The evening times., 1900-09-27

The instructions TO Minister Conger to
initiate negotiations looking to settle
ment of the Chinese troubles have been
forwarded by the Stat Department to
President Mckinley at Canton for review
and approval.
1t is claimed by those who appear to be
aware of the nature of the instructions,
that Mr.. Conger is directed to
place himself in communication with Earl
ii Hung Chang and Prince Ching. the Chi
nese pleninotentiaries, for the purpose of
making such arrangements with them
may result in satisfactory adjustment of
the differences that have existed between
China and the United States.
Mr. Conger will endeavor to arrange
the time and place for the meeting of a
conference of China and the powers to
discuss peace terms and win probably ex-
change with the Chinese pIeHipotentiaries
the views of his OF their respective coun-
tries in order that a basis Of procedure
in the general conference may be ar
ranged.
In this connection, the request is made
officially that correction be made of the
impression prevailing in some quarters in
this country and abroad that Minister
Conger has been instructed TO act as
mediator between China and the powers
and that he Will negotiate in the interests
of all and not merely for the United
States.
1t is asserted that Mr.. conger will act
solely for his own Government, even in
discussing the assembling of a general
peace conference No other nation has
asked the United States to have Mr.. Con-
ger act for it and anything TO lead Mr..
Conger to believe that he was to serve
in a mediatory capacity has been care
fully eliminated from his instructions.
Objections TO Tuan.
1t may be, officials say, that Mr.. Con-
ger and the Chinese plenipotentiaries may
agree to disagree in the very beginning
over the appointment of Prince Tuan, the
Boxer leader as a member OF the Privy
Council The United States, and, it is be-
Iieved, all the other powers, will lot toll
crate the retention of Tuan in such an
influential office.
It was pointed out today that before |
any actual negotiations for a final set !
tIement can begin, it must be definitely |
determined that the Chinese Government |
is protecting American citizens and their |
interests in China. That was enc of the |
fundamental principles laid down by the
United States as preliminaries to the ar
rangement of peace terms Should Tuan
exert his influence to cause further out
breaks against foreigners, even at points
remote from Pekin, Minister Conger
would decline to enter into or continue
negotiations with Ii Hung Chang and
Prince Ching, and, it was explained to-
day, would hold Earl Ii to his assurance
demanded by the United States that
American life and property in China |
would be respected in future.
British Attitude Important.
Washington, the attitude of Great Britain
toward the German proposition that the
Boxer leaders be punished as a condition
precedent to peace negotiations, will have
an important bearing on the settlement of
the Chinese situation.
Should Great Britain throw her powerful
influence on the side of Germany the situa
tion will be very much complicated in
making fairly even division of the DOW
ers against each other. On the one side
would be Great Britain, Germany, Austria
and Italy, opposed to the Inauguration of
an arrangement for peace until the anti
foreign leaders have been punished, while
on the other side would be the United
States, Russia and France.
Japan, it is reported, will pursue
middle course but officials in Washington
believe that she win not accept the Ger
man proposal in terms, although perbaDs |
subscribing TO its spirit. There is strong |
hope in Administration Quarters that
Great Britain Will not join With Germany
Lord Salisbury mas not completed the
response to the Berlin Foreign ofice. but ] /,
President Mckinley and his Cabinet saw
that he inclines toward the stand taken
by the United States and that they be-
heve he viii adopt that course.
What step Germany will take if Great |
britain refuses to follow her punitive pol
icy is not known here, The Adniuistra-
tion fears that Germany is anxious to !
eompIcate the situation IL crder that an | |
opportunity may be afforded for extended
military operations under Count Won Wal
dersee. which would develop the means |
of securing adequate reparation for the
murder of Baron Won Ketteler
There are several men of official rromi- ,
$500 To Cumberland and Return a
From B. & O. r. r. station g. M Sunday | I