Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-23

| States desires the early withdrawal OF its
own soldiers and the troops of the powers
| from Chinese soil. At the same time it is
recognized that withdrawal is impossible
at present More than this, the latest re-
ports of the actual conditions at Pekin
show no prospect of the early restoration
of a state of affairs which will make with
drawal possible
Minister Conger, under date of August 10,
advised the State Department that there
were no members of the Chinese govern
ment In Pekin and that conditions We're
chaotic. The imperial family had fled, the
capital Of China had been abandoned, and
there was semblance of authorized
government anywhere. In the continuation
of such a state of affairs 1t is evident, 1t Is
said that it will be impossible for the pow
ers to comply with Earl Lis request for the
opening of negotiations looking to the re-
sumption of amicable relations.
The Main Question of the Future.
How long this chaotic condition will con-
tnue Is the main question upon which de-
pend the movements of the American
forces in China for the near future 1t is
impossible for any one connected with this
government to Judge of the length of time
which may elapse before the Chinese au-
thorities will be able to collect the scattered
forces of the imperial authorities. put down
the rebellion and bring about IAN effective
suspension of hostiities.
The reports from General Chaffee and
Admiral Remey of yesterday showed that
up 10 the 10th OF this month there had
been no cessation of hostilties A force of
1000 Boxers had engaged the allies outside
of Tjar Tel la Hlyy aSt
Fighting within the walls of Pekin con-
tinued as was attested by the casualty list
of the American commander, for two days.
1t was these reports which led the Presi-
dent and his advisers 10 take the position
which is outlined in the reply to Ii Hung
Chang.
Within the next few days NE efforts of
this government to increase its military es-
tablishment in China will continue. AS long
as the situation Is unpromising as at
present men and munitions of war will
continue to go forward and everything pos
sible will be done to strengthen the hand
of General Chaffee for any emergency
which the future may develop in China.
The Only Ray of Hope.
The only ray of hope in the gloomy out
look is the consideration that the Chinese
may be able, by a desperate effort, to re-
store at least a semblance of order, re-es-
tablish a form of government and suppress
the rebellion. 1t is realized that they have
everything to gain by such course, and
that every days delay will add to the ulu-
mate distress of the Chinese empire.
There is no doubt that other powers will
follow the lead of the United States and
refuse to withdraw troops until peace is re-
stored. 1t Is likely that the allies will also
continue to increase their military strength
in China, pending the armsice. All of
this means that the money indemnity which
will ultimately be asked of the Chinese will
daily reach greater proportions.
1t may grow, 1t is explained, to such an
amount that China would find it difficult
to pay. That would certainly mean. 1t is
said, the occupation of Chinese territory
by the foreign troops until the indemnity
was assured. A foothold of this kind, once
obtained, would be a great advantage to
nations which are known to be seeking
territorial expansion in China.
Such a situation would be distasteful to
the United States. The President has al
ready announced and repeated that the
policy of the United States was not one
of territorial grasping, but on the contrary
to preserve the physical and administrative
entity of China and to keep the CONNER
cial doors of the great empire open to the
nations of the world.
In this consideration of the case the
United States will be interested to a de-
gree only second to the concern of the
Chinese themselves in securing an armis-
tice and bringing about renewal of friend
ly relations between China and the out
side world with the withdrawal of the
large armaments. Whether this can be ac-
complished before the Russians overwheim
China at New-Chwang, before the British
land at Shanghai and spread over the land
and before the French, Japanese and Ger
mans disembark their armies upon Chinese
soil is a question in which this govern
ment is deeply concerned, but which can
not be answered now.
No Difficulty In Landing Anfmais
The War Department has received infor-
nation that there is now no difficulty in
| landing animals at Taku. dispatch from
that point says that with the facilities they
have COO animals can be landed a day, and
the horses for the cavalry. as well as mules
fast as the ships arrive. Preparations ara
still, going forward for wintering the army
in China. The Quartermaster's department
will have all supplies at Taku before the
ice prevents further shipments, with pos
sibly the exception of hay and grain, and
these, 1t Is expected, can be supplied from
the port Of Lin Yu, which Is open during
the winter. The commissary department is