The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1900-09-28
UNCLE SAM And CHINA
Trend Of Events Justifies State
Department Decision to.
Withdraw Troops.
PURPOSE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED.
If Other Powers Seize Pekin General
Chafiee's Legation Guard Will
Remain with Conger.

Washington, Sept. 26.-It is believed
that General Chaffee, being at Tien-
tsin, has by this time received instruc-
tions cabled him relative to the reduc-
tion OF his force In China. If he returns
to Pekin to execute the order 1t will be
Monday at least before he can begin
the movement toward Tientsin: 1t is
thought here that with view of pre-
venting any possible misunderstanding
he already has acquainted the military
representatives of the powers at Tien-
tsin Of the projected withdrawal of the
American forces. This is deemed more
necessary, because Of the possibility Of
the appearance of Field Marshal Wal
dersee at Taku or Tientsin at any mo-
ment. 1t Is desirable that the change
Of status of the American troops shall
have taken place before he appears on
the scene.
Decision Il Justified.
The rapid trend Of events In China
toward actual and formal war, which
10 regarded as certain to follow re-
fusal on the part Of Germany and
some Of the other continental powers
to enter into negotiations for settle
ment with China, Is regarded here as
justifying the decision Of the state de-
partment to withdraw the American
troops, now that the purpose for which
these troops were sent into China has
been accomplished. The department
has held from the first that state Of
war did not exist with the Chinese
government, and 1t secured the assent
Of every one Of the powers to that
proposition. 1t still does not believe
there is sufficient ground for changing
that position and refuses to be drawn
into war without such ground.
Declaration of War.
What effect, if any, a declaration Of
war upon China by Germany alone or
in alliance with other powers would
have upon the negotiations which Min
lister COnger has in hand can only be
conjectured. Mr.. Conger was to ar
range the preliminaries for meeting
between the representatives of the
powers and China with a view to eff
fecting a harmonious settlement. His
action was not to be mandatory in any
sense upon any power and each was
free to reject the good offices of the
United States If 1t saw fit. A failure
of Mr.. COnger's efforts would not, it Is
believed, involve much change in the
American programme. Our govern
ment would simply be obliged to deal
directly with China, with a view to
the protection of our own interests,
abandoning any further efforts to bring
the powers into harmony in the settle
ment.
If Pekin Is Seized.
AS 10 military plans already laid
down, they will remain unchanged, it is
said here. If the belligerent power or
powers seize Pekin, the American min
lister will still remain there and Gen
eral Chaffee's legation guard will stay
with him, ! ut taking no part in the
war. The power in possession can find
no valid objection to the presence of
this legation guard. At Constantine
pie the legations and embassies all
have their cavasses, or legation guards,
and while they are not numerous, the
principle Is recognized and mere num-
bers does not affect it.