The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-09-30
AMERICA AS MEDIATOR
IN CHINA TROUBLE.
Suggestion Made by Ii Hung Chang
Favored by Minister WI mt
Washington.

WASHINGTON, Sept 2e.-The Chinese
minister. WI Ting Fang, today expressed
his strong approval Of the suggestion by
Ii Hung Chang that the United States
act as mediator for the settlement of the
entire Chinese question.
The minister was much gratified at the
favorable character OF the advices from
China, particularly the reference OF Earl
Ii TO his constast communication with
Mr.. Wa and the specific reference Of the
Chinese envoy in favor OF the United
the first urged that the United States
should take a leading part in the peace
settlement, and IL Is probably due to this
position that Earl Ii now takes the ad-
yanCed position in favor of the United
States as mediator. Since the suggestion
has come from a high source. the minis
ter expresses bis confidence Of being able
to secure any authority or requests for
an American initiative which may be
needful.
In speaking Of the matter today. Min
lister WI pointed out that while all the
powers had taken position against the
partition of China. yet conditions might
arise whereby one power would deem II
expedient TO occupy territory. thus lead
Ing other powers to take a similar course
and bringing on general move toward a
partition of the empire. He feels that II
is essential TO prevent such n contingency
and that the United States is In the best
position to guard against such result
Should IL occur, the minister feels that
the "open door" and open ports. which
now invite the commerce of this country,
would give place TO practical closure Of
China. He holds. therefore, that action
by this government would not only be In
the interest of China and all concerned,
but particularly IN the interest OF the
United States. and for the preservation
and safeguarding Of our avenues OF trade
in the Orient.
This view Of Earl Ii and Minister wv
In favor of mediation Is In no way in
spred by the desires OF this government.
but is due entirely to their own view Of
how the situation should be dealt with
Return of the Emperor.
Referring to the return OF the imperial
Chinese government to Picking. Mr.. Wa
says Ii Is a difficult undertaking so long
as there is an armed force AT Pexing.
II might he met, he says, by reducing th-
several forces as the main force has been
reduced. but even the aggregate force
tablishment would not feel warranted
in returning. In the circumstances. the
minister says. assurance from the powers
that the imperial government would b.
protected probably would be the mos
effective means Of bringing about a re-
at Picking.
Minister WI has been Informed that
the viceroys OF China. Including Ii Huns
Chang, and the viceroys OF Marking WI
Chang and other southern and central
provinces, have united in memorial 10
the throne asking that those responsible,
for the recent uprising be punished. The
minister has not vet received the text of
the memorial. and does not know whether
IL designates by name those who should
an evidence Of the position of the most
influential rulers In China in favor of the
punishment OF those concerned In the
present troubles.