The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-06
Negotiations Have Assumed a
More Hopeful Phase.
THE PERSONALITY OF THE ENJOYS
Conger Will Probably Represent United
States-Germany Wants Walder-
see to Do the Negotiating
Possible Contingencies

Washington, September 5.-within the
last twentyfour hours the United States
government has received from its represen-
tatives at foreign capitals much informa-
tion on the sttitude of the powers on the
Russian proposal to evacuate Pekin. 1t is
stated authoritatively that any prospect of
serious international clash has been
largely, If not entirely, removed by the
harmonious character of the communica-
tions the governments are making.
The exact nature of these is not made
public, for until all of them are in the ne
gotiations are considered incomplete 1t Is
said, however, that the answers are of a
conclusive nature, so far as showing the
purposes of the government, although they
may not be regarded as conclusive in ac-
cepting or rejecting the proposition ad-
vanced by Russia.
On the whole the general tendency of the
responses is such as to give entire satisfac-
tion here as to the course of the negotia-
tions and this has had the effect of direct
ing attention to the personality of the en-
voys who probably will represent the pow
ers and China in the final settlement. The
impression prevails here that Mr.. Conger
is emnently fitted for such a task on the
part of the United States, supposing that
each of the powers interested in the Chin
ese problem is to have a separate and in
dividual representative. Mr.. Rockhills
name is mentioned as an alternate.
If the present state of affairs in China is
protracted until the arrival there of Field
Marshal Count Won Waldersee, which
should occur in about ten days or a fort
night, it is not to be doubted that Ger
many will endeavor to have all negotia-
tions with the Chinese government con-
Quoted through him as representative of all
the powers. 1t is gathered that strong
arguments will be advanced in support of
combined action through a single agency
In this manner and 1t will be urged that
there is little hope for an early adjustment
of differences between the powers and
China If each of the powers is to lay down
an independent proposition.
Ministers obj.c to withdrawal
If there Is any change in the military
situation since General Chaffee's dispatch,
supposed to be of the 9Th ultimo, no word
has reached Washington. 1t is understood
that the disturbances and outrages upon
missionaries continue in some OF the dis
tricts outside of Pekin. 1t is believed here
that the foreign ministers at Pekin will
probably enter an earnest objection to any
withdrawal of troops If their respective
governments delay action upon the Rus
sian proposition until the ministers nave
had chance to express their views.
The German foreign office appears to be
active in it's negotiations, and many mes
sases have passed between Washington
and Berlin. Those most likely to under
stand Germanys attitude look for the sug-
gestion of course which Will be nelther
an acceptance nor rejection of the Rus
sian proposal, but such satisfactory mid
die ground that all the powers, including
Russia, can agree to it. For instance, 1t
is suggested that Germany, with proprlely,
might suggest that a certain limit pc nxeu
on the extent of the military detachments
to be left at Pelxin, with an understanding
that each small detachment conf1ne itself
to quarters so long as peace and quiet pre-
vail in Pekin, but be ready to act IN case
of further Chinese depredations.
Diplomatic officials say that some such
compromise is about the only way oi or avoio-
ing an impasse, and that the best resources
of diplomacy are now being used to secure
IT Another diplomatic quarter DeheveS
that the compromise will be founo Dy Chi-
mas re-establishing government ana
naming peace commissioners. Official in
timation has reached Washington that
steps are now being taken towards the ap-
pointment soon of such a commission in
cluding Ii Hung Chang, the Viceroys OF
Nankin and WI Chang and Prince Chlng,
though reports also have named Yung Lu
and Hsi Tung in place of the two paclhc
Viceroys. In such an event 1t is believed
that Russia no longer would feel impeiled
to insist upon the withdrawal of her Min
lister and troops from Pekin. 1t is pointed
out also that in the six days since the
Russian American notes were given out
the sentiment has been growing steadily
in favor of continuing the presence of
troops at Pekin.
VIII Follow Russia
In view of the declarations made in the
American reply to Russia some question
has arisen as to the course open to this
country in case of compromise or change
in the present diplomatic status. 1t is
said that the attitude of the United States
is particularly favorable for adapting it.
self to any change in conditions. Only in
the one contingency of Russia's withdraw
ing her Minister and troops has this gov-
ernment given the positive declaration that
the American troops also will be with
drawn.
But on the many other conditions which
NAV arise either through counter PROPOSE
tions from the powers of by modification
of Russia's origianl purpose, the United
States has left Its course open for future
determination.
Preparing the Way
Taku, Sept 5-An expedition will shortly
start for Pao Ting Flu, clearing the viii
lages en- route which were the seat of the
first Boxcr outrage in the province of Chi
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