Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-09-24
America Not Alone in Opposing
Germany's Proposal.
FRANCE and RUSSIA In ACCORD
Instructions for Mr.. Conger Being
Prepared.
THE PROGRAM OF ACTION

The position of the United States on
China, as made known in the notes just
made public. is receiving the earnest con-
sideration of the other powers and their
representatives here, as 1t Is looked upon
as a sort of turning point in the negotia-
tions, on which the alignment Of the sew
eral countries will be determined and their
programs framed. There has been no word,
however from any of the governments con.
cerning their view of the American posi-
tion and it is expected that some days
will elapse before any new move is made.
There is reason to believe that the Amerf-
can note was considered at Berlin yester-
day by those chief in authority, but this
has brought no positive developments thus
far.
In view of the American declnation OF
the German proposition, 1t remains to be
seen whether Germany will see hit to carry
out her proposition either single-handed or
with such governments as may concur with
her, or will modify 1t in the interest or
continued unity of action among the pow
ers.
The statements from abroad that Ger
manys proposition had been accepted by
Russia and France Is at variance with the
information received here, which is to the
effect that even prior to the American an
nouncement that preliminary peace negotia-
tions would be begun with Ii Hung Chang
and Prince Ching, both Russia and France
had reached a similar determination, ana
had announced a purpose OF beginning
peace negotiations with these Chinese ofn-
cials as soon feasible. That would seem
to make the Russo-Franco attitude accord
with the announced purpose of the United
States instead of being favorable to the
German proposition for deferring peace ne
gotations until the Chinese ringleaders are
surrendered.
America Leading the Way.
The Chinese minister has not heard from
Ii Hung Chang or Prince Ching since the
purposes of this government were made
known to him. 1t is expected that the in
structions to Minister Conger to begin pre-
limnary negotiations with them will be dis
patched tomorrow, thus setting in motion
the machinery of adjustment Minister WI
continues to express the earnest hope that
the United States will take the lead in
bringing about a settlement, and he Is en-
couraged in that view by the statement OF
Lord Brassy reported from abroad, that the
American government is in the most favor
able position for leading the way toward a
general settlement. Aside from Its benefits
to all the powers and to China, the minister
says it would establish lasting bonds be-
tween this country and China, and would
pave the way for treaty relations or the
most advantageous character for American
commercial interests.
In accordance with the statement made
to Germany, to the effect that the United
States government is about to authorize
Mr.. Conger TO enter forthwith into CONFER
ence with the duly authorized representa-
tives of the Chinese government, with
view to bringing about preliminary agree
ment, Acting Secretary of State Hin spent
some time yesterday framing the direction
to Mr.. Conger. In view of the peculiarly
delicate nature of the task to be confided
to Mr.. Conger, that Is Work requiring
much thought. The language OF the note
processing to state what Mr.. Conger is 10
a. ,a1 nd PpnQrally
cate that he is really about to undertake to
bring the powers and China together; In
actuality he is to serve as mediator, In
part at least.
He will probably arrange with the Chi
nese representatives, Lii Hung Chang and
Prince Ching. as to the place Where tney
are willing to meet the representatives OF
the powers to discuss final settlement,
and try to fix upon certain broad principles
that shall govern the conference. Then
the program must be submitted to the pow
ers to ascertain if they are willing to ac-
cept 1t.
Joint Peace Commission.
If So then 1t may be that something In
the nature of joint international peace
commission will deal with the Chinese rep
resentatives. The latter will, Ii Is under
stood be reinforced when it comes to the
final negotiations in point of numbers. and
will avail themselves of the assistance OF
foreign talent, as was the case in the peace
negotiations WHICH ClOSeu tHe SulHo-Jdp-
anese
Should the powers any of them reject
such a program rs Mr.. Conger may be
able to frame, then it appears that there
will be nothing for the United States to do
but to proceed with the final negotiations
on its own account, taking steps to make
sure that no subsequent action of the dis
senting powers negatives any of the results
secured by our commissioners in the set
tlement directly with China.
Cutting Down Chaffee's Force.
1t Is now understood that Gen. Chaffee's
military force will be reduced to about
500 men in strength. This contingent be-
ing specially known as a legation guard.
will not be subject to the orders of any
one save the United States minister resi-
dent, as made known through the senior
American military commander present,
either Gen. Chaffee or Gen. Wilson, prob
ably the latter Not being part of the al
lied military forces, they will, therefore,
not be under the command of the German
field marshal. The orders for the reduction
are still in process OF perfection.