New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-09-23
ANANsWER TO THE POWERS
UNITED STATES REPLY TO GERMANY.
RUSSIA AND CHINA.

Washington Sept. 22.-The State Department
tonight made public the text Of the notes ad-
dressed by it to the Governments of Germany
Russia and China in answer to inquiries from
them as to the attitude of the United States
toward various phases of the Chinese problem
The forecasts of these notes made in the press
appear to have been accurate, for. although no
where IN the text is reference made to the with
drawal Of United States troops from China, the
official statement issued by the Navy Depart
ment in advance Of the publication OF the nStes
shasxs cut the prediction that ths Cove eminent
finally has decided upon such material reduc-
ton of its military force as will amount to
withdrawal Of the Army as an offensive instru-
uent.
This statement from the Navy Department
moreover is full Of significance Of a purpose on
the part of the Government to see to it that If
there is any subsequent attempt at territorial
aggression on the part of any of the Powers
who have already declared themselves as will
ing to abide by the expressed determination Of
the United States to refrain from seizing upon
Chinese territory the United States is to lose
no right or privilege which it now enjoys by
such action.
The notes themselves are brief. considering
the Importance OF the topics treated. The Rus
sian and Chinese answers, being in the form OF
diplomatic memoranda. are short to a degree
rarely seen in diplomatic exchange. but in both
cases. being favorable to the inquirer, they will
probably escape criticism on that score.
The answer to the German note Is carefully
! phrased so as to soften the unqualified refusal
Of the United States Government TO make the
punishment Of the Chinese ringlsaders a cordi-
ton precedent to negotiations. Also It is noted
that in the expression of purpose to insist upon
the ultimate and proper punishment Of these Of
tenders, the State Department goes far beyond
the German declaration the subject The
| announcement that the Department intends i'm
| Inediately to begin through Mr., Conger confer
ences with Prince Ching and Earl Ii Hung
Chang although distinctly marking the fact
that these are only preliminary to final gotta
tions. will have effect to force the other Powers
! to an immediate determination of their policies
in this matter. The text Of the correspondence
| follows:
CHINESE CORRESPONDENCE, SEPTEMBER
1921, 1900. PROPOSAL OF THE GER
THE DELIVERY OF THE RESPONSIBLE
AUTHORS OF RECENT GRIMES COM
NITTED IN PEKING, AND THE REPLY
OF THE UNITED STATES THERETO:
CThe Imperial German Charge d'Affaires to
the Secretary of State)
(Translation)
Imperial German Embassy,
washington September 1oS 1SOO
Mr.. Secretary:
BY direction of the Imperial Chancellor have
the honor respectfully to communicate to Your
ExcelIency the following:
The Government of His Majesty the Emperor
considers preliminary condition for entering
into diplomatic negotiations with the Chinese
Government a surrender of suoh persons as
determined upon as being the first and real
perpetra tors of the crimes committed in Picking
against international law The number OF per-
petrators who served tools is too great; a
wholesale execution would be averse to the
civilized conscience. Furthermore, circumstances
would not allow that even the group of leaders
GOULD be completely ascertained. But the few
surrendered and punished The representatives
of the Powers in Pektng will be In q position
to make or adduce in this investigation fully
valid testimony. The number of those pun
ished is Of less Importance than their character
as principal instgators and leaders. The Gov
eminent Of His Majesty the Emperor, believes
that 1t can depend in this matter upon the con-
currence of all the Cabinets for indifference
toward the idea OF a just expiation would be
the crime.
The Government Of His Majesty the En-
peror therefore proposes to the interested Cabi-
nets that they request their representatives in
Picking to designate the principal Chinese per-
sonages whose guilt in the instigaion or ex-
ecution Of the crimes is beyond doubt.
A similar communication is forwarded to the
other interested Cabinets.
Requesting Of Your Excellency a reply as soon
as is practicable, embrace this occasion 10 ten
Continued nth page.