The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-26
The Chinese Dilemma.

BiueSe blftib ma
If the huge war preparations OF Ger
many. Russia, and France are being made
only with reference TO China. then it would
appear to be plain enough that the powers
in question do not intend to suspend oper-
ations at this stage of the game. prospect
lively of the question whether the Car Gays
he has been at war with China. or like
Mr.. Mckinley. leaves the fact 20 register
itself in history. If the preparations have
another object IL does not much improve
matters, for then We must infer thar war
is in sight in some place besides China.
The general belief in Washington yester-
day was that the Administration would
adopt practically a "scuttling policy in
the Celestial Kingdom should Germany or
Russia or both continue 10 carry on active
hostilities In that event We might or
might roJ withdraw our troops from Pekin,
according 20 circumstances perhlps de-
peaiea, gpoa the views of the powers fur
,her assuming belligerent attitude. But.
Il IS said. the UGited States Government
would insist that a renewal OF the war
should not Ne held to affect its rights 10
damages and indemnity. on account of a
refusal on lis psrt to engage in future
military operations.
1t is not difficult TO understand the kind
of peace policy that Mr.. Mckinley and his
advisers would like TO pursue in China;
but whether it is a feasible enc or not,
is a matter OF doubt. \ despatch from
Admiral Remey confirms the report that
the Russian commander has forbidden his
troops to hold communication with the
Chinese. as he considers that Russia is at
war with them. He may have ta.N,n this
position merely as q necessary recognition
of an indisputable fact which some o. his
colleagues have sought to ignore. under
instructions from their Governments: hut,
even at that. it furnishes evidence. appar-
emily. that Russia does not intend longer
to countenance fictions and pretences.
The situation is badly complicated from
cvory point OF view. A lerge force OF
Black Flags, one Of the conventional di-i-
sions of The Chinese army, is marching on
Pekin ana jthe latest news from that cap
ftal IS 10 tho effect that street fighting is
continuous and that considerable force
| of Chinese regulars are still fortified with
in the imperial city. These reports sug-
gest the probability that the allied forces
may yet have to fight another battle in or
/ in defence of Pekin, and in such an event
the American troops would be compelled
| to cooperate as a matter Of course. Up
( to last night no direct message from Cen
eral Chaffee had been received at the War
| Department for a full week. The tele-
graph line between Pekin and Tientsin,
although reported in working order sew
eral DAYS ago, does not appear to be so.
and the Government was without late ad-
vices from its field general. Great anxiety
I is felt to hear from him, as his views re-
garding the situation are needed as basis
! for diplomatic action.
One alleged development, if verified. may
exert strong effect upon the course of
| affairs in China. The report that the En-
press Dowager and the Emperor and Court
have been captured by the japanese cav
airy eighty miles southwest of Pekin is
reiterated from Shanghai and is receiving
some credence. II it should happen that
| the responsible Government of the En-
| pire were brought back TO the capital and
/ there compelled to sue for peace, some of
the difficulties of the present situation
might be overcome. At the same time it is
/ difficult TO see how even such consumma-
/ ton would operate to much lessen the Sc
rious and threatening international friction
already existing But il viii be time enough
| to discuss that question when the story
of the capture is disposed Of in one way or
another As the case stands, the Chinese
/ crisis is still very much in the air.