The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-09-12
Powers are Divided
as to Leaving Pekin

Washington, Sept 6 6-Tbe latest
expression az to he attitude OF the
powers an the evacuation of Pekin
comes from the United States ambas,
sador at Paris, Gen Horace Porter,
who has advised the authorities here
that the attitude of the French gov
ernmept is favorable to the position
taken by Russia. Almost simultaneous
ly with this dispatch from Gen Porter
came another from the American
charged affaires at Berlin. giving the
attitude of Germany on Russian pro-
posal. This in substance states that
Germany, while anxious to avoid
friction between the powers, re.
gards the conditions at Pekiu such
as to require the continued presence
of German forces there Neither Gen
Porter or Mr. Jackson gave the text
of the answers
These two highly important com.
muDications bring the Chinese nego-
tiations to very advanced stage.
though they are not yet concluded as
all the answers are not yet in. The
German and French answers, how
ever. clearly indicate alignment of
the powers 1t is generally accepted
that Germany's attitude in favor of
remaining at Pekin will be concurred
in by tally and Austria. Definite
word has been received here that
Austria favors remaining at Pekln.
The position of Japan is likewise
lacking IN defniteness. although it is
believed in the best posted quarters
that if other nations remain at PeAln
Japan will deem it expedient to re-
main there also It would seem
from this that France is the only
government to give concurrence to
the Russian proposition although the
United States has expressed a
purpose Of following Russia's course
unless the other powers brought
about modification of Russia's
position Thus far Russia has not
expressed any purpose of modifying
her original position. 1t was stated
authoritatively today that Russia has
not ordered the departure of her
minister or troops from Pekin up to
this time. so far ae the United States
government is advised 1t is stated
also that co proposition has
been presented, but that the question
is practically the same as when first
presented, namely. as 10 whether the
troops will remain or be withdrawn
from Pekin.
The receipts of the communications
from Berlin and Paris brough, about
numerous conferences between the
president. Secretary Root and Acting
Secretary of State Hill end also be
tween Mr. Hill and Mr. Adee. 1t was
gathered from these meetings that
another note was being prepared by
the United States, but the authorities
did not feel disposed to give an
inkling as to it's nature. and it is
quite probable that it's final form will
await the consideration of the cabinet
meeting tomorrow.
The military situation remains
unchanged at Pekin. Gen Chafee's e
messages make it clear that he fol
one is proceeding upon the under
standing that the American troope
will winter in China. The American
contingent in the parade through the
imperial palace was email. probably
in conformity with an arrangement
between the various commanders in
Pekin that the force selected to make
the demonstration should be limited
in numbers in order that this nigh!
reduce the chance Of looting 1t is
supposed here that it was also made
to impress the Chinese people ae 9
whole and not from any present
military necessity Some action O
this kind appears to have beer
aecessary in order to Offset the
stories which were ahoat in the
southern Chinese ports to the effect
that the allies had been completely
overthrown by the imperial troops
and the Boxers. which stories were
calculated to cause further uprisings
Besides the demonstration at the
palace may reduce the i'll effects O
any Withdrawals of troops from Pekir
as result Of the present negoiia
tons