New-York tribune., 1900-07-17

there was any necessity for more American
troops in China. and at the close of the day he
said that he had issued no orders for reinforce
ments. The regiments already selected for Chi
nese service those now in China and those
afoat amount to 1865 men Of all arms. Sec
retary Root said that in view OF the small
standing army OF the United States, the in
significant force Of field artillery as compared
with that of the great European Powers. and
the lack of territorial interest in China. this
force represented more than the pro rata share
OF The United States in the international force
which is TO operate against Peking. The War
Department he said. far has responded in
full TO every demand made II by the joint
conference Of foreign commanders in China
The situation has changed so rapidly from day
TO day as to alter the estimate OF the foreign
commanders several times. It is possible that
the estimate Of troops needed for Chinese ser
vice will be again increased. If So the United
States viii respond. BY securing this country
and denuding il Of all Regular troops, except
few Of the heavy artillery in charge Of valuable
seacoast guns, and by making still further de-
mands upon forces IN Cuba and Porto Rico. be-
tween 5000 and 1000 additional troops might
be gathered. This, however would be the limit
unless the War Department disregarded the
recommendation Of General Macarthur and
drew still further the availa BILE troops in the
Philippines. This. however, was a future con-
tingency which would not have to be met until
il arose. Secretary Root expressed the hope that
the first reports Of the battle Of the 18th at
Tfen-Tsin might prove TO be exaggerated. but
the War Department, it was said had no off,
cial information beyond that given in Admiral
Remey's dispatch.
GENERAL MILES MAY GO TO CHINA
General Miles was called upon by Secretary
E2rr% 81
the projected movements Of troops. He favors
the prompt dispatch of large force to China
It is understood that General Miles strongly
urged that the troops be Immediately with
drawn from the Philippines, so that large
force could be thrown into China within com
paratively few days. instead Of assembling the
troops n this country and Cuba and then send
ing them 10 China The troops in the Philip
pines could MAKE the trip to China in about
week while the dispatch Of troops from this
country Will take considerably more than a
month and the men can hardly be on the field
until September. Notwithstanding General
Nnes's recommendation the apparent policy is
to forward the troops 10 China from this coun-
try and Cuba as fast as they can be assembled
With the sending Of eight thousand or ten
thousand men, provision doubtless viii be made
for an officer Of high rank 10 take command Of
the force. General Miles has recommended that
Mator-GeneraI Bates, who commanded a brig
ade with credit II Cuba, be placed in command
He is in the Philippines, and could readily
reach the field of action. The disposition, how
ever, is toward sending an officer from this coun-
try and as the conditions are so rapidly expand
ing Genera Miles is frequently referred TO as
likely 10 assume command Of the American
forces in China.
A good deal Of annoyance has been caused
here by the complete misunderstanding that has
been conveyed 10 the European nations TO