The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1901-03-23
WAR CLOUDS.

Trouble.
PEKIN, March l5 The expected
clash between the armed forces Of
Russia and Crest Britain at Tien
rsin has occurred, and bloodsheh
may be expected at any moment.
Tbs Russians have taken forcible
possession of the railway siding
which the British we're constructing,
and it is now under the guard OF
armed sentries.
Colonel Macdonald, who is in
command at Tien Tsiu, advised
General 3 ,yrow OF the situation and
asked for instructions. AS General
Barrow is second in command OF the
British forces, be hesitated about
assuming any further responsibility
in the absence OF General Gsselee,
the commander n-chie', and held a
long consultation with Sir Ernest
S,taw, the British Minister. The
result could not be ascertained.
1t is understood here that Gener.
al Magasah, who is in command of
Tieu Tsip, acted directly under the
instructions of M. dc Giers, the
Russian Minister, in seiziug thu
siding. When the British COM
menced its construction, he protest
ed to Colonel Macdonald, calling
his attention to the fact that it was
within the Russian concession. The
facts were communicated to Gener.
al Barrow, who ordered Colonel
Macdonald to proceed with the
work and use force il necessary.
The Russians. while awaiting orders
from Pekiu, commenced to intreuch
the disputed territory, willis Colonel
Macdonald plac ID a company OF
the Hoogkong Regiment with fixed
bayonets in front of the concession
and supported it with two com
panies of Madras Pioneers under
command OF Major johnson.
That is the situation at the pres
ent time. Work on the siding has
been temporarily suspended, and it
is believed that blood will flow il
any attempt is made by the British
to resume. Tne Russians hare do
not attempt to conceal their Joy
at the turn OF affairs.
LONDON, March 15.-Graat Britain
is entirely unsatisfi I'd with Russia's
reply regarding her proposed con-
ventio1 with China. There is no
doubt that China has appealed to
Great Britain as we'll as to other
powers to protect her and to save
Manchuria to her. England has
announced her policy aud Germany
and Japan are equally decided that
China shall make no separate agree.
meut with individual powers.
WASHINGTON Cd. o., March 10
The q 1ited States will take no part
in the conflict Of powers in China.
The President has come to the con-
clusion that the time is ripe for the
removal OF all American troops from
China, with the exception of bare
legation guard Of $50 men. The
hurry to get out of China is the
best evidence that the Administra-
ton is inclined to look upon the
Japanese British Russian situation
there as serious 10 the extreme. An
order WAS sent TO General Chaffee
today to have the American troops
removed within six weeks. 1t was
said at the War Department that
this closes up the Chinese question
so far as the War Department is
concerned, as the protection OF the
legation can in no sense be taken az
occupation OF Chinese Territory,
and the guard cannot be used for
any other purpose. The transports
Sumner and Ind ANA will be sent to
Taku to take thu troops in China to
Manila. These troops consist of
the Ninth Infantry, four troops OF
the Sixth Cavalry, and the light
battery, formerly commanded by
Captain Reilly Two transports
will br ng away The LOO animals
which have been us d by the army
in Chiua.
General CHAT has advised the