The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-09-04
SURPRISES FOR ENGLAND.
She L. Disappointed in Russia as
Well as America
New York. Sept "A dispatch to the
r. <-~,~.. T<~,,f7or.

New York. Sept. "A dispatch to the
Tribune from London says:
Explanations OF the American circular
note which have been cabled here from
Washington, have caused general as
constituent Whatever the state de-
partment may have meant to convey.
Downing street understood the United
States government to be supporting
RusSia's proposal for immediate retire
Inent from Pekin- The British foreign
Office has received two disagreeable sur
prises in the last week It was justly
annoyed at finding that Russia, after
ali her declarations of affection for the
international concert, had calmly given
orders for the retirement OF the Russian
troops and legation without even wait
ing to hear what the other powers
thought of the move
But the attitude of the United States
was almost equally dlsconcer1ing- The
British government thought it was en-
titled to rely on American support in
the endeavor to settle the Chinese ques-
ton effectually The British official
view is that this retirement from Pelxin
is only advantageous for Russia, which
kills three birds with one stone In the
first place she has her troops free for
use where she wants them just now,
namely in Manchuria: second, she linn
its the expenditure of money, which in
the present condition OF her finances Is
highly desirable; third, she prevents the
possible removal OF the Chinese seat OF
sons of her own, she particularly desires
that it should remain But, in general,
non Russian interests believe the with
draWal is a mistake, since the Chinese
will simply believe the powers are
afraid Of them. There will be no re-
organization. no permanent safety for
foreigners and no guarantee or an
open door" If Great Britain in her
EFFORT to secure a durable settlement,
once for all, could rely on solid Amer1-
can backing she could put herself at the
head of a combination of at least four
powers, and so defeat the Russian pro
1ect Were England and America unit
ed on this point, Japan certainly and
Germany probably would join them; but
without the United States the combina-
ton would fall through and England 5
effort to arrange the eastern question
without partitioning China or without
leaving that empire in a condition 10 IN
vite future intervention may have 70
be abandoned.
FynrIish statesmen thought that they
had a right to count on American aid ID
pursuing an unselfish policy which IS Tor
the common benefit OF the civilized Worio
and they will be deeply disappointed 10
fnd that they are mistaken and that
American regard for the open door
and Chinese integrity Is limited to WORDS
The moment the United States IS asked
to accept some amount OF responsibility
If hastily effaces itself and executes
precipitate retreat
Active communications are now pass
and London and Pekin- The final decis-
ion of the British government can be
easily predicted Unless some prospect
is held out of active support of the nom
retirement policy by the United
States It is probable the Russian exam
pie will eventually be initiated by all the
other powers France, in any case, will
follow Russia Germany may do the
same, though with great reluctance soon
err than separate from her eastern and
western neighbors- England, under these
circumstances. viii naturally feel that
she is not called upon to incur the risks
and burdens of winter occupation of
Pekin and viii also withdraw after a
vigorous protest and an attempt to con-
vince the allied governments Of the
grivous mistake that is being made
Tt should be recollected that with TalSu
harbor closed by ice and Russia holding
the northern railway it would be very
difficult to convey supplies to an army
of occupation in winter without Russian
cooperation.
Before sending a circular to the
queens representatives abroad, giving
them a definite outline of the British
policy in the situation which has now
arisen, Lord Salisbury will wait to hear
the opinion of Sir Claude Macdonald
This has not yet been obtained in full.
owing to the interruption of Geographic
communication