The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1900-09-15

minister a received an imperial
edict comforting on Ii Hung Chang
extraordinary power for the complete
settlement of the Chinese trouble. It
gives him authority to make any terms
according to his own discretion with
out referring them to the emperor.
This is unusual authority and it is said
at the Chinese legation, it gives Ii
Hung Chang credentials adequate to
meet all the objections heretofore
raised as to his power to negotiate for
peace. The edict is dated two weeks
ago, but is pust forwarded from Ii
Hung Chang. Minister WI delivered
It to the state department yesterday
morning.
Speedy Withdrawal of Troops.
The developments Of the day in the
Chinese situation still point to a speedy
withdrawal Of the United States troops
from China. Gen. Chaffee has added
the weight Of his opinion to that al
ready entertained by many officials
here. It probably is significant that
the generals statement on this point
was given publicity by the administra-
ton. Nc confirmation is at hand here
of the report that Great Britain n
Germany have Joined in an agreement
to remain together in Peking regard
less Of the attitude of the other pow
ers. Should this be true the TACT
doubtless would hasten h rearward
movement Of the American troops,
for there is a firm determination to
avoid becoming involved in any clash
between the powers, such as might
Reasonably Be Expected
to follow the execution of this reported
British German programme. If there
have been further responses to the
Russian note relative evacuation, their
purport cannot be ascertained. This
delay no longer interferes with the <
ecution Of the American policy. The
state department has a reasonably &C
curate understanding Of the attitude
of even those powers that nave o
made formal responsesst to the RUSSIAN
note. so that the mere written record
of their views is not Of Importance.
The part of the problem relative to
withdrawal that remains unsoQved Is
the best means of securing guarantees
for the attainment of the few objects
set out in Secretary Hays note Of July
3 which have not yet been secured:
Possibly guarantees must be obtained
from the two sides: from the Chinese
government, as to the security OF
American Treaty Rights,
and the creation Of a claims commits
sion which shall provide for h pay
of indemnity for the losses sur
fared by the American citizens n Tor
the expenditures on account or n
Pekine relief expedition. Then it IL
entirely possible that it may be re-
rarded as necessary If any OF the
allies refuse to leave Picking and per
sist in a war of conquest that In this
the United States in the matter OF
trade, of the "open dood" and of all
rights now guaranteed to US In China
bv treaty be made a matter of special
agreement between the United States
and the warning powers. 1t does not
follow that because the United States
troops are to be withdrawn this u
tumn from China that u interests
wifi be left completely at the mercy
Of the other powers. On the contrary,
such disposition will be made of those
troops that they, with others, If neces-
eary, can be
Returned to China
in short order. To this end the entire
army of Gen. Chaffee will be quartered
in some of the pleasant and most
portions of the Philippines.
If they are wanted again in China
they a be transported inside of q
week, thoroughly refreshed and fitted
for effective action. Minister WI has
not vet been clothed with powers, by
his government to effect a settlement
Of The Chinese trouble directly with
the Washington authorities. The Of
Acia1s are inclined to believe that no
such large power as this will be con-
ferred upon him, though he may, as
do the Chinese ministers in Europe.
play a most important part IN the
n~reliminaries to the institution OF
regular negotiations through commits
sioners for a. final settlement. I.
WON'T RETURN.