The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-08-19
SHANGHAI SITUATION.


during the afternoon that the United
States cruiser New Orleans had reached
Shanghai, at which point British Warsh-ps
and transports are already In 1ofce' "Aiie
the French. Russians and Germans are
hurrving their men to the same desu-
nation. ,
The American Government. so faf' mas
kept quite out of this enlargement anu Az
view OF the reported landing OF troops ps
some OF the Powers, ii was stated authorl-
tat:vely that the landing Of American
tronDs never had been contemplated.
Although the officials declined to give
OUT any specific information. it was under
stood generally that the Government was
in possession of the word that the lard-
ing of the British forces had occurred 10
day. md it was probable that this "oui1
be followed by the landing OF German
and French forces. As the several forces
had as the ostens BILE purpose of their
landing the maintenance Of peace and
order. it is not assumed to be likely thnt
any disorder can arise out Of the course
pursued AS a result of the conferences
held to-day. it is believed that a dispatch
was forwarded TO the commander of the
New Orleans, ndvising him Of the course
10 be pursued.
A MISUNDERSTANDING.
The general stuat on at Shanghai
caused by the proposed landing of British
troops and the protests OF Germany an
France continues TO be strained, although
the authorities are reported more hope
full of satisfactory adjustment than here
tofore. The State Department does not
treat the matter as ut all grave, and re-
CARDS it rather as misunderstanding,
one side holding that British activity S
confined TO Shanghai. While the other in
sists that this nctivity is designed to
cover the whole Yang-Tse region.
One of the diplomatic offic ais who has
been most active in the affair said to-
day that in any event there could be no
serious rupture. for even if troops were
landed it would increase the security and
order prevailing. It seems to be accepted
that # the British troops land, German
and French and possibly Russian. troops
also VIII land.
About l,leo French troops have arrived
ut Hong Kong, destined for Shanghai. and
German ships are now on their way to the
same point.
The German. French and Russian
Charge Affaires called separately at the
state Department today The situation
was discussed. bat no changes developed.
NO CHANGE
The general policy of the Government
towards China heretofore has been made
aiioHAi poA44 ~ Htllt!di Sn2lIce anu "
Minister Conger. and 1t was stated au-
thoritatively tonight that there was no
necessity OF sending these officials addi-
lonai instructions on the subject The
fact is emphasized by administration OFF,
cials that the policy of the Government
is sufficiently stated in Secretary Hays
note Of July Sd, and tat nothing can be
added to that document except an Ella
bora ton of the points therein stated
6,.tj0pt -,I,rn 10;
in this declaration. namely:
1.-THE purpose of the United States Is,
as 1t has been heretofore. to act concur
rently with the other Powers
First. n opening up communication
with Pe!1in and rescuing the American Of
ficials, missionaries and other Americans
who are in danger.
lection everywhere In China to American
life and property.
Thirdly, in guarding and protecting all
legitimate American interests; and
..Fourthly. in aiding to prevent spread
of the disorders to the other provinces Of
the Empire and a recurrence ot such dis
asters."
II can be stated authoritatively that the
foregoing declara ions stand to-day as they
did IN the day they were enunciated The
Government considers that the first pur-
nose enumerated. namely: "Openng up
communication with PelSin ana rescung
the American officials missionaries and
other Americans who were in danger" is
now accomplished. There may be details
of this rescue still to be carried ont. but
M doubt is entertained that the rescue will
be accomplished.
- RESTORE ORDER.
This leaves three remaining purposes
set forth to be carried out. and these are
chiefly in line of restoring order. quiet
and security to the disturbed country.
Even with the Chinese capital occunied
by the allied forces It IS realized that
there Is still serious business for the forces