Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-09-25
A TURNING POINT
In the Chinese Situation Was the
Publication of the American Posi-

ton.
WASHINGTON, September 24.-The
position of the United States on China
as made known in the notes made
public yesterday, is receiving. the earn
est consideration of the other powers
and their representatives here. 1t is
looked upon as sort of turning point
in the negotiations, on which the
alignment of the several countries will
be determined and their programmes
framed. There has been no word,
however, from any of the governments
concerning their views of the Ameri
can position, and it is expected that
some days will elapse before any new
move is made. There is reason to be-
lieve that the American note was con-
sidered at Berlin yesterday by those
chief in authority, but this has brought
no positive developments thus far.
The Chinese minister has not heard
from Ii Hung Chang or Prince Ching
since the purposes of this government
were made known to them. Minister
WI continues to express the earnest
hope that the United States will take
the lead in bringing about settle
ment. Aside from its benefits to all
the powers and to China, the minister
says it would establish lasting bonds
between this country and China and
would pave the way for treaty rela-
tons of the most advantageous char
acter for American commercial inter-
ests.
In accordance with the statement
made to Germany to the effect that the
United States Government is about to
authorize Mr.. Conger to enter forthwith
into conference with the duly author
lied representatives of the Chinese
Government with a viw to bringing
about preliminary agreement. Acting
Secretary of State Hill spent some
time yesterday framing the direction
to Mr.. Conger, in view of the peculiar
ly delicate nature of the task to be con-
fided to Mr.. Conger. This Is a work re-
curing much thought. The language of
the note protesting to state what Mr..
Conger is to do is unusual, and seems
generally ito indicate that he Is really
about to undertake to bring the powers
and China together. In actually he is
to serve as mediator, in part, at least.
He presumably win arrange with the
Chinese representatives, Ii Hung
Chang and Prince Ching. as to the place
where they are willing to meet the
representatives of the powers to discuss
a final settlement, and try to fix upon
certain broad principles that shall gov
ern the conference. This programme
must be submitted to the powers to as
certain if they are willing to accept it.
II so, then it may be that something
in the nature Of joint international
peace commission will deal wit hthe
Chinese representatives Should the
powers or any of them then reject such
a programme as Mr.. Conger may be
able TO frame, then it appears that there
will be nothing for the United States
to do but proceed with the final nego-
tiations
On its Own Account.
taking steps to make sure that no sub
sequent action OF the dissenting powers
negatives any of the results secured
by our commissioners in the settle
ment directly with China.
It is now understood that General
Chaffee's military force will be reduced
to about 1,500 men. This contingent.
being specially known as a legation
guard, will not be subject to the orders
of any one save the United States Min
lister Resident, as made known through
the senior American military com
mander. either General Chaffee or Gen
eral Wilson, probably the latter. and
not being part of the allied military
forces will not be under the command
of the German Field Marshal, Count
Won Waldersee. The orders for the re-
duction are still in process of perfec-
ton