Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-04-04
Military Commanders Discussing
Questions of Posts,
OUR TROOPS TO LEAVE TEE COUNTRY
Efforts to Communicate With the
Emperor.
THE MANCHURIAN TREATY

there now considering the question OF
dispOsing of the Chinese forts and of estab-
fishing fortified posts at proper intervals
along the route from Pekin to the sea
Gen. Chaffee seeks instructions for his
guidance in the conference.
So far these instructions have not been
given Gen. Chaffee's communication was
referred to the Department Of State. A
rather difficult question is involved in this
application by Gen. Chaffee. AS to the
treatment of Chinese fortifications no par
ticular difficulty is involved, for the State
Department has clearly set out it's view
that these should not be destroyed but
simply dismantled.
But as to the establishment of fortified
posts, the State Department is unwilling to
commit the United States to what may be
a permanent occupancy by military force
of Chinese territory. Gen Chaffee having
nothing but legation guard at. Pekin, may
also feel that he is not called upon to en-
ter into discussion of large military ques-
tions like this. 1t is probable that the
United States will on its part persist in the
policy of declining to maintain a perma-
nent military establishment in China.
Meanwhile the War Department is push
ing its preparations for the complete evac-
uatisn of China by American forces save
only the legation guard. and 1t is now
stated that everything Will be in readiness
to embark Gen. Chafees army at Taku
May 80 and they will proceed directly to
Manila.
Communication With the Court.
Much interest is taken in the efforts be-
ing made by the allied ministers at Pekin
to femove the barriers which prevent open
and free communication between the diplo-
matte representatives of foreign countries
and the Chinese court. This constitutes
one of the demands made upon the Chinese
government as a basis fer the withdrawal
of foreign troops Mr.. Rockhill, the Ameri-
can commissioner. who is thoroughly ia
miliar with Chinese laws and customs, is
tak<lg a leading part in these special ne
gotiatiOns. He has insisted upon the al
lOwance of free intercourse between foreign
ministers and the Chinese emperor the
only way to prevent misunderstanding be-
tween the governments represented. The
records of the State Department show that
since relations were opened with China
many years ago the United States govern
nent mas repeatedly insisted that its diplo-
- matte representative should be granted per-
sonal audiences with the emperor for the
consideration of international affairs. Other
governments have taken similar action, but
so far without success.
An Objectionable Requirement.
Heretofore 1t has been almost impossible
10 obtain personal audience with the
emperor regardless of the character of i'm
portance of the business on had, unless the
foreign representatives would agree to fol-
low the Chinese custom of kotowing and
prostrating themselves at the foot of the
emperor. and while in that attitude knock
ing their heads on the floor, in apparent
acknowledgment of the superiority of the
sovereign. 1t has been held by the Chinese
that all people in that kingdom foreigners
or aatives. are subjects of the Chinese en-
peror, and that Cinnamon are not per-
mitted to look upon that august parsonage
no representatives of another nation, or
foreign devil'ts entitled to that privilege
To abandon that custom would in the Chi
70 regarded Ie1o
ment that the so-called foreign devil was
superior to and privileged above the sub
jects of the Chinese empire.
Reported Action by China.
Not word has been heard from Mr..
Roekhill at Pekin for the last three days-a
circumstance explainable only by wire in
terruptions or by the lack of happenings
at Pekin. Consequently there is no official
confirmation of the Pekin report that the
Chinese government has finally refused
Russia'S proposition to Manchuria. Nor
did Secretary Hay have any definite news
today from any of his callers, though this
being diplomatic day all of The ambassa-
oors and many of the ministers in Wash
ington We're at the State Department. The
Chinese minister was not among the cali
ers today, but 1t learned that had
not received adViCeS of Chinas final re-
lection of the agreement. He has no rea-
to doubt the reports, however, for they
are quite in line with the memorial ana
last few days
Great interest is manifested in official
and diplomatic circles over the report that
the Chinese finally had determined not to
sign the agreement. No official inforna-
tiOn has reached this government or the
principal foreign embassies. To the Rus
sian ambassador, Count Cassini, the news
comes a great surprise, he had
hoped for a successful conclusion of the
convention. Russia, ne said had informed
the Chinese government that she did not
~
sire was TO make such arrangements as
would avoid the repetition in the future
of the Boxer troubles of last summer. The
ambassador declined. in the absence OF
official advices. to indicate what probably
would be the future course of his govern
plent-
Controls the situation.
Russia in a measure at least controls tn.
situation In Manchuria, as she has pos
session Of the country. and the great mas
of her soldiers now in Asia are within tina
territory. China having refused the term
specified by Russia the Russians assert sh
may take her own good time and retir,
from the country whenever she is inclined
to do so. She has proclaimed TO the worlt
that her intentions regarding Manchuri.
are entirely honorable. that the propose'
agreement was purely temporary and no
intended to impair the sovereignty of Chin;
or to iniure the interests of the other pow
ers." Such being the case 1t was suggested
by a diplomat that the powers must hav
confidence in the honesty of the Russians.
The suggestion also is made that per
= haps the Russians may attempt to Obtain
a further modification of the propose,
agreement with China, or may seek to oh
tain from the powers opposed to it in it
present form the points of objection he'll
by them with view to the preparation o
future document that will overcome man
of these objections, and assure without an
equivocation whatsoever the absolute In
tegrity of the Chinese empire and render
free from any entangiements that ma
menace IL as the results of such agree
ments. The United States was firm in 1t
opinion that Ii was inexpedient for the Chi
nese government to enter into a treat
with any of the powers interested In tn
present status OF the Chinese situatiO
pending the general settlement of the ma,
ter5 at issue; and this position. backed b
the views of other governments, il is fe
here. has been an important factor wit
the imperial government in determining II