Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1900-08-16
UNITED STATES REPLY
TO THE COMMUNICATION OF THE
CHINESE MINISTER
Eofifyf ing This Government of the APP
pofntment of LII Hung Chang as
Envoy Plenipotentiary to Nego-
tiafe with the Powers

Observation-Disclosures 13.-The Depart
nent of State to-day made pubic the
reply of the United States Government
to Minister Wus communication, de-
iivered on Sunday morning, notifying
re department Of the appointment OF
Earl Ii Hung Chang as envoy plenlpo-
Tertiary to negotiate with the powers.
This reply was sent to Minister WI al
o'clock Sunday afternoon and Is as
follows:
Touching the imperial edict OF Au-
gust Sth. appointing Ii Hung Chang
envoy plenipotentiary to conduct nego-
tiations, on the part Of China, with the
bowers, and the request for cessation
of hostilities, pending negotiations,
communicated to Mr.. Adee by Mr.. WI
bn the 18th of August, 1900.
"Tbe Government Of the United
States learns with satisfaction or the
appointment of Earl Ii Hung Chang
an envoy plenipOtentlary to conducl
negotiations with the powers, and WILL
on it's part, enter upon such negoua-
lions with a desire to continue the
friendly relations so long existing pc
tween the two countries.
1T is evident that there can De no
general negotiations between emma ana
the powers so long IS the Ministers Oh
The powers and the persons under their
protection remain in their present posi-
ton of restraint and danger, ana tnat
the powers cannot cease their EFFORTS
for the delivery of these representa-
tives, to which they are constrained
by the highest considerations of ma
tiOnal honor, except under an arrange
ment adequate to accomplish peacea-
BILE deIiverance.
I'VE are ready to enter into an agree
ment between the powers and the chi
nese Government for a cessation or
hostile demonstrations on condition
that a sufficient body of the forces
composing the relief expedition shall be
permitted to enter Pekin unmOlested
and to escort the foreign Ministers and
residents back to Tien Tsin, this move
ment being provided for and secured
by such arrangements anu dispositions
of troops as shall be considered salts
factory by the Generals commanding
the forces composing the relief expedi-
ton. ALVEY A. ADEE,
Acting Secretary.
"Department of State, Washington,
August i, 1900
The text Of this reply to the over
lures communicated by Minister Wa
was teIegraphod last night to the repre-
sentatiyes Of the United States for COM
municatiOn to the governments Of the
powers cooperating in the relief move
ment.
1t developed during the day that the
reference to the powers" employed in
the American reply was not without
distinct meaning. Exchanges between
the various powers have been going on
constantly, and as result the officials
had the satisfaction of knowing late in
| wi tod
States had the approval and support
of all the great powers. While this
had not been expressed in any formal
manner by all the parties, yet the ex-
changes in the chancellOrieS of Europe
and through the foreign representatives
in Washington made it positive that
the powers were acting unitedly in ap-
| prevail of the course of this Govern
ment Several Of the foreign repre-
sentatives, including the German
charge and the Russian charge, had ex-
tended conferences with Mr.. Adee dur
| ing the afternoon. These added to the
| assurances Of unanimity among the
| powers. The presence of the Russian
| representative was gratifying in clear
| Ing away some misrepresentation, which
| was not shared by the Government
here, as to Russla's course in authorize
| ing M. de Giers to leave Pekin under
| Chinese escort. 1t was pointed out
| that this in no way brought about a
| difference between the attitude of Rus
| STA and that of the other powers, so all
| were acting on the theory that the Chi
| nese Government must first give an alb
| solute guarantee for the safety of the
| Ministers. It seems evident that this
| absolute guarantee cannot be given by
| China unless it allows the international
| forces to enter Pekin, SO that in effect
| the Russian position does not differ
| materially from that of the other pow
ers. At least Russia is included among
! those who fully approve the course
| taken by the United States.
| Washington, August ia member
| Of the Cabinet stated to-day that no
| consideration would be given promises
| of the Chinese Government until the
| demands that have been made by this
| Government are actually and fully
| complied with.
| I'VE have made our demands on the
| Chinese Government" said this official,
| ''in very definite language, and in view
| of that Governments persistent fail
| ure to meet them, although certainly
| fully understanding them, mere prom
| Uses will not now be considered Moth
| ing, as | see it, will stop the march of
| the relief force to Pekin except the &C
| tual delivery of our people now there.
| Unless they are put into our hands i'm
| mediately the allied forces will continue
| on into the Chinese capital without any
| unnecessary delay. This peace edict,
| however, looks as if the Chinese Gov
eminent was about ready to yield. They
probably will be disposed to take any
| steps necessary to save their sacred
| city from foreign intrusion.