The Portland daily press., 1900-09-07
Austria and Italy viii Follow Her
Lead in Matter.
England and Japan Silent but Will Prob
ably Elect to Stay.

Washington, September 6.-The latest
expression SIS to the attitude of the pow
ers on the evacuation of Pekin comes
from the United States ambassador. at
Paris, General Horace Porter, who has
advised the authorities here that the at
titude of the French government is favor
able to the position taken by Russia.
Almost simultaneously with this de.
spatch from Gen. Porter came another
from the American charge d'affaires at
Berlin, giving the attitude of Germany
on Russ1a's proposal. This in substance
states that Germany while anxious to
avoid any friction between the powers
regards the conditions at Pekin such as
to require the continued presence of Ger
man forces there. Neither Gen. Porter
nor Mr.. jackson gave the text of the
answer, but only the substance Of the
positions taken by the two govern
ments.
These two highly important commu-
n1cations bring the Chinese negotiations
to very advanced stage, though they
are not yet concluded, as all of the an
swers are not yet in. The German and
French answers, however, clearly Indicate
the alignment of the powers. 1t is gen.
orally accepted that Germany's attitude
in favor OF remaining at Pekin, will be
concurred in by Italy and Austria, as
these two countries act with Germany on
political questions Of a general nature.
Moreover, definite word has been received
here which clearly foreshadows Austria S
position in favor of remaining at Pekin.
AS to the purposes of Great Britain there
is an absolute lack of official 1nforma-
tion, though little doubt is entertained
that since Germany has taken tna initi-
at1ve, Great Britain win follow suit
in favor of remaining at Pekin. The
position Of Japan likewise is lacking in
defniteness, although it is believed, in
the best posted quarters that If other
nations remain at Pekin, Japan will
deem it exped1ent to remain there also.
1t would seem from this that France is
the only government to give concurrence
to the Russian proposition, although
the United States has expressed pur-
the other powers brought about a modi-
tication of Russia's position. Thus far,
Russia has not expressed any purpose of
modifying her original position. 1t was
stated authoritatively today that Russia
has not ordered the departure OF her
minister or troops from Pekin up to this
time, so far as the United States govern
ment is advised. 1t is stated also that
no new proposition has been presented,
but that the question is practically the
same as when first presented, namely, as
to whether the troops will remain or
be Withdrawn from Pek1n. The receipt
of the communications from Berlin and
Paris, brought about numerous confer
ences between the President, secretary
Root and acting Secretary of State Hill,
and also between Mr.. Hill and Mr.. Adee.
1t was gathered from these meetings
that another noUe was being prepared
by the United States, but the authori-
ties did not feel disposed to give any
inkling as to it's nature and it is quite
probable that its final form Will await
the consideration OF the cabinet tomor-
row. Aside from the general question,
the French government is again con-
sidering the status of Ii Hung Chang
and this subject also was brought to the
attention of the authorities here today.
There have been reports of prospective
detention of Earl Lii in case he proceeded
north, but the communications just in
hand indicate that there Will be no in
terference with his movements. His ac-
ceptability as peace commissioners, also
continues to besa subject OF discussion,
there being strong desire in certain
quarters not to include him In the Chi
nese commission.
M. Thiebbaut, the French charge, and
Baron Speck Won Sternberg, the German
charge, had long conferences at the state