Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1900-08-05
THE ADVANCE UPON pEK1N.

It is sincerely to be hoped that China
will promptly realize the thoroughly
sincere purpose of the United States to
release Minister Conger from his pre-
sent dangerous position in Pekin. It
is true that we have the promise, con-
veyed through the Chinese Minister at
Berlin, that Chinese authorities will
guarantee the safety of the Ministers
and grant permission for them to COM
municate freely with their respective
governments. The time has passed,
however, for promises. Something more
definite and satisfactory is needed.
If it is the purpose of China to restore
communication between the foreign
powers and the imprisoned ENJOYS, no
time should be lost in putting that pur-
pose into execution.
Then, and not until then, will the
United States, as we understand the
administrations policy, be ready to
disengage itself from the alliance into
which it has been forced by the situa-
ton at Pekin.
American self-respect, national dig
nifty and honor. and every other proper
sentiment demand that Minister Con-
ger, the official representative of q
great people, shall enjoy in China the
same degree of freedom and safety
which, for instance, is guaranteed to
Minister WI Ting Fang in the United
States.
If the Chinese government, through
weakness, cowardice, or indisposit1on,
is unable or unwilling to afford him
this liberty and immunity from harm,
it becomes the duty of the United
States to rescue him from his peril.
It is in this spirit, and with no desire
for vengeance or spoliation, we take it,
that the administration authorizes the
onward movement upon Pekin. This
much it is entitled to do; less than this
would be disgrace to the flag which
we love and which all nations must re-
spect. Beyond this, however, there is,
or ought to be, no desise to go.
It is easy to see, therefore, that, so
far as the United States is concerned,
the solution of the problem rests with
China.
The moment that Minister Conger
is placed in full and free communi-
cation with this government, the NOM
ent that the authorities here can be
satisfied of his present and future
safeY, that moment the uplited arm of
the United States must fall without de-
Hvering the threatened blow. All that
has been already done can then be
made the subject of negotiation and an
amicable reparation can be arranged.
Believing that the uprising in Pekin
has not been fostered through the con-
nivance of the Chinese govern
ment, the United States will not ex-
hibit revengeful passion or seek in
China's internal troubles an excuse for
territorial acquisition.
In the meantime, however, there
must be no doubt of the sincerity of
the determination of the United States
to leud helping hand to Minister
Conger in his dire extremity. China
must even now be convinced of this
fact, If she is not, ample proof will
be forthcoming. Let us hope, how
ever, that the lesson will not be need
ed. China can avoid an attack upon
Pekin, with the possible de
struction of that city, by assisting the
United States to reach its imprisoned
Minister. When that has been done, it
ought to be done at once, the situation
will become simplifed. The people of
the United States do notwant war with
China, and there is no necessity for even
a hostile demonstration if the Chinese
government will only prove its faith by
its good works, Washington Post.