The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1900-08-25
The Republic Bureau.


Washington Aug 2A-The decision of the
administration to divert to Manila the
troops intended to re-enforce our army in
China has diplomatic bearing. 1t Is
pointed reminder to the Powers that the
rescue of the legationers having been az
complished. this Government Is free to de-
cline further participation in military opera
tlons In China. save merely to protect our
own interests If the purpose Of these opera
tions is not made clear or is not such as
could meet with our approval.
It Is understood that negotiations looking
to a perfect understanding with the several
Powers are now being directed from Wash
ington. While no direct confirmation can be
had from officials here of the reported dis
agreement with the Russian forces at Pc
kin, the existence of friction of some sort
ant! the fact that the conditions are more
or less threatening is implied in the inti-
nations from various sources.
A point has been reached where this Gov
ernnent can pause and require some further
definite understanding before proceeding
further in its cooperation with the Powers.
and the understanding that negotiations on
this subject are in progress probably eN-
plains the necessity for the Presidents
abandonment of his trip to Chicago. The
troops diverted to Manila Will still be avail
able for Chinese service If 1t is found to be
desirable TO send them there. but until their
need Is made apparent It is not the purpose
to send more troops TO China
Strongly Against Partition.
The matter which must be kept constant
ly in view. though none of the Powers is
ready to discuss it at this time. is the fate
of China herself. This Government does
| not desire il any way to contribute toward
the development of a situation which will
result in the Acknowledgement Of China. and
it will IN every way possible make plain Its
Gisapproval of such course. Whether its
opposition will be effective to preserve the
integrity of the Empire is uncertain ana
though that possibility Will not be discussed
by any Of the Government officials IN Wash
ington. it is recognized that events are tend
| ing in that direction on account of the
! weakness OF the Chinese Government. Re-
! sistance OF this tendency will be as strong
! as It can be made.
If in the end the disnerberment of China
cannot be avoided, but is accomplished in
I spite. Of our protest. It will become i'm
! portant to preserve American interests. and
/ the purpose will be 10 do this without par
! ticipatinEy in the seizure of territory. This
would be accomplished through the recos-
milton by Powers claiming Chinese territory
: of the treaty privileges now enjoyed by
! this Government: or, in other words,
| through the ''open-door" policy being main
| tanned under whatever sovereignty, pro-
! tcctorate or influences the territory might
! rest. The original open-door negotiations
conducted by Secretary Hay promise this.
! But even with this assurance OF the protec-
1 tiun of American interests this Government
! vii, not view with favor the dismember-
ment, but will set Its face determinedly
| against II long resistance tnrougn
diplomacy can be made effective.
FIGHTING Is AT AN END.
! Copyright, 1902 by the Associated Press.
Pekin. Thursday. Aug. IL. via Shanghai
Thursday Aug. 23.--The allied troops hav.
surrounded the Imperial City and stationed
! sentries at the gates. They refrain from