The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-08-11
The Chinese situation.

AS an additional proof of tFeachery on the
part of the Chinese Government, it is eyi-
dent from Minister Conger's messages that
they are not answers TO any sent 10 him
from Washington. The deduction is plain,
therefore, that While the Tsung-li-Yamen
is allowing some notes TO be transmitted
from the ministers to their Governments,
1t is not permitting them to receive mes
sages.
Probably this policy will be abandoned
in single instance today. II is reported
that the Car has telegraphed the Russian
Minister in Pekin to 1eave that place if
given a safe conduct by the Chinese En-
peror We accept the statement with some
reserve, but if it is true, there is little
doubt that the message Will be delivered
and Will be used by the perhdious barba-
rians 10 convince the legation people that
the powers desire them 10 accept the Chi
nese promises of protection and start for
the coast under an escort OF Chinese troops.
But it is hard to believe that the Gar
would act as the cable story alleges. The
ministers and other foreigners are all in
oue boat and the interests of any particu-
lar legation must be held subservient TO
the common interest and peril of all.
Independent negotiations for the rescue of
this or that representative would exactly
suit the Chinese, but would destroy the
unbroken front which the civilized states
must keep intact If they mean or hope to
accomplish anything useful.
Although the appointment of Ii Hung
Chang as an envoy to negotiate terms of
peace with the powers has not been Off
ciaIlY confirmed. it appears to be gen
orally accepted as a fact. But, in any
event. whether the willy old statesman has
received such authority or not, it is too
late for his Government TO escape the &C.
cupation of Pekin or punishment for is
perfidy and crimes against humanity. We
are sorry that the day of retribution can
not be fastened; but as matters stand it
does not seem probable that the relief
column Will be N condition for the final
advance in less than a week. 1t is pes
-Eihle- however. that there may be some
foundation for the report, which we f-d
reiterated today, that Russo-Jap3nese
expedition is moving along the military
road near the Great Wall and will strike
Pekin from the north. Such & movement
Il in progress, would very likely be timed
10 effect iuncJure with forces from Yang
tsun al or near the city, so that, at best. it
might not suggest any shortening Of the
time that is TO elapse before the legations
can hear the welcome sound of friendly
artillery.
While adhering TO the fiction that we
are not at war with China, since to admit
that we are would compel Mr. Mckinley TO
convene Congress- the Government is MAX
ing strenuous efforts to<provide for the
considerable body Of troops that evidently
will have to be landed IN China Among
other things this activity and the extent
of preparations now under way furnish
ground for the belief that the Admins
tration is conscious that serious struggle
is impending, and that very shortly it will
be impossible 10 longer avoid the plain
duty Of calling upon the war making
power of the nation for advice and action.