Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-09-26
.REDEEMING PLEDGE.
First Step in Withdrawing Our
Troops from Pekin.
Chafee Ordered to Move All But
Guard for the Legation,
This Force o. 1900 viii Not Be Under Wal.
dersees Command

Washington. Sept 25.-The United
states government, today, took the
first step towards the redemption OF its
pledge made To the Russian govern
ment Aug. y, last, by cablegram in
Structiuns ~ Gen. Chaffee to reduce
the American forces in China to the
proportions Of a legation guard. Nearly
month ago the Russian government
was told through NJ De Wolant, its
charge there. that if the Russian forces
ana ministry were withdrawn from
Pekin, I'VE shall give instructions to
the commander Of the American forces
in China to withdraw our forces from
Pekin. after due conference with other
commanders as to the time and man.
ncr of withdrawal"
That time has come and today's ac-
tion marks the beginning of the disap-
pearance Of the American army from
China, for although some military
force is to remain. il will not be of the
character Of an army but under the
conditions laid down in the order 10
Gen Chaffee, and especially under its
official designation as Legation
guard. viii be rather Of the nature Of
a civil guard.
"a ID any military operations which
may be conducted by the allied armies.
ana ~ will not fan subject to the d.
rection Of Field Marshal Count Won
Waldersee, the commander-in- chief.
Much thought has been given to the
proper number Of troops to be allot-
tea for this purpose and it is believed
that the 400 men selected will be quite
sufficient to protect the American le-
cation against any force that could be
brought against it, 1t is noteworthy, too,
that the most complete arrangements
have been ordered for the maintenance
of the men, while care has been taken
that there shall not he a shortage of
ammunition, as there was in the Brit
ish legation during the seige. 1t is es-
timated that about a week will be re-
quired to bring the $500 soldiers away
Pekin. but the start cannot be made
Immediately. 1t Will be at least about
the end of the first week in October
before the movement can be completed
There were no developments in the
diplomatic side of the Chinese ques-
ton. today, and although Baron Stern
berg, the German charge, and Minister
WI, called separately at the state de-
partment. they brought no cOmmunica-
tiOnS which We're made public. The in
structions to Minister Conger relative
tn establishing relations with the Chi
nese ENJOYS is still withheld. 1t is set
tied that Minister Conger is to be a
member Of the commission TO settle
the various questions remaining to be
adjusted.
The reported adhesion Of the British
government to the position assumed
by the United States respecting the
proposition to make the surrender of
the Chinese ringleaders a condition
precedent to negotiations have given
the greatest satisfaction in official cir
cles here.
The reports that Prince Tuan has
been signally honored by the Chinese
government has not yet been officially
confirmed. The matter was referred
to. today, in the talk between Acting
Secretary Hill and Minister WI. and
the latter stated that he did not credit
the report for the reason ha the place
of grand secretary said to have been
conferred on Tuan. is one Of compare
tive unimportance, mainly a sinecure.
and is not held by prince Of the
blood. as Prince Tuan is. In view of
this information the state department
is not disposed to attach any serious i'm
portance to the reports. but if it should
prove true that Prince Tuan has been
advanced to a high station. it doubt
less will be taken cognizance Of by the
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