Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-31
AN AGREEMENT WITH RUSSIA.
Both Countries Favor the withdrawal of
Troops From Pekln-. The State Depart
mont Embarrassed BY Delay In Securing
Answers to Notes Challenging Produc-
tion Of Objections to II Hung Chang :
Allied troops VIII Enter Imperial Pal
ACC -Jspanese VIII Withdraw.
tBy Telegraph to virginian-pilot,
acc -Jspanese VIII Withdraw.

the Russian proposition as to the
withdrawal of troops from Pekin, is
now quietly waiting for responses to
the notes which have been sent to our
various representatives abroad for pre-
and perhaps a week, may pass before
all of these replies are received. Ac-
cording to their formal expressions. all
OF the Powers are agreed upon this one
point: they do not desire to enter upon
q formal war upon China. The United
States Government is trying to bring
about this result For the moment 1t
finds itself side by side with Russia,
whose earnestness cannot be question
cd at this time. The object now in
z view Is to bring about O. situation in
China that Will admit of the beginning
OF negotiations looking to the re-es-
Establishment OF order and the cessa-
tIop of hostilities. and the assurance
OF protection to foreign life and pro-
perty. After that the negotiations
may touch upon other questions that
remain to be settled. 1t Is with this
object that Russia has suggested the
withdrawal from Pekin, in order that
the Chinese Government may resume
! the reins OF power. for the Chinese
people, being guided by externals. are
not likely to yield fealty to a govern
ment not in possession of It's own cap
ital.
Ii HUNG CHANGES CAUSE.
The United States Government has
been earnestly championing the cause
Of Ii Hung Chang from precisely
similar motive, namely, a desire speed
lily to rehabilitate the Chinese Cow
eminent in order that 1t may carry.
out Its express desire to settle the
difficulties which have arisen.
In responding to the Russian note as
a. didl fha TIpfted States Government
awaited itself OF the opportunity of
directly inviting the remaining Powers
to indicate how, in their Judgment.
peace negotiations could be instituted.
This notice is calculated to secure q
fun disclosure of the intentions OF the
Powers. If the inquiry is met by them
In the frank spirit in which 1t was con-
ceiyed by the United States Govern
ment. The difficulty apprehended now
in reaching a settlement lies in the
intentional delay and representation
of the part of any Power which is con-
cealing it's true purpose and does not
desire to avoid n formal war.
STATE DEPARTMENT. EMBAR-
RAISED.
The State Department is already en-
barrassed by delays experienced in Sc
curing responses to it's note challenging
Chang. 1t appears that much confusion
exists at Taku- as to what actually had
been decided upon respecting the treat
ment of Ii Hung Chang should he ar
rive at that place en- route to Pekin.
The reports of the naval commanders
to their home governments rather in
creased tho confusion in an interna-
tional sense. Admiral Remey found 1t
difficult to sfft out the facts in Taku.
Now the State Department finds the
replies so far received from Europe
vague and unsatisfactory from the fact
r in va arY1r
to have different understandings as to
the exact conditions at raku. It could
not be learned from whom the replies
were received, and which were missing,
but it can be stated that at the present
the question as to the acceptibility of
Earl Ii as an envoy and his freedom
from interference remain unsettled. The
Z advance OF the Russian proposition
may reduce the Importance of the other
4 question. for with the return of the
Chinese Government to Pekin. the
smaller matter of the personalities of
the ENJOYS and the sufficiency of Gre
dentials could be speedily adjusted
Altogether the opinion among the
members of the Administration here is
& that the Russian move has made
directly for an earlier settlement of the
Chinese difficulties than seemed possi-
BILE a few days ago.
CONGER'S DISPATCH.
Secretary Root in speaking to-day
of the statement in the Conger dis
patch saying that Prince Ching was
coming to Pekin, said that it was a
Favorable Indication. Prince Ching is
friendly to foreigners and among the
most progressive of the Chinese off,
Gals. It was also stated that condi-
tons seemed to be improved. So far
no orders have been issued directing
the return of the United States troops
from China. or their removal from Pc
kin or Tien Tsin or to any other point
on the sea coast. 1t is still the policy
of the United States. as expressed in
the note of July 8, to secure order in
China. If there should appear in Pc
kin members of the Chinese govern
: ment who were duly authorized to Or
S ganize q government and to do so, with
the prospect of restoring order
Z throughout the empire, ii would be
considered a movement on the part Of
CHINA towards carrying out the de-
mands' of the United States This gov
eminent might then consider the adj
disability of withdrawing its troops
from the capital, especially il this ac-
z tion Would tend toward the pacification
az China.
SITUATION CLARIFIED.
'Shc action of the Japanese govern
Y nnent in withdrawing from Annoy the
troops or marines which have aroused
The suspicion OF the European Powers
has done much to clarity the situation.
BY this disclaimer of a purpose to
seize Chinese territory Japan has
avoided entering q wedge which might
result in the splitting up of the Chi
nese e.npine emong the powers 1t now
ternains for Russia to take similar ac-