The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-01
Circulation Statement.
The Pelsin FcrpIestty.

While every Cabinet in Europe believed
that the Ministers and foreigners in Chin!
had all been massacred, 1t was not 81
hard for the various States to forget theil
differences in a common sense of horror
and outrage, and in face Of clear com
mon necessity for joint punitive action
But the news that the legation people were
alive on July % and the Chinese official
assertion that they are being held as
hostages place international relations in
different light.
What will each one pay, aoate or sur
render TO get its Minister and citizens out
of pawn, and save them from torture and
murder. That is the simple proposition
as it is viewed by Ii Hung Chang, Sheng.
and the imperial authorities at Pekin.
The Chinese apparently think that they
have the civilized powers in a corner. and
we shall be much mistaken if they do not
quickly proceed to name terms which VIII
be wholly inadmissible. For example, 1t
may be expected that they will demand
immunity for the murder of missionaries
and foreigners generally outside of Pekin,
the withdrawal of international troops from
China, and surrender of concessions hith-
erto wrung from them on the Shin King
and shantung peninsulas by Russia and
Germany. 1t is to be feared that some such
foolishness may be insisted upon from
Pekin. The indications are that the pow
ers will answer threat with threat, and
insist upon an advance. The international
army at Tientsin is reported as ready to
move. Russia can act Independently from
the north, and doubtless will have an army
at the gates Of Pekin before long.
Our latest information seems to show
that the powers are agreed that no at
tention can be paid to Chinese menaces
regarding the diplomats. and counsels are,
therefore, not likely to be divided on the
question OF the campaign against the CAPT.
tai. There is promise OF harmony until
the mission of relief and retribution has
been performed, but at that point the
danger nne may appear. After recent ex-
periences Russia viii hardly consent to a
settlement which shall not give her safe
control Of the railway line from Vladi-
yostok to Port Arthur; while Germany
Will pTODdDly ClhlW ltIEllOiIai h5 well as
other satisfaction.
AS far as the United States is concerned
its position IS simple. Indemnity and Sc
curity for Chinese good faith in the fu-
ture could. perhaps. be arranged without
great difficulty. It IL different with the
other parties In interest. Germany has a
murdered Minister in her bill of damages,
and Japan a murdered chancellor Of lega-
tion in hers. Nobody knows what the Rus
sian account may include In the way of
massacred railway employees and the de-
struction Of railway and other property In
other words, it does not seem humanity
possible that any general lump settlement
between China and the powers can be ef-
fected. Each Of the latter is likely TO
present individual, separate, and widely
different demands, which China, of course.
viii resist. and the nature and extent of
which may set the civilized States them
selves by the ears. The poor legationers,
if alive. are by no means out OF the woods,
and the international situation is rem
dered all the more precarious by the ma
ture Of their alleged present position and
what it may lead TO.