New-York tribune., 1900-08-03
THE PRESIDENT RETURNS.
SPECIAL CABINET MEETING HELD
TO CONSIDER THE SITUA-
TION IN CHINA.

washington. Aug. 2.-President Mckinley ac-
c"Ihpanled by Secretary Cortelyou arrived in
Washington at 7:50 o'clock this morning They
travelled in a special car attached to the regu-
lar pennsylvania train which left Canton yes
terday afternoon. At all the stations through
ONO and Pennsylvania, while daylight lasted.
crowds congregated. While the President ap-
peared on the platform several times in
response to the greetings of the people, the stops
were brief. and he made no attempt to speak.
AT Economy, Penn. Abner Mckinley, the Presi-
dents brother, boarded the train and rode with
the President far Pittsburg. The Presi-
dent was met at the train by Secretary Root.
General Corbin and Mr.. Pruden the executive
clerk. who accompanied him to the White House
AS soon the President arrived at the White
House he called a special Cabinet meeting,
which was held at Ii o'clock. The meeting
lasted about two and a half hours There were
present, besides the President, Secretary Hay,
Secretary Root. Secretary Gage and Postmaster
General Smith. The discussion was confined al
most exclusively to the Chinese situation. All
the details of the situation since the President
went TO Canton two weeks ago were carefully
gone over. and there was q general exchange or
views. The definite information of the safety
Of the foreigners in Pel1ing and the hope for
their final rescue were considered the best
features Of the situation. The Administration
while no word has come from General Chafee
that the march has begun, such news is hourly
expected. The failure of the allies thus 1ar 10
agree on a commander is disappointing, but no
new instructions have been or will be sent 10
General Chaffee. He is on the ground, ana the
Administration has the greatest confidence In
his ability and discretion and there is no pur-
pose here to handicap him with instructions
NO CHANGE OF POLICY.
No change In the policy OF the Government
resulted from the meeting. Secretary hay
note to the Powers was unanimously lnoorSeu
and commended The covert threats tn'0"
out by Ii Hung Chang and the otner Elcelo'S
as to the disaster that might overtahe Che MI
listers If the advance OF the allies was lhslsIe0
upon was characterized by one Of the members
of the Cabinet as a bluff" If harm should De
fall them after the Chinese Governments an
nouncements of its ability to protect them It's
accountability would be all the greater. Whhe
the Administration has absolute knowledge
that the Chinese Government has been lnnph-
Gated in the attacks the legations II VIII
be assumed that its attitude is correct ana tne
Administration, therefore, is not prepared TO ac-
cept at this time the statement or Dr MOT
''The London Times's'' correspondent IN Peklng'
that Imperial edictS encouraged the boxer
movement in the earlier stages of the trouble
To do so would be almost tantamount 10 ao-
mitting that the Chinese Government mad mace
POWERS
tmplicate the Chinese Government in the siege
and the massacre of foreigners would make the
reparation and indemnity harder and heavier.
But all these are matters for the future Inc oo-
iect of the Administration now is to rescue
Minister Conger and protect the lives and prop
erty of American citizens. One OF the Caolnet
officers said that this country had no vengeance
to crafty and would take part In no Wanton
act as a measure of revenge.
There is particular Sign1ncance IN tne
Presidents trip to Washington at this time.
When he returned to Canton two weeks ago he
arranged to come to Washington every fort
nfght to dispose Of such official business as had
accumulated in the mean time and to go per
sonally over the Chinese situation with his ad-
visers. In this way the necessity Of sending
many bulky papers to Canton for his examina-
ton and signature would be avoided, and the
President would have opportunity periodical
ly Of consulting the members of the Cabinet.
It is officially declared that nothing had de-
veloped in connection with the Chinese situa-
ton which especially demanded his presence in
Washington It is his intention to return to
Canton tomorrow night.