New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-31
,SECRETARY ROOT ACTS.
inquiries Into Reported 4ttack on
4dmirol Tram.
From The Tribune Bureau.I

Washington. Oct. 30-Secretary Root this
afternoon took prompt measures to ascertain
the truth as to the reported attack on Admiral
Train and his by Chinese near Nankin. AS
soon as the reached him. Mr. Root con-
suited Secretary Bonaparte. and sent cable
dispatch TO Thornwell Haynes. American consul
at Nankin. directing him to report Immediately
concerning the incident. The officials were not
inclined to accept the news as being altogether
trustworthy SO many exaggerated reports hay
ing come by way Of Shanghai. which is regarded
as a sensation centre But, though skeptical,
State Department officials thought it advisable
at once to ask for information through consular
sources.
At the Chinese legation it was said tonight
that no dispatches had been received there con-
corning the attack on Admiral Train. Sir Chen
tung LANG Cheng, the Chinese Minister, took
the view that the report was probably greatly
exaggerated when the news first sent OUT
and even If the report of an assault on Admiral
Train should prove true, he was inclined to
think that the Chinese officials at Nankin would
take such prompt measures for settlement Of
the difficulty that 1t would not become an inter-
national incident He confident ii would be
settled at Nankin without being brought before
the imperial government at Picking
Naval officers duty at the Navy Depart
rnent say there have been incidents of this sort
where naval officers hunting in Chinese terri
tory or sailors marines at target practice have
injured or killed natives There has been a sus-
picioa without reference to the latest occur
reuce that some of the Chinese got in the way
OF the marksmen for the profit it would be to
them and their families by claim for damages.
Tia ASPECT of the case which relates to the
Trains assumes international Importance from
the fact that marines had to be landed to rescue
young Train and that the Chinese mob re-
pulsed the American forces. Some people VIII
ask whether or not Rear Admiral Train had the
right TO land marines but 1t is considered that
the emergency in where the life Of an
American naval officer or an American citizen
is in jeopardy justifies any proceeding, regard
less Of its warlike significance. In view Of the
right to extraterritoriality always exercised
Nv the United States in China, the accidental
injury of a Chinese woman does not warrant
the retention of young Train as a hostage. the
attitude of the officials if they have taken sides
with the incensed mob, will have to be repudl-
ated by the government at Picking, and WASH
ington officials express no doubt or such acton'
The damages in such a case viii be settled in
the usual way distinct from any sentiment OF
the people The first thing to be DONE all naval
officers agree is the rescue OF the naval orncer
whose position must be OF extreme peril
Lieutenant Charles r. Train. who is supposed
to have been taken by the Chinese entered tho
service in 1900. Though native of Massachu-
sets Lieutenant Train was appointed 10 the
Naval Academy from New York. Young Train
recently was promoted to d heutenancy after
having commanded the gunboat Quiros on the
Philippine coast He then Joined his father,
who took command Of the Asiatic fleet last
April.