The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-09-04

Washington, August 3f.-The Russian
note relative to the withdrawal of Rus
STA from China, and the United States
response thereto, were made public to-
day by the state department, after the
cabinet had fully considered the ex-
pediency of so doing. The correspond
ence is unique in the history of diplo-
matte exchange. 1t may be said to IL
lustrate a clever move by which the
United States government again has
assumed the lead in prescribing the
policy of the powers respecting the Chi
neSe trouble. This was accomplished
by the state departments availing it
self of the Russian note to address to
the powers an inquiry as to their poll
cies, an answer to which scarcely can
be avoided.
Various meanings can be placed upon
the statements of the two principals
10 this correspondence. Thus, on the
one hand, il may be noted that while
Russia a purpose TO with
her troops from China, still as to
the occupying force at Niuchang, a
condition is attached that almost mega
tiveS the proposition as to tina point.
N0A WI IL dp-
pears that, while believing the best
course to pursue is to remain in Pc
kin, our government is still willing to
withdraw. Perhaps this means that if
there is TO be separate action by h
powers in China the United States pro-
poses to deal with the situation with a
free hand 1t may be noted, in connec-
ton with u withdrawal statement,
that, whereas Russia proposed to with
draw from China, our offer is to with
only from Pekin. A significant
fact in this connection is that General
Chaffee, who is we'll advised of the sit
uatiOn, continues his preparations for
wintering the American troops in
China. Unless the men are out of the
Pei HO within the lex six weeks,
they are likely to be ice-bound. Gen
eral Chaffee was further advised to-
lay of the developments in the Situa-
ton, a cOmpendious statement of the
points in the RuSSO-American CORE
spOndence being cabled to him for his
guidance. AS bearing further On the
prospects of the future, it may be noted
that the war department officials
state that the government a not On
Sidered the question of evacuation Of
China.
1t scarcely is expected that even with
the aid of the cables a complete accord
can be reached upon this last propo-
sitiOn Immediately. Up to the close of
S~N NJ OA
tons had been received in
of u last note. One was from the
British foreign office, merely promising
consideration for the note and n from
Germany, wishing for time to consider
the proposition.
The officials here say that they are
satisfied that Japan, at least, is fully
in accord with our objects as set out
in the note, and rather expect an early
answer from her. France has not been
heard from on this point, her last COM
m~unicatiOn relating entirely to the
matter of Ii Hung Chang's status.
The full text of the French govern
ment's answer to Lii Hung Chang
peace proposals of August 18th and 21st
has just been received here. 1t proved
to be almost identical in language with
the reply of the American government
which laid down as a preliminary to
peace OvertureS, that security in the
Chinese capital and responsible govern
IN authority be established
1t was stated today, as an additional
reasOn for American acceptance of Ii
Hung Chang, that his confidential
secretary and adviser is an American,
Mr.. Pe-hicE. formerly of the American
consulate service at Tien TSin and re-
gardad IS Il man of exceptional ability
and S~cruDulOus integrity.