Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1900-12-01

Washington, Nov. 2S.--The representa-
tions to the powers last week were made
in the hope of heading oft any radical
agreement by the ministers at Pekin;
or, failing in that, to get the powers to
modify the conditions laid down by the
''inii' This the government mas re, SON. 60.
believe that 1t has been partly success
ful. Assurances have been received
from several nations that they are in
cord with the ideas of this government,
that impossible conditions must not b.
demanded of the Chinese. All the pow
ers have not responded. but there have
been such satisfactory indications of Il
desire for moderate action on the part
of those whose answers have come that
this government feels almost confident
that therr Will be an overwhelming SEN
timent in favor of its ideas.
1t is learned that the representations
of the powers took the form of furnishing
each with Il copy of the instructions to
Minister Conger, the burden ui which was
that he must not demand conditions
impossible for the Chimes authorities 8 to
meet. In handing Il copy of threH in
structions to the minister of foreign af
fairs of the government to which he is
accredited. each diplomatic representa-
tive of the United States intimated that
the views of that government were d..
sired.
a hopeful feature of the situation is
the drift ut Berlin toward II common
sense policy as regards penalties. To b.
sure the Rerlin advires indicate that
this Is not wholly Il matter of choice
The reply to the American suggestion
| of moderation is said to depend largely
upon the attitude Of the other powers as
ascertained by German ambassadors al
foreign capitals. But ii is something to
know that Germany is not likely to per-
slsl in her extreme policy at the risk OF
| isolation.
The cabinet meeting yesterday was
occupied mainly with Il discussion Of
Chinese affairs. The result of the dis.
cussion of the last phases of The Chinese
problem was u thorough approval Il,
every point Of the policy of Secretary
Hay, and especially of the last instruc-
tions tn Minister Conger, which We're
forwarded Il " eek ago.
While Mr.. cunger has full penipGten.
tiary powers, ANA consequently. hy his
governments of the United States to an
agreement. ii is understood by the off
cials here that 50 far h. has not signed
any formal protocol, or preliminary
treaty So, regardless of Mr.. Congers
disposition toward, the agreemen,
reached by the ministerial council, ths
government of the United States still
stands uncommitted. and, therefore. is
in a position to endeavor To bring about
such changes in the arrangement as ar,
deemed indispensable.
n long dispatch from Minister Conger,
giving the details of the agreement
reached at rekin. was received at the
state department. Thl agreement con-
tains terms to which thp t'nited States
does not desire to subscribe and prob
ably will not Go so, although the earnest
effort which this government has mad"
to maintain harmony among the powers
may induce it to overloor: some of tn
less radical of the obje ctionable pro
posals Such conditions as are r regarded
as impossible for the Chinese government
to fulfill will be objected 10 on the ground
that they Will prevent the accomplish.
ment of the objects of the powers.