The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-18
Circulation Statement
Our Chinese Problem.

II Mr. Mckinley had been different
Kind of President; if he resembled Grant
or old Andrew jackson in character, there
would have been strong force oil Ameri-
can troops in Pekin today, instead of a
pitiful hundred hung up in the air be-
tween that place and Tientsin. Other
Governments were deferred from adopting
prompt and effective measures for the Sc
eurity of their Ministers and legations.
fearing the jealousy of their rivals. But
the United States could have thrown as
many men as it chose into the Imperial
City without exciting the slightest sus-
picion as to dts intentions, or encouutering
the smallest opposition from the ether
civilized powers.
The Administration would be false to its
unbroken record if it did not halt, LIMP.
and wobble. and play politics What does
Hanna. It's master, care for foreigners IN
Pekin, or missionaries elsewhere? IRE
Only question that interests him in the
connection is: What effect will this or that
policy or action have upon the Presidential
election? But a point has been rezcaed
would be fatal to longer hesitate. He will
send the troops to Taku which should have
been there ten days ago. He will rot
eend as many as he ought to. becauss the
army in the Philippines cannot be weak
oned, in view of the strength of the rebel
lion which Otis declares has been utterly
crushed However, Mr.. Mckinley Will
s., N-rl,
ably despatch one brigade TO take part in
whatever international operations may te-
come necessary.
1t seems no longer open to doubt that
the end of the Chinese Empire has been
roEched. What is TO happen next is not
so plain. Probably our late news this
morning may clear Up some of the myster-
les of the past few days, and suggest
whether or not it is 10 be the unpleasant
duty Of the powers TO 60 in and punish the
barbarians as they deserve. But that
eventuality would at once raise the issue
Of Chira's future. 1t would be easy enough
for all parties concerned to give Russia
the mandate to inflict punishment and re-
store order. il there were any confidence
in Russias bona fdes which, III some i'm
porfant quarters. there is not. japan
might be empowered to undertake the SER
vice, II Russia would consent: but there
Is no probability that she would. A punt
tive army of mixed Municipalities is hardly
a possibility. 1t would be a vastly diff
cult thing to manage were all the COM
ponents imbued with the greatest friend
ship for and confidence in each other
Unfortunately 1t would be only inviting
certain trouble IL Russian and japanese
troops were to attempt operating together
on any considerable scale. The impasse Is
worse than European opinion seems to re-
gard it; for our dispatches of yesterday
show that there is an idea abroad that the
United States could furnish the troops
necessary to handle the situation, and
that. probably. common agreement could
be reached 20 that end. Europe accepts as
true the statement of the Administration.
based on the assertions of Otis, that the
insurrection in the Philippines has been
wiped out. There will be complete disil-
fusion on that score when the fact is real
lied on the other side of the Atlantic, that
President Mckinley does not dare TO with
draw more than single brigade from the
and has hesitated to do even
that
II the United States should be forced to
take any considerable part in the subjuga-
tion OF the murderous Chinese, and such a
possibility must be admitted to exist, il
could only do so through the calling OF
an extraordinary session of Congress, and
the assembling of fresh volunteer army
for the purpose. Practically. then, this
country is no better off in military sense,
when We come TO discuss a campaign on
the Chinese mainland. than is Germany or
France. Indeed, we are in less favorable
situation than either of them. Like them
we would have TO send troops from home:
but they have ample resources in trained
regular soldiers. which we lack
The more ore studies the problem, The
stronger tho conviction grows that AMIGA
bic and loyal cooperation OF all the powers,
in restoring order In China and discipfin-
ing It's turbulent hordes, is about out of
the question. Yet the alternative is dis
tinctly condition Of anarchy too horrible
to contemplate, an6 which, in some way.
must be prevented. In the end it is per I
PEELED. as dernier resort, to each under |
take the pacifcation OF some defined area
End this would mean the partition of the
Empire. Whether. as is firmly believed |
in FL gland. Russia has consciously en-
the Boxer movement. in order
TO bring about situation favorable to
designs upon northern China or not. is
, question which is at this time unnee-
assary to consider. What is more impor- |
tant is that situation exists which fur
nishes an opening TO the Cars Govern
ment to seize Pel,in and the upper part. |
1t least. OF Pe-chi-Li. and we are unable |
70 think that this will not be done
England and Japan certainly. and Ger
many probably. viii resist such a move
nent, and the United States may be drawn
INTO the quarrel. France 1t may lie as
umed. will back Russia. and the situation
will then furnish all The materials for
errinc international war which may en-
ircle the globe. We must not forget that
o keep hands off, in the impending strug-
de. would be to shut ourselves oat Of
;hina for all time. Our boasted open
DOR" contracts with tho concert powers
re noT known to be the ganziest dcscrip-
iea CT diplomatic humsugs. and, for prac-
icai purposes. are not worth the pap&