Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-22
FIRM REFUSAL
Given Earl Lis Appeal
to Stop Hosti|ities.
One Reason Is That China Is
Without a Government.
Germany Awaits Our Answer
and Will Probably Follow Suit.
Details Of Allies Entering Pekin Show
Americans Were Ahead.
Chinese Violated Every Armistice and
Fired on Women and Children.
Desperate Attack on Legations Very
Night Before Allies Arrived.

Washington. Aug 21.-The cabinet
session. today, practically opened the
consideration of the momentOus queS-
ton growing out of the capture of Pc
kin and the war in China. Until today's
session the absorbing question has
been the safety of Minister Conger and
the legationers at Pekin. Now, how
ever, that has given place to problems
of more intricate and far reaching
character. touching the very existence
of the Chinese empire and the part
which the American government is to
take in the reconstruction of that cOun-
try.
The meeting. today. was devoted en-
tirely to the Chinese situation. Score
taries Hay and Root. who have been
most active in directing affairs were
absent from the city. 50 that the at
tendance, comparatively. was small,
the President having with him Secre-
taries Gage. Hitchcock and Wilson and
Postmaster General Smith.
Several questions were awaiting at
tention. First of these was the applo-
cation of Ii Hung Chang for the ap-
pointment of Minister Conger or some
other commissioner to negotiate for the
cessation Of hostilities. The decision
arrived at was to reject the appeal and
a reply of this character was sent to
Minister WI to be forwarded to Ii
Hung Chang.
The moving cause for this action is
that this government is at present
very much in the dark as to whether
there is any existing government in
China. With the capital in the hands
of the allies. the Emperor and Empress
Dowager fugitives in hiding and the
entire governmental fabric paralyzed.
there is no evidence of an authority
adequate to conduct negotiations and
secure results which will be final and
binding.
Ii was stated by the members of the
cabinet that the Chinese establishment
instead of being a government. ap-
pears to be an enormous, headess af-
fair, without knowledge of what is for
its best good, and without power to
enforce its wishes.
With the recognized ruler in flight,
no one seems to know who. if anybody,
is directing its affairs. AS China is an
absolute monarchy without any legis-
lative branch, the Emperor and En-
press bDNdStT arr pJNeIIul
practically they are the empire Of Chi
ma.
Under the present remarkable condi-
tions the United States will act with
extreme caution in whatever steps II
may take toward solution of the
pending problems. In the meanetime
there is no reason to believe that the
United States and all the other powers
interested will keep their armed forces
on the ground. SO that order may be
maintained and at least semblance Of
stable government brought out Of the
existing chaos.
The reply of this government to the
appeal of the viceroys of Marking and
Iunan that no indignities be offered
the Emperor and Empress Dowager is
couched in the polite language Of di
nlomacy.
The answer is an assurance that the
rights Of the Emperor and Empress
Continued on page %