The Forrest City times., 1900-08-03
DOUBTS ARE DISTILLED.
Are Alive and Attack Not Likely to Be Renewed.

Washington, Aug. 1.--Doubt haa given way to feeling akin to cer- tainty that the legationers at Pekin md the gallant marines who managed to reach the Chinese capital just in the nick of time,s were not only alive on July %, but in all probability are still alive and likely to remain so until they are released from their state of siege.
 Attack win Not be Renewed
 The officials here feel certain that Inc attack ny the Chinese on the lega- tions will not be renewed. They are convinced that the counscls of the viceroys in the great southern and central provinces and the advice of Iii Hung Chang have had effect. and that whoever is still in power in Pekin. whether emperor, empress, Ching, Iuan or Tung. nov have been made to see the necessity for the preservation of the legat,o .r.
 Early Advance Not Expected.
 Tke officials here. while anxious that the movement on Pekin begin at once, do not attach credence to the rumor mentioned by Gen. Chaffee, that the forward march was to begin yesterday. There are two reasons for their in- credulity. In the first place, Chaffee's force, his splendid cavalry and his bat talion of artillery, nre exactly what are needed to strengthen a weak spot in the international column. In the sec ond place (and information on this point comes through European chan nels), some of the foreign commanders are still of the opinion that they can not begin the campaign before the last week in August at the earliest.
 United states Opposed to Delay.
 The United States government never lios acceded 10 this view, and is re- laxing no effort to bring about change of plans on this point. But our repres entations have been met by the almost unanswerablc argument that the decision of this important question properly should be left to the military commanders on the spot, who must bear the responsibility for the outcome of the expedition.
 A Startling Proposition.
 A rather startling proposition was advanced yesterday, which, if adopt ed, might put at once to the test the Chinese profession that the 'Boxers" md not the Chinese government are rcspor sible for what has happened in Pekin. This was to the effect that the Chinese government should be in- formed that the international force was prepared to take that government at its word and to join forces with it in crushing out the insurrection
 Gen. Chafree Competent to Act.
 If dispatches are received at Tien Tsin from Minister Conger or others in the legations at Pekin, which change the existing conditions, Mai.- Gen. Chatfee will act in accordance with such information. The secretary says Gen. Chaffee has full powers and has been entrusted witk the command of the United States fo,ces because of the confidence the government has in his ability to meet any situation that may arise.
 Our Forces Not Yet Ready.
 It is evident from the dispatches re- ceived from Gen. Chaffee that only . portion of his force can be utilized if an immediate advance is made. It IS not believed that all of the equipments of the last expedition sent from Manila have been landed, and it is, of course, apparent that the horses and most of the equipment of the Sixth cavalry are still Ut sea. The Ninth infantry and the two battalions of the Fourteenth infantry, together with the marines, are the only troops of the United States actually available on Chinese service ,t this time.