The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-31

spirit in which il was conceived by the
United States government. The difficulty
apprehended now in reaching a settlement
lies In the intentional delay and procrasti-
nation on the part OF any power which is
concealing its true purpose and does not
desire TO avoid a formal war.
The State Department is already en-
barrassed by delays experienced in secur-
ing responses TO its note challenging the
production of objections to Ii Hung Chang
1t appears that much confusion exists at
Taku as TO what actually had been decided
upon respecting the treatment OF Ii Hung
Chang should he arrive at that place en-
route 10 Picking. The reports OF the naval
commanders to their home governments
rather increased the confusion I'm an it,
ternational sense. Admiral Remey found
II difficult TO sift out the facts at Taku.
so far received from Europe & and
unsatisfactory from the reason that the
various governments appear to have diff
ferent understandings as TO the exact con-
dltions at Taku. Ii could not be learned
from whom the replies were received and
which were missing, but IL can be stated
that at present the question as TO the ac-
ceptability Of Ii Hung Chang as an envoy
and his freedom from interference remain
unsettled. The advance of the Russian
proposition may reduce the Importance OF
the other questions. for. with the return
or the Chinese government 10 Picking the
smaller matters of the personalities of the
ENJOYS and the suficiency of credentials
could be speedily adjusted. Altogether. the
istration here is that the Russian move
has made directly for an earlier settlement
of the Chinese difficulties than seemed pos
sible a few days ago.
Secretary Root. in speaking. to-day. OF
the statement in the Conger dispatch. say
ing that Prince Ching was coming to Pc
king, said that IL was a favorable indica-
ton. Prince Ching has been known as
friendly to the foreigners and has beer
among the more progressive OF the Chinese
officials. 1t Is also stated that the condi-
flOnC seemed 70 no imnr0VinC So far M
orders have been issued directing the re-
turn OF the United States troops from Chi
ma or their removal from Picking TO ITEM
Tsin or TO any other point on the seacoast.
1t is still the policy of the United States,
as expressed in the note of July 5. to- Sc
cure order in China. III there should appear
In Picking members of the Chinese govern
ment who were duly authorized 10 ryan,
ize a government and could do so. with the
prospect of restoring order throughout the
empire, IL would be considered as a move
ment on the part of China towards carry
ing out the demands of the United States.
This government might then consider the
advisability of withdrawing troops from
the capital. especially If this action would
tend toward the pacification of China.
The action of the Japanese government
in Withdrawing from Annoy the troops or
marines, which have aroused the suspicion
of the European powers. has done much to
clarity the situation. BY this disclaimer OF
a purpose 10 seize Chinese territory, Japan
has avoided entering a wedge which might
result in the splitting up of the Chinese
empire among the powers. IL now remains
for Russia TO take similar action as to the
Russian forces at Newchwang. and from
the private intimatfons that have been
conveyed TO the State Department. Russia
has assured us that this occupation has
been purely military and temporary. 1t was
necessary, II was represented. in view OF
the interruption of the Russian railroad in
the upper peninsula, to seize upon New
chwang to supply by sea the Russian forces
TO the n~orthwar but within their own
territory.
The State Department to-day received a
telegram from Its special commissioner To
investigate and report upon conditions I'm
China. Mr.. W.. w. Rockhill, dated at
Shanghai, to-day. saying that he was about
to leave for Picking. Short messages, de-
scriptive OF the situation In Annoy and
Shanghai, were received from the consuls
at those points. but, being devoid of inter-
est, they were not published.