Evening journal., 1900-09-01
Russia Proposes to Withdraw
From China
AWAITING REPLY OF POWERS
1t Is Understood That Ii Hung Chang
Is in Communication With the
Imperial Household

Washington, Sept. 1.-The Russian
note relative to the withdrawal of
Russia from China, and the United
States response thereto, were made
public yesterday by the state depart
ment, after the cabinet had fully con-
sidered the expediency of so doing. The
correspondence is unique in the his
tory of diplomatic exchange. 1t may
be said to illustrate a clever move by
which the United States government
again has assumed the lead in pre-
scribing the policy of the powers re-
specting the Chinese trouble. This
was accomplished by the state depart
ment's availing itself of the Russian
note to address to the powers an in
quiry as to their policies, and answer
to which scarcely can be avoided.
Various meaning may be placed upon
the statements of the two principals
to this correspondence. Thus, on the
one hand, it may be noted that while
Russia announces a purpose to with
draw her troops from China, still, as
to the occupying force at New Chwang,
a condition is attached that almost
negatives the proposition as to that
point Respecting our own attitude,
best course to pursue is to remain in
Pekin, our government is still willing
TO withdraw Perhaps this means that
If there is to be separate action by
the powers in China, the United States
proposes to deal with the situation
with q free hand.
1t may be noted, in connection with
our withdrawal statement, that, where
fH w
China, our offer is to withdraw only
from Pekin A significant fact in this
connection is that Gen Chaffee, who is
we'll advised of the situation, having
several days ago been directed to pre-
pare for just such an emergency a1
that precipitated by the Russian ac-
tion. continues his preparations for
wintering the American troops in
China. Indeed, unless the men are
afioat and out of the Pei Ho within the
next six weeks, they are likely to re-
main in China perforce, being ice
bound.
1t scarcely is expected that even with
the aid of the cables complete accord
can be reached upon this last propo-
sition Immediately. Up to the close OF
the official day only two communica-
tions had been received in consequence
of our last note. One was from the
British foreign Office, through the
American embassy, stating that Lord
Salisbury was absent from London
and merely promising consideration fol
the note. The German response was
through Mr. Jackson, and was equally
inconclusive, indicating a wish on the
part of the German government fol
4.
officials here say that they are salts
fed that Japan at least is fully in ac'
cord with our objects as set out in tn;
note, and rather expect an early an
swer from the government of tha
country. France has not been heard
from on this point, her last communi
cation relating entirely to the MATES
of Ii Hung Chang's status.
It has developed in the course of thu
careful consideration which otiiciali
have given to Ii Hung Chang's ere
dentials that they were issued by th'
empress dowager, and not by the EN-
peror, Kwang Su. This may have al
important bearing on the subject, as /
opens up the authority of the empress
dowager since the coup d'etat of Sept
9, 1898, when she took the reins o
DOWbl lIOiu tue uduuS VI the tllptAbl
1t involves also the issues between tn
empress dowager, who is anti-foreign
and the emperor, who is pro-foreigr
Still further consideration is the Rus
sian sympathies entertained by the EN-
press dowager, as against the Britis
sympathies held by the emperor.
Although the exact whereabouts c
LII Hung Chang continue to be i
doubt, it is the understanding of diplo
matte officials that he is now in con
tinuous communication with the i'm
perial household, and thus is enable
TO convey to them the prospect of
return to the Chinese capital. The ez
pected return Of Prince Ching to Pelxi
IS said to be a result Of this commun
cation between Earl Ii and the i'm
perial family, and to be the initis
move of responsible authorities towar
the capital.