New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-09-28
SALISBURY GOING SLOW.
PROXIMITY OF THE ELECTIONS AF-
FECTS HIS CHINESE POLICY.

FECTS HIS CHINESE POLICY.
Copyright; 1900: By The 2Iew-Yo-k Tribune.l
IBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUyEl
London, Sept 2S, a ua.-There have been no
fresh canards within twenty-four hours from
China, where diplomatic fctions are easily In
vented for the purpose Of creating dissension
among the Powers. Lord Salisbury's reply to
the German proposals is still awaited with anx-
iety IN Berlin and intense interest in other cap
itals. and meanwhile the English press is CROP
ing in the dark for the real policy Of the British
Foreign Office His delay in sending an answer
% Berlin is not adequately explained by lack Of
Information from Peking when his facilities for
communication have been as good as those Of
the other Powers. He is probably casting about
for some effective method of duuing the edge Of
a refusal and opening the way for amend
ment Of the German proposals.
The general principle that the guilty must be
punished can be accepted easily enough, even if
the ways and means proposed by Germany are
rejected. The opinion which has prevailed in
Fleet Street-that the British Foreign Office VIII
strongly support the proposition that negotia-
tons cannot be entered into until the leaders Of
the anti-foreign movement are surrendered, for
punishment-is not held in diplomatic circles
here. Lord Salisbury is not believed to favor so
drastic a proposal. What the best informed
men are expecting IS his refusal to assent TO this
method OF procedure, but they are also confident
that the divergence of views Will be miniInized
and concealed as far as possible. If these fore
casts are correct Lord Salisbury's reply will sur
prise the English electors. who are expecting
evidence that England is shoulder TO shoulder in
China with Germany and the Triple Alliance
For this reason Lord Salisbury may be delIber-
ate IN drafting and dispatching IT, He has him
self referred 70 the China complications as one
Of the reasons for having as large a majority as
possible in the next Parliament and he may be
reluctant to have the text Of his reply published
on the eve Of election.
His silence. however, does not exempt him
from criticism THE Westminster Gazette" is
already condenning his inaction with fine irony
and explaining that the Foreign Office could not
be expected TO make up it's mind about the Ger
man circular within ten days, and that the EN-
press and the ringles ders are likely to have an
other three weeks for ehecting their escape be
fore the international steam roller is in motion.
Foreign policy apparently is not wholly sepa~
rated from domestic politics even in England.
There is need for caution for the Unionists are
not wholly satisfied with the prospects Of the
elections. The Liberals are doing better work
than was expected and there is much apathy on
the Unionst side. Liberal Imperialists largely
outnurnber the Radicals in the Opposition list Of
cS ncidates. and while there is a general accept
alice Of the results Of annexation there is also
much effective criticism Of the military blunders
and lack Of political foresight on the part of the