The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-07-24
Chinese Appeal for Mediation Re
cefves Attention.


Washington, July 24.-The president
has listened to the appeal of the Chi
nese government as transmitted
through Minister WI and has signified
his Willingness to mediate between the
imperial government and the powers,
but only upon conditions which first
must be met by the Chinese govern
ment.
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 ac-
cepts as truthful the Chinese state
ments relative to the safety of the for
eign ministers at Pekin.
1t would not, of course, be possible
to take the initial steps toward medi-
alton were either party to the negotia-
tionS to entertain open diStrust Of the
accuracy of the statements of the other
them. The United States answer does
not go to the length of the French an
swer to a similar application in laying
down conditions which the Chinese gov
eminent could not meet, even if so dis
posed, if it actually is struggling for it's
own existence.
1t does. however, look to the immedi-
ate relief of the foreigners in Pexin,
and moreover to the protection of all
foreigners, missionaries and traders in
China and to the restoration of order.
With that much accomplished, the
state department feels that it can prop
erly approach the powers with the Chi
nese propositions for a settlement for
what has occurred.
The Chinese appeal came to Secretary
Hay through Minister WI. The secre-
taTy promptly telegraphed it to the
president at Canton, and after taking a
full day for its consideration, the presi-
dents answer came 1t was put in the
proper diplomatic form and copy de-
Hvered to Minister WI, who is to for
ward it to his own government.
The imperial edict made public at
10 -. Il, -
imperial government already has taken
the first steps toward doing what the
United States government demands as
the principal condition for the exercise
of its good offices, in enjoining the vice
rOys, the magistrates and leading men
to stop the disorders and protect for
eigners.
Our government will await the result
of this before proceeding further.
It is expected that adverse criticism
upon the action of the state depart
ment in this matter will be heard from
Europe, where the governments are act
ing upon the belief that all the foreign
ministers in I'ekin have persisted, but
our government nevertheless regards it's
course as the correct one. All of the
European governments have taken the
stand above indicated. The last of the
answers to Secretary Hays note recit-
ing the COnger message have come, and
all of them, in terms polite and diplO-
matte, express utter incredulity in the
authenticity of the Conger message.
Consul General Goodnow. himself a
man of good judgment, also cabled a
warning to Secretary Hay against the
acceptance of the message without con-
frmation. But the state department
has fully considered the message in all
of its aspects. has carefully weighed the
numerous objections and suspicious put
forth here and in Europe, and without
guaranteeing the authenticity of the
message. feels it to be a matter of
prime duty to act upon the theory that
it is genuine.
Admiral Remey's notification to the
department that he had gone in person
up the Pei HO from Taku to Tien Tsin
is attributed to the receipt by him of
Secretary Longs urgent message to