Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-11-18
cHAFFEe's OPPORTUNITY.
Why That Officer Was Selected tc
Lead the Americans in China.


The campaign in China was an i'm
portant period OF our national his
tory, and as the man who commanded
the American forces during that time
Is Dol to be- made Lieutenent-gener-
al of the army and chief OF staff. in
side facts about his selection for the
China command become interesting.
The legations at Picking were be-
sieged and the ministers were not al
lowed TO communicate with their gov
ernments. The different nations sent
troops TO China. the first United
States forces going from the Philip
pines and other troops from San
Francisco. AS soon as troops were
ordered 10 China Secretary Root be-
gan Ia cast about for Il commander,
Immediately available. The secretary
was about TO go TO his home in Gin
ton. n. Y. and General Corbin. adju-
tant general, said:
II can send a man to meet you at
Clinton tomorrow who will fill the re.
uuirements.'
Who is he?"
"Adna r. Chaffee."
what Is ne
"He is now a brigadier-general of
volunteers, a colonel of cavalry and
every inch a soldier. After you have
seen him you will be satisfied he is
the man for the place"
Well, Chaffee called on Root, then
came to Washington, receiving final
instructions, chose his staff and start
ed at once for China. While he was
on the way the force of United States
troops was increased until about 1900
effective men were gathered at Taku
aud Tien Tsin. 1t was determined
that il was scarcely compatible with
the position OF the United States tC
have the force commanded by only
a brigadier-general, but as the list Of
major-generals of both regulars and
volunteers was full, what could be
done? Gen. Corbin suggested thai
Chaffee be appointed a major-genera
and that in case objection was made
congress could be asked to confirm
the action. This was done. CorbiI
Cabled Chaffee AT Taku that the presi
dent hai appointed him a major-gen
rral of volunteers, and directed hin
TO accept. take the oath, and assume
command with that rank. The promo
ton was very acceptable to Genera
Chaffee. as he found the forces of tn,
/, rank allies commanded by men O
T high rank and that several in con
mand We're higher than his grade o
, hrigadier.
=. Then followed another serious que;
! tion. should the move toward Pc
king be- made at once or should tn
force be- largely increased? a hig
- uiiicer of the army recommended tina
- NO move he made toward Picking unit
s he force was increased to 1000
4 men, i'm which event he should lik
Ito TAX" command. Gen. Corbin. the
al. Gtary authority of the war depar
.urul. went on record with anotht
n recommendation to the effect that h
o believed there was a sufficient fore
then on Chinese soil to rescue til
legations. Accordingly Chaffee va
cahled Ia proceed to the relief of III
4 legations AT Peking.
IS At this time the officers of foreig
II troops were somewhat in doubt as
q what they should do. Several coul
ellis We're held and the matter We
e quite generally discussed. At la
h Chaflee spoke:
n Gentlemen said he. II don't kno
n what you intend to do, but my ordel
IS are to proceed to Picking and relieN
the legations. and | am going.
,r would be glad TO have your compan
but with OF without you | am goir
n to Peking."
This caused considerable surprii
a. and the attitude of the American ge
eral was discussed among the otheeI
ID But when II was learned that Il
American troops were to nov Il
English and Japanese were also {
dered out and the others 500 Il
o lowed. so that the advance was &c
Ip eral.
a.. The success of the movement is h
ID tory. The campaign resulted in glo
y. for Gen. Chaffee and he vas prone
ii ed to be a major-general in the reg
lar army yer the heads OF six brI
IS heterogeneous who then ranked hi
l. and was put in line for command
a the Philippines. subsequently to
n made acknowledgement and. as chi
Is of the staff, placed in actual commal
Of the army,