, will not be under the command OF
the German field marshal, Count Won
Waldersee. The orders for the reduction
are still in process OF perfection.
Ex-Secretary John w. Foster stated to.
day that he did not expect to take part in
the international Chinese negotiations He
said Ii Hung Chang had expressed a desire
that he come TO China and aid in the
negotiations, but he did not think he coult
be of any special service under existine
circumstances. Besides it was a long jour
ney, the inclement season of the year wa,
approaching. and he had no desire to agar
revisit the far East.