The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-05
CHINA's GAME NOW PLAIN.


Associated Press Dispatch.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4.-Taken in con-
nection with what has preceded them to-
days cablegrams from China place the
Chinese government in the unique posi-
ton of denying liability for what the Chi
nese troops have done at Peking while as
suming responsibility for what they are
now doing in the neighborhood of Tien-
Tsin. The point sought TO be made diplo-
maticaliy is regarded here as of the utmost
importance in the future settlement. The
Tsung Ii Yamen's polite intimation that 1t
is inexpedient to allow communication be-
tween our government and its minister be-
cause fighting is going on near Tien-Tsin
leaves little doubt as TO who is responsible
for the resistance being offered to the
progress of the international forces. The
Emperor himself by edict already has in
dicated that while reparation might be af-
forded the powers for injuries sustained
by their citizens before the attack on the
Taku forts the Chinese government will
not assume responsibility for what has
happened or will happen as a result of the
military operations following that event.
OF course this notice from the Tsung Ii
Yamen can be construed as an answer to
Secretary Hays demand upon Ii Hung
Chang that free communication be opened
with the ministers at Pekfng and their own
governments, and in consequence the
negotiations which were about to be in
stituted had that request been complied
with may be regarded as indefinitely post
poned.
Meanwhile the Chinese ministers in Eu-
rope and Mr. WI in the. United States are
still making a last combined effort TO make
plain to the imperial government the
faulty of the course now being followed
by the Tsung Ii Yamen respecting the
continued isolation of the foreign minis
ters. and Ii may be that their representa-
tions will meet with a favorable response
il not now, then certainly after the first
decisive victory achieved by the interna-
tional column.
Strict censorship. strongly reinforced by
immense difficulties in the way OF speedy
communication between Tien-Tsin and the
outer world, still surrounds with mys-
terry the progress OF the international coll
umn toward Peking. The State Department
officials have nothing from their own agen-
cies bearing on the movements of the coll
umn. and while the War Department has
heard recently from Geperal Chaffee the Of
ficials will not make public his dispatch
and refuse to say whether or not they
themselves know that the movement has
begun 1t is known that the Chinese gov
ernment Is in the way TO quickly take ad-
vantage of any information that may be
published respecting the international coll
umn. and il is deemed bad strategy to af-
ford the Chinese any assistance of this
kind. There are signs that all is not well
with General Chaffee. and that he is meet
ing with greater difficulties than had been
expected in getting his troops debarked
and ready for the start toward Peking.
but the War Department has given him
unlimited power in the matter OF fnan-
ciai resources. and also is doing all 1t can
to help him from this end
There Is . renewal OF the rumor that
CONTINUED ON SECOND PA6E]