The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1900-09-29
As THE CASE NOW STANDS.
Gen. Chaffee Believed to Have, BY
This Time, Received His
Instructions.
PROMPT ACTION ON HIS PART DESIRED.
The Rapid Trend of Events In China
Toward Actual and Formal War
Regarded as Justifying the Deci"
sion of the state Department to
withdraw.

Washington, Sept, EFT is believed
that Gen. Chaffee, being at Ten lsin'
has by this time received the instruc-
tions cabled him Tuesday relative to
the reduction of his force in China. If
he returns to Pekin to execute the or
der it will be Monday, at least, be-
fore he can begin the movement to-
ward Tien Tsin. 1t is thought here
that, with a view to preventing any
possible misunderstanding, he al
ready has acquainted the military
representatives of the powers at Tien
Tsin of the probable withdrawal OF
the American forces.
why Expedition Is Necessary.
This is deemed more necessary be-
cause of the possibility of the APP
pearance of Field Marshal Won Wal
dersee at Taku or Tien Tsin at any
moment. 1t is desirable that the
change of the status of the American
troops shall have taken place before
he appears on the scene.
The Trend Towards Actual War.
The rapid trend of events in Chi
ma toward actual and formal war;
which is regarded as certain to follow
a refusal on the part of Germany and
some of the other continental powers
to enter into negotiations for set
tiement with China, is regarded here
as justifying the decision of the state
department to withdraw the Ameri-
can troops, now that the purpose for
which these troops were sent into
China has been accomplished.
State Departments Contention.
The department has held from the
first that state of war did not exist
with the Chinese government, and il
secured the assent of every one of the
powers to that proposition. 1t still
does not believe there is sufficient
ground for changing that position,
and refuses to be drawn into war
without such ground.
Can Only be Conjectured.
What effect, il any, declaration of
war upon China by Germany alone or
in alliance with other powers would
have upon the negotiations which Mr..
Conger has in hand can only be con-
ectured. Mr.. Congcr was to arrange
the preliminaries for meeting be-
tween the representatives of the pow
ers and China with view to effect
ing harmonious settlement. His
action was not to be mandatory in
any sense upon any power, and each
was free TO reject the good offices OF
the United States II ii saw fit.
Failure, wouldn't Involve Much
Change.
A failure Of Mr.. Conger's efforts
would not involve much change in the
American programme. Our govern,
mcnt would simply be obliged to ds'i
directly with China, with vie" 10
the protection Of our interests'apnh-
donmg any further oirortstfo orihg
the powers into harmonytm 'he SET
Element.
plans WI, Rcmnip'pneh"nged.
As to the mlitpy plans already |
laid down. they will remain un-
changed, Il is "a here. II the BEL
ligerent now or powers seize upon
peL,n nn american minister will
,tni renh there and Gen. Chaffees
Io.otieT guard will stay with him.
he sXing no part in the war.
Gan Find No valid objection.
The power in possession can find
no valid objection to the presence Of
this legation guard. At Constantine
pie the legations and embassies all
have their cavasses or legation
guards, and while they IRE not nu-
merous, the principle is recognized
md mere numbers does not affect H.