Approve Nicholson's Course.

New York Times 100 years ago today, July 28, 1913:
Officials Think Americans in Ku Ling Do Not Need Help.
    WASHINGTON, July 27.— Officials here approve the course of Rear Admiral Nicholson, commander of the Asiatic fleet, who refused to send a guard of marines to Ku Ling, the Central China Summer, resort, where Americans had become apprehensive because of the disorders in the Chinese Republic.
    Admiral Nicholson has reported to the Navy Department that he acted after consulting with British, German and French commanders, all of whom advised him against furnishing the guard. The request for marines was made by Chargé Williams, of the American Legation at Peking. In transmitting the request to Admiral Nicholson, Acting Secretary Roosevelt authorized the commander of the American squadron to use his discretion in the matter. As Ku Ling is on elevated ground, it is said not to be in immediate danger, except from stragglers. The gunboat Helena, the American vessel nearest Ku Ling, is at Kiukiang, on the Yang-tse River, and officials suggest that if Admiral Nicholson sent any of her small complement of marines to Ku Ling, the vessel might become an easy prey for the warring factions.