The Van Buren press., 1900-07-28
WILLING TO MEDIATE.


Washington, July 24.-The president
has listened to the appeal Of the Chi
nese government as transmitted
through Minister WI, and has signi-
fed his willingness to mediate between
the imperial government and the pow
srs, but only upon conditions which
q rst must be met by the Chinese gov.
eminent.
The Terms Proposed.
The exact nature Of the terms pro-
posed by the state departn tnt can not
be stated yet; but 1t is expected that
publication will be made Of the text of
the Chinese appeal end Of the presi-
dents message today. II is known,
however, that the answer Is entirely
consistent with the statement of
principles laid down by Secretary Hay
In his identical note to the powers, and
moreover, it accepts rs truthful the
Chinese statements relative 10 the safe
~ of the foreign ministers at Pekin.
The Demands are Reasonable.
The United States answer does not
90 TO the length Of the French answer
to similar appeal in laying down
conditions, which the Chirese govern.
ment could not meet, even II 80 dis
posed, II IL actually Is struggling for
its own existence.
1t does, however, look TO the lmme-
eiate relief OF the foreign missionaries
In Pekin, and, moreover, TO the protec-
ton of all foreigners, missionaries and
traders IN China, and to the restora-
ton of order, With that much accom-.
plished the state department feels that
II can properly approach the powers
with the Chinese propositions for o
rettlement for what has occurred.
Diplomatisaiiy Considered.
The Chinese appeal came to Secre-
tsry Hay, Sunday, through Minister
WI. The secretary promptly tele-
graphed II to the prerident at Canton,
end after taking full day for its
confederation the presidents answer
came in yesterday afternoon. II was
put In the proper diplomatic form, and
. copy, delivered to Minister WI, is TO
be forwarded to his own government.
Appeal and answer will be made pub
lie here to-day.
First steps Already Taken.
The imperial edict made public yes.
terday at the state departn ent shows
that the imperial government already
has taken the first steps toward doing
what the United States government re.
quires Us the principal condition for
the exercise Of It's good offices In en-.
Joining the viceroys, magistrates and
leading men 10 stop The disorders and
protect foreigners. Our Rovu nment
will await the result Of this before pro-
seeding further.
Adverse Criticism Expected.
II IL expected that averse criticism
np6n the action OF the ttate depart.
aent will be heard from Europe, where
The governments IRE acting under the
belief that all Of the foreign ministers
in Pekin have persisted.
All the European governments have
taken the stand above indicated. The
last OF the answers 10 Secretary Hays
uo,e recitlng the Conger ressnge have
rome, and all OF them, In terms polite
and diplomatic, express utter incredu'
Atty In the authenticity Of the Conger
message.
0oodnow Says Go slow.
Consul-General Ocodnow, himself, a
man of good judgment, also cabled a
Warning TO Secretary Hay against the
acceptance Of the message without
confirmation. But the state depart.
ment, having fully considered the mes
snge In all Of its aspects, has carefully
weighed the numerous objections and
suspicions put forth here ind In Eu
Upe and, without guaranteeing III,
authenticity Of the message, feels Il Il
be matter Of prime duty 70 net upor
the theory that II 10 really what Il
Z Vurpcrts to be.