The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1900-08-30

abroad That this document is of su-
preme Importance in defining the pO
sition of the United States is assumed
from the prolonged and careful atten-
ton with which it was prepared and
considered. but not a glimmer of light
is shed upon its exact character.
All efforts to ascertain whether ii
is in the nature of a reply TO Germany
or Russia or collective note outlining
the policy of the United States under
the new conditions which have devel-
oped since the relief of the legations
were futile. The members of the cabi-
! net pointed out the improperly of di-
Vulging the nature OF a diplomatic
document before Il has reached the
power or parties TO whom ii is ad
dressed. One cabinet officer, however.
expressed the opinion that it would
reach the public in a few days All
manner of speculation is being indulg-
ed in as to its purDOrt and contents
but il is safe to say the secret will be
carefully guarded until the govern
ment considers il proper to divulge it.
Secretary Adee, who is an expert in
the phraseOlOgy of diplomacy. was
present throughout the session Of the
cabinet and gave what assistance he
could in the absence of Secretary OF
State Hay.
Caused by Russia's Stand.
The st. Petersburg dispatch TO Lon
don containing the assertion that Rus
STA almost Immediately will notify the
powers that she considers the relief of
Pekin legations as the final accom-
plishment of the military task of the
allied forces. it was learned late to-
night. is the phase of the Chinese sit
uat1On which is attracting the most at
tention from this government at the
time. This assertion inferentially car
rieS with it the impression that the
Russian government is of the opinion
that the legations had been relieved.
that government should withdraw its
military forces rom Pekin' and thinks
the other allies should do likewise. No
official information along these lines
however, can be obtained here. al
though the recent flying visit of the
Russian charge. Mr.. De WOllant. from
Cape May to Washington is believed to
be indicative that a communication of
this character has been received from
the Russian government.
Opposed to Withdrawal.
The withdrawal of the military forces
of Pel1in is a phase of the Chinese sit
u2tion to which our government has
not yet given no serious cOnSidera ton
believing the duty of the allies is TO
reach some common ground of under
standing with a view of opening nee0-
tlations for the settlement Of terms of
peace with China
The withdrawal of the military If
IS held, might be very properly a sub
ject of after consideration. The show
of some authority of power in China to
conduct peace negotia tons. and the
recognition Of international obligations.
II is insisted, must be the first Step
toward the adjustment of Chinese a f
fairs The Russian proposition of the
character reported from London wouIS
not, therefore. it is believed. be favor
ably looked upon by this government
AS result of the cabinet meeting of
today a reply outlining rnis govern
ments attitude in this matter was
drafted at the state department and
sent to the American ambassador to St
Petersburg and copy furnished to the
Russion charge in this country.
Diplomat Explains Situation.
One of the best Informed members of
the diplomatic corps, who is actively
engaged in the present negotiations.
today summed UP >le International
complications substantially as follows:
The powers We're in complete accord
up to the time of the taking of Pekin
But with that accomplished, the more