The allied forces here number altogether about 17,000 men, including 2,000 British, 8,000 Japanese, 4,000 Russians, and 1,700 Americans. Notwithstanding the desperate situation in Peking the question of whether the force is adequate to attempt relief causes 9 Breas difference of opinion. Some advocate an attempt. at all hazards, while others say that this would mean that foreigners would be wiped out in China. The question has probably been settled by the receipt of orders from Washington to the Americans to advance immediately, reinforcements being promised. This will doubtless cause the others to make a move.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.