Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-09-01
MUST ANSWER.
CONTINUED from page ~

Salisbury was absent from London.
and merely promising consideration for
the note German response was
through Mr.. Jackson, and was equally
inconclusive, indicating a wish on the
part of the German government Tor
time to consider the propositions. The
officials here say that they are salts
fled that Japan at least is fully in ac-
cord with out objects as set forth in
the note, and rather expect an early
answer from the government OF that
country. France has not been heard
from on this point. her last commun-
Scation relating entirely to the matter
of Ii Hung Changs status.
The full text of the French govern
ment's answer to Ii Hung Changes peace
proposals of Aug IS and 81. has just been
received here. 1t proves 10 be almost
Identical in language with the reply q
the American government. which lali
down as a preliminary to peace oVertures
that security In the Chinese capitai ana
responsible government authority De eS-
tablished
IL has developed in the course Of the
careful consideration which officials here
have given to Ii Hung Changes creden-
tails that they were issued by the I'm
press Dowager and not by the Emperor.
This may have an important bearing on
the subject as it opens up the authority
of the Empress Dowager since the coup
de etat of Sept. Q. 1895 when she took the
reins of power from the hands OF the En-
peror 1t involves also the issues between
the Empress Dowager. who is anti-ior-
eign and the Emperor. who is prO-for-
eign Still further consideration is the
Russian sympathies entertained by the
Empress Dowager as against the BlltlSA
sympathies held by the Emperor.
Although the exact whereabouts OF IL
Hung Chang continue to be in doubt. IL
Is the understanding OF diplomatic ON
Gals that he is now in continuous com
munication with the imperial household
and thus is enabled to convey to them t"e
prospect of a return to the Chinese cap
ital The expected return of Prince
Ching to Pellin IS said TO be result %
this communication between Earl Ii anu
the imperial family. and to be the inltla,
move of responsible authorities toward
the capital There IS reason to peleNe
also that Earl Ii is now in frequent telc-
graphic communication with European
capitals, although Washington has not
received a word from him since Aug. Il
the date of the last appeal Tor peace
Some significance is attached TO TINS, n
Indicating that Earl Ii, failing to get
from W ashington an acceptance OF MS
overtures. turned to Europe ana more
particularly to Russia.
1t was stated, today, as an additional!
reason for American acceptance OF II
Hung Chang, that his confidential secre-
tary and adviser is an American, MI.
Pethick formerly of the American consul
lar service at Tien Tsin. Mr.. Pethick is
known to have great influence with the
viccroys.
The disposition to look for Interior mo-
tives in Russia's plans is met by the
statement in authoritative quarters, that
such suspicious show lack Of familiar
ity with Russia'S traditional friendship
with China.
1t is pointed out that the two countries
have lived as neighbors since 1914, ana
that their relations have not been as
traders. each pushing commercial enter
prises into the territory of the other, but
as border friends. 1t is said this brought
about the agreement over the trans
Siberian railroad, which. while beneficial
to Russia, also helped China to develop
the resources of Manchuria
In seeking concessions also II is said
that Russia never has permitted her citi
Zens to acquire rich railroad and mineral
concessions and then sell them in specu-
Iative markets. This unseltishness and
neighborly sentiment. it is maintained, Is
the chief motive for Russta's present
course