The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-24
Circulation Statement.
Our Chinese Policy.

stanUal accuracy by this and other jour-
nails Certainly, the official text does not
tend 20 modify the unfavorable opinion
we had formed CT the Administration
policy in China. Now, as formerly, it
reeks with insincerity and motive which
all attempts to conceal under preten-
tious phrases cannot conceal.
1t is hardly worth while to review this
new addition to the diplomatic litera-
ture eff the present Administration at
length. Anything that we might say now
we have said repeatedly before. 1t Will
go into the history of our foreign rela
lions as something TO amaze and exasper-
a.e American statesmen and diploma:ists
of the future when they compare the for
eign policy of the Mckinley period with
that of earlier days. The decadence from
the craftsmanship of the days Of Frank
lin, Jefferson, Marcy, and Buchanan, to
those of Day and Hay, will perhaps be
more evident in after days than it now
is, though that may read ike an imagi-
native and exaggerated statement
Although without authoritative knowl-
edge of the fact, we cannot refrain from
expressing the belief that while the name
OF Acting Secretary Hill is signed to tie
notes in reply to the German proposal
the Russian request for information, and
the Chinese demand for cooperation in
the Chino-Russo game. the. diplomacy
covered by these several Administration
efforts is anything but his. On the con-
trary, we are quite sure that the false
logic of the answer to the German note
co,,fd hot-a
Hill. 1t is so much more consistent with
the political provincialism of the Post
Office, Agricultural, and Judiciary ele-
ments in the Cabinet that We are strong
y minded to acquit the State Depart
ment of any but a perfunotory share in
its evolution or PRONUNCIATION.
With a ponderosity which would do
credit to one of Mr.. McKinley's most
platitudinous and wearisome messages,
Germany Is reminded that the Govern
ment OF the United States has from the
outset. proclaimed its purpose to hold to
the utternost accountability the re-
sponsible authors of any wrongs done
in China to citizens of the United
States and their interests" This
review of an old declaration, in the
circumstances. is perhaps superfuous.
il not unfortunate. 1t was upon this
very announcement of policy and pro-
gramme in the note Of July 3, that the
Berlin Government based IT'S expectation
that the proposition to provide for the
punishment Of the Chinese responsible for
the atrocities at Pekin would be agreed to-
Count Won Buelow evidently did not ex-
pect to be met with casuistry. If the
American Government was determined 10
hold the guilty Chinese officials to the
''uttermost accountability" he was justi-
fed in believing that inasmuch as Mr. Nc
Kinley and his advisers had absolute
knowledge that responsibility for all the
horrors and atrocities of the war includ-
ing The attacks upon the legations. and
the heiish torture and murder of Ameri-
can women and children at our missions,
rested upon the Empress Dowager and
Prince Tuan. ii was reasonable presump-
tion that the President would demand
their punishment just as, in effect, Ger
many has, as condition precedent 10
peace negotiations No one. abroad or az
home. could have been prepared TO expect
that Nr. Mckinley would take the position
nc Asho a. last ~ NA| RAtAi4AHES ~ Ale us
credit of his Administration and the humiI-
iation of the American people
Knowing thoroughly well that the En-
press Dowager and Prince Tuan are the
Chinese fends for whose condign punish
ment the blood Of our tortured aud out
ragged missionary women calls TO heaven,
Mr.. Mckinley proceeds to recognize them
as the Government of China and TO en-
courage their return to Pekin. Thereby,
as far as he can mold the sitTation with
the assistance Of Russia and Ii Hung
Chang. Russia's tool, he works to place
these blood-reeIing devils in personal
safety. Because, once back in Pekin and
recognized by the powers, their sins
would be eondoned.
Remembering this. the contention put
forward on the part of the United States
that, while refusing to join with Germany
and other States in securing the punish
ment OF notable leaders in the crimes
committed in Pekin against international
law" the Administration thinks that no
punitive measures can be so effective by
way Of repara:ion for wrongs suffered,
and as deterrent examples for the future,
responsible authors by the supreme i'm
perial authority ITSELF
With the greatest regret we feel bound
10 say that this is arrant nonsense What
is the supreme imperial authority it.
self" 1t is the Empress Dowager and
Prince Tuan, as far as the United States
is concerned; because, in recognizing the
authority Of Ii Hung Chang and Prince
Ching as plenipotentiaries TO negotiate
for peace. the Administration also recog-
nizes the source of that authority, which
s. nothing other than the two persons
named. And Mr.. Mckinley would have
US believe he expects that the Empress
Dowager and Tuan, in their recognized
position as the supreme imperial au-
thorIty.' VIII degrade and punish them
selves as the responsible authors Of
past and current atrocities.
That is exactly what is proposed in Mr.
McKinley's answer to Germany. Comment
unAs such an exhibition OF diplomatic
!, unnecessary. 1t will simply re-