Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-17


ton of hostilitics. We have replied
that we are ready TO enter into an
agreement between the Powers and
Chinese Government for cessation of
hoStilitics on condition that sufficient
body OF the forces. composing the relief
expedition. shall be permitted to enter
PelSin unmolested and TO escort foreign
ministers and residents back to Tien
Tsin. the movement being provided for
and secured by such arrangements and
disposition of troops as shall he con-
sidered satisfactory by. generals com
mnndinE the forces composing relief
expedition. We have communicated
this to all the Powers. Japanese Gov
eminent takes same position. We have
not heard from other Powers.
"CORBIN."
And two days ago. In view of the
rapid progress Of the relief expedition,
we sent the following:
"Adjutant Generals Office.
Washington, ID. c., Aug. Ii.
Fowler. Che Foo for Chaffec:
In anticipation of acceptance by
chinese government of condition in
our reply to them, cabled YOU August
Il. if chinese authorities communicate
willingness TO deliver ministers and
persons under their protection to re-
lief column at Pckin. under arrange
mcnts which you consider safe, you are
authorized To make and carry out ar
rangements in concert with other COM
manders. without referring IL here.
From informal communications with
representatives of other governments
here we believe all to take substan-
tally the same position. Question
whether YOU should insist upon enter
ing Pekin and going to legations or
Will receive delivery at gate of inner
Tartar city. or at outer wall. taking
risk OF ministers passing through city
other generals must determine
by order of Secretary of War.
"CORBIN."
TO MINISTER WI.
The State Department sent the fol-
lowing to the Chinese Minister:
washington. Aug. 16-We are adj
vised by Minister Conger that the at
lacks by imperial troops upon the le-
cations in Pekin have not ceased.
While these attacks continue we can
not stop the advance of our forces to-
ward Pekin. IL such attacks cease,
the above quoted instructions will be
allowed to stand. and they would seem
to provide for all the action required
under the circumstances stated by
Earl Ii in his dispatch.
"ALV1Y A. ADEE,
Acting Secretary"
Department of State, Washington.
August 1G.'
SHEClAiJ BIN u cIsSSiON
Washington, d. c., Aug. 16.--The APP
peal of China and the prompt response
of the American Government were the
subject of supreme interest throughout
the day. Coming at Il moment when
the allied armies were in the shadow OF
the great walls of Pekin, the circum-
stances in which the correspondence
occurred We're of n peculiarly momen-
tous character. The President had just
returned from brief respite at Can
ton. and going to the White House,
found his advisers ready to present to
him the issue now advanced in China.
The appeal from Ii Hung Chang came
first to the Chinese Minister. who. early
in the day, conveyed it to the Dcpart-
ment of state. Although it was not
the regular day for a meeting of the
Cabinet. word was conveyed to the
Cabinet officers in the city that Il spe-
cial Cabinet session would be held at
IL o'clock. Secretary Root. who has
been guiding factor in the Chinese
negotiations. was with the President
before the melting opened. presenting
the Chinese communications and the
dispatches of instructions already sent
out TO General Chaffcc. With the Pres
ident at the Cabinet table were Sec
retaries Root. Gage. Wilson and Post
masterGeneral Smith. The conclusions
reached can be stated best by reference
10 tnc Succinct response or the United
States Government set forth in the off,
cial announcement
After the Cabinet meeting the Ameri-
can reply was sent To the Chinese min
lister. who. later in the day cabled it TO
Ii Hung Chang.
THE ISSUE FRAMED.
Thus the issue was framed. finally
and uralterably. The United States
declined to even consider the PROPOSE
ton of Ii Hung Chang for a halt and
an armistice at Tung Chow. Even the
supreme appeal of the venerable Chi
nese statesman, that the Chinese en-
pire would be shaken by an advance of
the allies beyond Tung Chow. was not
Needed.
The answer of the United States Is
that our position Is the same now as It
has hnen from the nllts SGT no rnnnl,. tha4