The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-02
THE PROPOSAL MISUNDERSTOOD
The Proper Interpretation of the
Russo-American Note

There is much surprise expressed in Of
fetal circles at what is termed the appar-
ent misunderstanding of the reply of the
United States to Russia The officials who
framed it declare that the answer is q
complete disapproval of Russia's inten-
tions. Not only, they contend does this
Government consider that the purposes of
its note of July can be best attained by
the harmonious occupation of Pekin by the
powers, but it does not intend to diminish
the preparations for greater military activ-
ity in China should the emergency arise
It was said yesterday that the diversion
of troops from Nagasaki to Manila il-
stead of sending them to China is. in fact,
only sideracking them pending the out
come of the whole trouble in China. Not
only will these troops be established m
the Philippines, but all the supplies ana
equipment intended for China are to go TO
Manila, where a large base will be formed.
The bringing home of volunteer regiments
from the Philippines has also been de-
layed, and it has been decided to retain in
the Philippines all the troops until tho
outcome of the Chinese difficulty has been
fully established.
Officials will not say that they expect
more trouble in China, but explain that
this course is precautionary measure.
The United States is determined to give
full protection to American interests in
China, and while it will not pursue any
independent action 1t will insist that the
conditions in the note Of July are COM
piled with, and will act concurrently with
the other powers in attaining this result.
The position Of the United States on the
occupation of Pekin, however, is that the
powers must be in perfect harmony on the
question of occupying the capital.
In further elucidation of the answer Of
the United States the positive declara-
tion is made by officials here that the
President and his Cabinet are opposed to
Russia's proposition. and have SO notified
not only Russia. but the other powers.
The expression of disapproyal is found in
the declaration that the United States
considers that the purposes of the note
of July can best be attained by a joint
occupation of Pekin by the powers until
the rehabilitation of the Chinese Govern
ment is accomplished. On the other hand.
absolute harmony is considered essential
and the action of any one power in with
drawing its forces from Pekin would not
only break the harmony but render mex
pedient the occupation of Pekin by the
United States.
The officials consider that the answer
shows clearly the disapproval by the
the same time declares the intention of
this Government to withdraw from Pekin
unless all the powers agree to remain.
By sending this reply to all the powers it
is intended to convey the suggestion that
the United States would like their en-
dorsement of the proposition to remain in
Pekin and thereby cause Russia to recede
from her position and continue the joint
occupation of the Chinese capital. 1t is
H. Nf,.W
the President and Cabinet hope to secure
such general disapproval of Russia's
proposition as will induce the Gar to
follow the plan outlined by the United
States.
1t is not admitted that any replies have
been received by the United States from
the other powers bit there is complete
confidence in Japan's supporting the United
States 1t is thought Germany and Eng
land will DO likewise. The position of
France. Italy. and Austria Is not known,
but the endorsement by France of the
American note to Russia in regard to the
status of Ii Hung Chang is regarded as
favorable.
One new point was developed yesterday
On the subject Of withdrawal. 1t is that
the United States may not wait TO hear
from all the powers before ordering Cen
eral Chaffee and the American troops to
return to Tientsin. The receipt of a re-
ply from nny power stating definitely its
intention to withdraw from Pekin will re-
suit in immediate orders to General Chaffee
to do likewise. This would mean con-
clusion OF the difficulty at once so far as
the United States is concerned; but, should
the powers all support the proposition made
by the United States. Russia would of
course be Informed. and there would be
some delay pending Russia's consideration
Of the responses of the powers not only to
her proposition. but TO that OF the United
States.
If, therefore. Russia and the other powers
should be brought into line with the policy
of the United States. all the troops will
remain in Pekin pending the return Of the
Chinese Government and plans for a peace
conference.