Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-03
OUR COURSE SETTLED.

Washington. Aug. 2-Secrctary
Hays reply 10 Ii Hung Chang has
closed the negotiations with China un-
less the old vicer0y is able II secure
the full acceptance of our terms rela-
tive to the foreign ministers. and that
at once. No orders. therefore, looking
to a relaxation of the preparations for
the advance on Pekin have gone out
from Washington. for. as the situation
is described by one Of the leading Of
fcials here. there will be no bargain
ing on our part in advance Of the con-
full and free communication with the
foreign minister's
There is, moreover. note ominously
cl lse to actual declaration of war in
Secretary Hays assertion that the Chi
nese government is ''unfriendly." This
kind Of language is extreme diplomacy
and it is only a narrow step between
ii and formal war.
The impression prevails here that
the Chinese government, if it is not
absolutely bereft Of powers t. act in
defiance of the Boxers, will accept our
terms. and some such action is looked
for very soon. Possibly a battle, not
more. it is believed than at the most.
will be required to bring the imperial
government to the point of acceptance.
though in that case ii is questionable
whether the original conditions would
be regarded as still open to acceptance.
If the Chinese government noW ac-
cepts, however the United States gov
eminent will he face to face with one
of the most delicate and momentOus
diplomatic tasks ever undertaken. 1t
must attempt to resume its promise to
use its good offices in favor of China.
and in the present temper of some OF
the European powers the greatest dif-
ficulties may be expected to arise in
the prosecution Of the attempt.
1t il the confident expectation of the
officials here, however, that if the Chi
Eese government actually and in good
faith. meets all of the four conditions
laid down by the President in his re-
ply to the Chinese Emperor's appeal
for aid, that n least majority of the
powers now represented in China will
accept that as a proper base upon
which to cease present hostilities and
open negotiations for a settlement. The
decision of the majority in such case
without doubt would receive the acqui-
essence of the minority. else an inter-
minable ENHANCEMENT might arise.
Secretary Root said. this afternoon,
there had been no developments which
would necessitate any changes in the
to Gen. Chaffee or which
would change the intentions of the
in the least.
A cipher cable message was sent to
Gen Chaffee by Secretary Root, today.
which contained additional information
and facts which have developed since
the last message was sent him at
Nagasaki. The message contained no
q additional instructions. but merely in
which he may use as a guide
to his actions.
1t is not believed at the war depart
ment that an advance has been made
as yet from Tien Tsin. 1t is explained
that the last dispatches indicated q
great deal of delay in unloading the
and before any advance can
be made the troops must have all their
and transportation.
The fact that no reports We're receiv-
ed from Gen. Chaffee during the day
was not surprising to the war depart
ment officials, who said that the gen.
eral was busy preparing 70 the cam
paign and moreover communication be-
tween Taku and Che Foo is uncertain.
Secretary Hay, tonight, said there
was nothing new in the Chinese situa-
ton Several dispatches from the East
were received by the navy department
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