Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1900-09-20
N k|NLEY 70 DECIDE 4.
The Question of tine 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 ENecu-
tiNe-Attitude of Other Powers
Denial of Reported Lootins by
Americans.

Washington. Sept. 13.-The ques-
ton of Withdrawing the American
troops at once from Pehing is now be-
fore the president and a 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-
zion of the French governments 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:
"The result of these considerations is
| that unless there is such general expires
| sion by the powers in favor of continued
| occupation as to modify the views eN-
! pressed by the government OF Russia and
| lead TO a general agreement for continued
occupation. shall give instructions to
the commander of the Americas 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. Chaifee 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 movements 1t is for the president
TO give tina. signal.
Must Weigh the Facts.
The consideration 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 ia the Russian note: second. it is
represented hat China is on the verge
of terrible famine and the retention
of the troops in Picking. preventing
IS they do the return of the Chinese
government and the supply of pro-
visions to the capital. places the re-
sponsbilitv for what threatens to be
a frigh,fui 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 10 meet. but, being in
sisted upon by the missionary Gle
ment. is being given most careful CON
si9eration.
No Loo:ina 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 iii Tientsin Report imme dia;eiy
whether American troops took part If so
punish severely: repress steTnlN. Absolute
regard for life and property of noncon-
batantS enjoine d.
by order OF secretary of war.
"rORBlN'
The following reply was received:
"Tientsin. july -I.ootinc by American
troops in walled city of Tentsin jinfound-
mint under direction of Col. Meade, ma
rine corps commanding. who was in
valded to-day. No property destroyed ex-
cept under military exigency. American
troops have orders TO protect life and prop
erty in American southeast quarter OF city,
assigned them. VIII forward reports OF
commanders of American guards IN city.
"COOIIDGE
Lii Gives His Word.
Washington. Sept. Ia Minister WI
has received a cab.egr"m from Ii Hung
Chang answering he hope expressed
in he American note of a few days ago
that his powers are sufficient 10 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.
Picking, Sept. 9.-Fhe 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 a
japanese officer a watch with init ;als
which he admitted taking from the
body of Baron Won ketteler. He after
wards admitted the crime. saving that
the imperial government ordered the
commission OF the act.
A Waiting Game.
Washington. Sept. 15.-There We're
no developments in the Chinese nego-
,iations Friday with which the pub
lie could be mace acquain &c. the whole
matter being still! in the diplomatic
I'phase. anG therefore not calling for
military orGers. War department Off
Gals are awaiting word from the state
department as to the next step en-
pected of the troops. but it is now in
rimatec that this next step will rot
be taken Immediately. The situation
has lost something of its acuteneSs.
owing to the change in the attituGe
of the Russian government. as int,i-
catec in Thursdays dispatches No Of
ticiai confirmation has reached WASH
.ngton 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
note of response to Russia that Ge-