The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1900-09-27
TOEVACUATEP PEKINC
General Chaffee Ordered to
Withdraw Our Troops.
ONLY LEGATION GUARD TO REMAIN.
This VIII Consist of About Fourteen
Hundred Men-Troops VIII lie Re
turned to Manila at an Early
Date-Text of the order.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26.-Thc Unit
ed States government has taken the first
step toward the redemption of its pledge
made to the Russian government Aug.
% last by cabling instructions to Gen.
eral Chaffee to reduce the American
forces in China to the proportions of
legation guard. Nearly month ago
the Russian government was told through
VI. de Wollant, its charge here. that if
the Russian forces and ministry were
withdrawn from Peking eve shall give
instructions to the commander of the
American forces in China to withdraw
our forces from Pekisg after due confer
ence with other commanders as to time
and manner of Withdrawal" That time
has come, and yesterdays action marks
the beginning Of the disappearance of the
American army from China, for, al
though some military force is to remain,
il will not be of the character of an army,
but under the conditions laid down in
the order to General Chaffee and espe-
cialy under it's official designation as
legation guard will be rather of the
nature of civil guard. This small force
will not be included in any military OPP
erations which may be conducted by
the allied armies and so will not fall sub
ject to the direction of Field Marshal
Count Won Waldersee, the commander in
chief.
Much thought has been given to the
proper number of troops to be allotted
for this purpose, and it is believed that
the 400 men selected will be quite sufii-
cient to protect the American legation
against any force that could be brought
4, .lant
the most complete arrangements have
been ordered for the maintenance of the
men. while care has been taken that
there shall not be shortage of ammuni-
ton as there was in the British legation
during the siege. 1t is estimated that
about week will be required to bring
the $500 soldiers away from Peking.
but if the start cannot be made imme-
diately it will be at least about the end
of the first week in October before the
movement can be completed.
Consul General Goodnow has advised
the state department that the taotai at
Shanghai has been degraded and that |
this is believed to be due to the favora- |
BILE attitude of that official toward for |
egners. Mr.. Goodnow and the other for |
egn consuls have considered the advisa- |
bility of protesting, but the protest has |
not yet been made. The French consul |
at Shanghai reports, however, that he |
and Mr. Goodnow have joined in a pro-
test.
The state department has also received |
several dispatches from Mr.. Roclihill |
relative to his conferences with Minister
Conger and the progress of his inquiries.
The text of the order to General Chat |
fee is as follows:
Pending negotiations for settlement, |
the secretary of war directs that lega.
tion guard of a regiment of infantry, four
troops of cavalry, with rapid fire guns
and light battery with complete equip
ment and reserve supply of ammunition
adequate for any emergency, be retained
in Peking under your command and that
you send the remainder of your force in
China to Manila to report to Macarthur
The guard should be amply provisioned,
etc, until navigation opens next spring.
Retain such officers for staff duties as
you deem necessary. All Others of what
ever corps or department, will be sent to
Macarthur for duty as soon as possible
All stores, transportation and materials
not required for the legation guard send
to Manila. Place yourself in close rela-
tions with our minister, acting with him
on the lines that will best subserve our
interests, keeping this department fully
ADVISED. 1t is important that you have
the confidence of the generals of the 9th
er powers General Wilson, with his
aids, will remain in Peking for the pres
ent. special instructions may be sent
MN. cable Macarthur concerning re-
quireIhents to carry these instructions in
10 erect. Inform generals commanding
FORCES OF other powers of our intention to
withdraw part of our forces. Show this
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