The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1900-09-21
'MK|NLEY TO DECIDE I.
The Question Of the Withdrawal of
Our Troops from Picking Awaits
Presidents Action.
A DECISION IS EXPECTED VERY SOON
Both Sides of the Question Will BE
Carefully Weighed by the Execu-
tive-Attitude of other Powers
Denial Of Reported Looting by
Americans.

Washington, Sept. 13.-The ques-
ton of withdrawing the American
troops at once from Picking is now be-
fore the president and speedy de-
cision is expected and required. There
are differences among officials in Pc
king on this subject and the issue is
for the president to decide. The ac-
ton of the French government, as re-
ported by cable dispatches, in joining
Russia in orders for the withdrawal
of troops has brought about the con-
tingency touched upon in the. reply
to Russia in the following language:
1.-THE result of these considerations is
that unless there Is such a general express
sion by the powers in favor Of continued
occupation as to modify the views ex-
pressed by the government of Russia and
lead to a general agreement for continued
occupation, we shall give instructions to
the commander of the American forces in
China to withdraw our troops from Picking
after due conference with the other COM
manders as to time and manner of with
drawal."
Gen. Chaffee was made acquainted
with the attitude Of the government
and was directed to hold himself in
readiness to withdraw his troops.
Undoubtedly he has conferred with
the other commanders as to the time
and manner of withdrawal, according
to the terms of the note. The send
ing of further supplies to him has
been stopped and he now awaits but
the signal from Washington to begin
his movement. 1t is for the president
to give that signal.
Must Weigh the Facts.
The considerations now before him
in favor of immediate withdrawal are:
First, the fact that he is already COM
mitted in a measure to such course
by the above quoted language in re-
ply to the Russian note; second, it Is
represented that China is on the verge
of terrible famine and the retention
of the troops in Peking, preventing
as they do the return of the Chinese
government and the supply of pro-
visions to the capital, places the re-
sponsibility for what threatens to be
frightful calamity upon the powers
who sanctioned the occupation.
On the other hand, strong repre-
sensations have been made to the
president in opposition to withdrawal
in advance of the procurement of alb
solutely sufficient guarantees for the
protection of American interests in
China and for the safety of the native
Christians. This last addition is one
most difficult to meet, but, being in
sisted upon by the missionary ele-
ment, is being given most careful con-
sideration.
No Looting by Americans.
Washington, Sept. 12.-The war de-
partment made public the following
telegram:
Fowler, Chefoo: Send following cable
gram to Coolidge, commanding united
forces Tientsin: Reported here extensive
footing in Tientsin. Report Immediately
whether American troops took part. If so,
punish severely; repress sternly. Absolute
regard for life and property of noncom-
batants enjoined.
'By order of secretary Of war.
"CoRBIN."
The following reply was received:
"Tientsin, July 25-Looting by American
troops in walled city of Tientsin unfound-
mint under direction of Col Meade. ma
rine corps, commanding, who was in
valided to-day. No property destroyed ex-
cept under military exisency. American
troops have orders to protect life and prop
erty in American southeast quarter of city.
assigned them. Will forward reports of
commanders of American guards In city,"
COOLIDGE"
Ii Gives His Word.
Washington, Sept. 14.-Minister WI
has received a cablegram from Ii Hung
Chang answering the hope expressed
in the American note of few days ago
that his powers are sufficient to pro-
tect American lives and interests in
China. Earl Ii says he has that power
and will see that the protection is
given.
Assassin Arrested.
Peking, Sept. 9.-The japanese have
arrested the assassin of Baron Won
Ketteler. the late German minister to
China. The assassin, who has been
handed over to the Germans by the
Japanese, has confessed his guilt. He
was arrested for trying to sell to
Japanese officer watch with initials
which he admitted taking from the
body of Baron Won Ketteler. He after
wards admitted the crime, saying that
the imperial government ordered the
commission of the act.
A Waiting Game.
Washington, Sept. 15.-There were
no developments in the Chinese nego-
tiations Friday with which the pub
lie could be made acquainted, the whole
matter being still in the diplomatic
phase, and therefore not calling for
military orders. War department off,
Gals are awaiting word from the state
department as to the next step ex-
pected of the troops, but it is now in
timated that this next step will not
be taken Immediately. The situation
has lost something of it's acuteness.
owing to the change in the attitude
of the Russian government, as indi-
Gated in Thursdays dispatches. No Of
fetal confirmation has reached Wash
ington of the postponement of the
withdrawal, but the fact is not doubt
ed here. Regardless, however. of the
course to be taken by Russia, it is now
said there is nothing in the American
mite of responSe IA Russia that do.