Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-09-27
IN A WAITING ATTITUDE.
Instructions to Minister conger Held up by
state Department Prince Tuan and
Other Chinese omciaiswhowere Prom
inent In Recent Uprising Against For
eigncrs Honorcd by Imperial Govern
ment Tunn's appointment rs President
ofPrivy Council May D clay Negotiations
tBy Telegraph to virgInlan-pilon


tive to conditions in Pekin on the 2lst
instant, was made public to-day. 1t
is apparent that our Government is
again in d waiting attitude after hav-
ing made the important move toward
reduction of the American troops in
China announced yesterday. General
Chaffee had not received the Depart
ments instruction when he sent his
message made public to-day, but with
out doubt now has it in hand. His Of
Ter to escort Lii Hung Chang was in
conformity with the expressed purpose
OF the State Department to facilitate
III every proper manner the journey
or the Chinese Vicerory to Pekin. Still,
1t Is now regarded as just as we'll that
the offer was declined and the respon-
sibility for Lis safety left with the
Russians.
INSTRUCTIONS HELD UP.
The instructions to Minister Conger
to establish relations with Ii and
FRINGE Ching is still held up here. 1t
Is beginning to appear that the pur-
pose of the delay is to ASCERTAIN more
clearly the plans of the Powers i'm
whose interest, as well as in our own
MI. Conger was to endcavor to bring
about negotiations for a settlement Ii
II shall appear that there is n dispo-
sitlon on the part of any considera BILE
part of them to reject in advance the
well-meant efforts of the United States
Government to bring about n confer
ence and negotiations in which they
could participate on equal terms with
our own Government, with the purpose
OIL terminating the Chinese difficulties
then MIR. Congers instructions may re-
qulre recasting. 1t might be regarded
as useless Tor him to arrange for
meeting of the Powers with China,
which the former do not care to at
In anil ....1,v N -
poses from those animating the United
states, and there probably is no dis
position TO subject our Minister to hui
initiation by n Hat failure, which might
be anticipated.
WORTHY OF ATTENTION.
1t Is also possible that the news rcla-
tive TO the advancement of Prince Tuan
TO Il position where he might influence
the negotiations is regarded as worthy
OF attention. and that our government
may delay proceedings AS long as he
stands in the way. The State Depart
ment has not been officially informed
OF Prince ruans promotion.
PRESIDENT OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
Washington, Sept. 26.--It is stated in
diplomatic quarters that definite and
official information has been received
that Prince Tuan has been appointed
President OF the Privy Council instead
of Grand Secretary as at first reported
and that Il number of other Chinese Of
ficials prominent In the recent uprising
have been similarly honorcd. The Chi
ncse minister has not been advised lof
Prince TuanS appointment. but he eX-
pressed the belief after calling at the
State Department to-day that the re-
port probably was true. The position
of President of the Privy Council is
said to be one of foremost Importance
similar to that of Secretary of State or
premier.
MESSAGE FROM CHAFFEE.
Washington, Sept 26-The following
has been received from General Chat
fee:
"Taku. Sept %.
"To Adjutant General Washington:
Sept. 81, No. SO. Acknowledge your
No 40. Leave for Tien Tsin this after
noon. Will be absent several days.
General Wilson remains here. Ii
Hung Chang at Tien Tsin. Understand
starts here soon have offered him es-
cort: declned; country very quiet;
good order in Pekin. CHAFFEE."
The dispatch from General Chaffec
has no date showing that 1t came from
Pekin. but War Department officials
are satisfied that it was sent from the
Chinese Capital.
ANOTHER WAR IMMINENT.
The rapid movement of events in
China toward actual and formal war;
which Is regarded as certain to follow
refusal on the part of Germany and
some of the other continental Powers
to enter into negotiations for a settle
ment with China, is regarded here as
justifying the decision of the State De-
partment to withdraw the American
troops, now that the purpose for which
these troops were sent into China has
been accomplished.
AS to the military plans already laid
down. they will remain unchanged. 1t
Is said here. If the bellgerent Power
or Powers seize upon Pekin the Ameri-
can minister will still remain there, and
General Chaffee's legation guard will
stay with him, but take no part in the
war. The Power in possession can find
no valid objection to the presence of
this legation guard.
HOW THE POWERS STAND.
Paris. Sept. 26.-1t is asserted from
excellent diplomatic sources that Italy
have replied favorably and uncondi-
tainly n fact that the replies of Rus
advocating the punishment of the
originators OF the anti-foreign assaults
but not making their surrender an alb
solute condition of the peace prelimi-
naries.
Japan takes a middle course. leaning
little more strongly towards Ger
many. while Great Britain declines.
"A powerful argument used against
Germany's position was it's establish
ment of the precedent that 1t would
permit the Powers in future wars to
demand personages considered by them