The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-08-09
COMMANDER in
CHIEF CHOSEN
Field Marshal Count Won Wal.
dersee Of the German Army.
CAN NOW CABLE
Italian Minister Said to Have Left Pekln ior
TlsH Tsln-Britsh May Land Troops
at Shanghai Complications
Threatened.

LONDON. Aug s.-Beyond the offi-
cial dispatches given out yesterday
morning. the papers contain no infor-
nation Of importance from China
Thanks 10 dispatches Of Sir Claude
Macdonald and Rear-Admiral Bruce,
there is general disposition to take
a more hopeful view Of the situation.
The report Of the appointment OF Field
Marshal Count Won waldersee as com
mander in chief Of the international
forces meets with general approval.
The Rome correspondent Of the Dali
ly Mail announces the reception there
Of official dispatches from the Italian
minister in Pelsln. asserting that he left
Pekin July 81, presumably for Tien
TsIn. This. however. is 50 utterly at
variance with the action and inten-
tions OF the other ministers heard from.
that It seems almost incredible.
II true. 1t opens up an interesting
field Of speculation concerning the fate
Of the Italian representative. The Chi
nese legation believes that the men,
bers of the foreign Legations have not
left Pekin. but that they viii do so
ard declare that the edict would not
have been issued had not the foreign
ministers signihed their willingness 10
accept an escort.
The Shanghai correspondent Of the
Daily News. wiring yesterday. says
United States Consul GoOdnow
strongly opposes Admiral Seymour's
intention to land three thousand troops.
on the ground that such move would
rot hetNTarranted BY tie circumstances
ard would be likely to create trouble.
The French consul agrees to the ar
rangement, but says IL the British land
forces. the French will do likewise.
The Austrians will also land men. My
personal opinion is that the landing Of
troops here at he present moment
would be a grave mistake"
WASHINGTON. Aug. S-The gravsst
apprehensions are felt here in official
ttttttc lpI luG cdLttl O4 tlC lillpliSoHtQ
ministers In Pekin.
The alleged statement Of Ii Hung
Chang that 1t Is absolutely impossible
for the allies to enter Pekin to escort
the ministers to Tien Tsin adds great
ly to the strain Of the situation. It
clearly implies that the purpose OF the
Chinese government is to resist the adj
vance Of the allies. So far as known
there is no purpose OF calling a halt
in the relief column which is not strong
enough to maintain war against the
Chinese kingdom for any great length
Of time. but heavy reinforcements are
en route to China. Their arrival on
the scene may alter the situation en-
tirely and bring the obstinate Orientals
to their senses. q
1t Is the present situation. however.
that worries the administration and
there is general ehagrin that 1t Is not
in a position to enforce its demands
and bring the Chinese authorities to in
slant terms.
there will be about 5000 American
troops on Chinese soil. not counting
many thousands more that could be
transferred from the Philippines in
case of necessity, The Chinese will
be held to a strict accountability for
any injury that may be sustained by
American interests in the present crisis.
The receipt of a message from Min
ister Corger last night which indicated
the continuation Of firing on the lega-
TONERS. and the government fnsistence
that the ministers should leave Pekin.
which Conger considered would mean
certain death, brought matters to an
acute stage. All day the cabinet off,
GERS who are in town have been con-
sulting with one another. and the presi-
dent has been communicated with by
telegraph and telephone As the re-
suit it was announced that a message
To the imperial government at Pekin
had been delivered to Minister WI for
transmission to his government.
The authorities If this government
would not make public the text Of this
latest communication to China until
Minister Wu had opportunity to for
ward 1t to his government. The mes
sage. according to the best informa-
ton, informs that government that the
removal Of the restrictions upon COM
with our minister, evidenced
Doth by the receipt Of Conger's mes
sage and the transmission Of the edIct
OF the NTH is very gratifying. but Is
not entirely IN compliance with the Or
aShteAA AcHidiiuS VI the president In his
reply to China's appeal for mediation.
The authorities consider the opening Of
with Minister Conger
therefore, only partially complies with
the presidents demands. With the L.
gauoners still under fire. the Chinese
government cannot be said to have
removed all danger to their lives and
liberty, aud moreover, so far as
known here the Imperial authorities
Of China have made no efforts to com
nunicate and cooperate with the relief
expedition. The new demand upon the
Chinese government is for a square-
.oed compliance with these conditions.
CHE FOO. Aug. 7.-During the en-
sagement Sunday which preceded the
Of Pei Tsang By the allies.
the Russians lost 800 killed and the
British lost 60 The Germans and Jap
lnese also lost heavily. The road 10
7ekin is supposed 70 De open.
WASHINGTON. Aug S--A. reply has
'een sent TO Minister Conger By the
iate department 70 the message re-
elved from him late yesterday. II ad-