The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-07-28
DANGERoUs FOR CHINA.

The news reports have not set forth
expressly the terms of the proposal from
the Chinese authorities which involved
the cessation Of all operations against
Peldn on the condition that the foreign
representatives be delivered safely at
Tien Tsin. The first knowledge of such
proposal having been made comes with
the statement of Secretary Hay that it Is
inadmisSible
Notwithstanding the lack Of direct and
immediate information on the subject It
may safely be assumed that the proposal
| has been made. II the proposal is stated
with any approach to accuracy the action
| of the state department is to be COM
| mended in presenting positive refusal
| to entertain 1t. It is inconceivable how
the Chinese authorities are to be regard
! ed as acting in good faith when such a
| proposal Is offered at this stage in the
progress of events in China. It is, how
ever, hard to understand how o ,liplo-
mat of such rare ability and understand
ing of the nation to which he is accredit-
ed as Minister WI undoubtedly is could
| have rendered such suggestion except
as the constrained intermediary between
his government and this.
| All the actual light which has been
thrown on the Pekin situation thus far
has come through the Chinese minister
| at Washington. It has not been at all
conclusive, the information which has
come from him; but at least 1t has been
| sufficient to show his good faith and his
| strong influence with the home govern
ment. 1t has been stated that Minister
| WI has been chosen as the direct agent
| OF the Chinese imperial authorities to
| conduct negotiations looking to interven-
ton and peaceable adjustment of pres
ent difficulties. It would be easier to be-
| lieve this were 1t not announced that
the request for intermediation has been
made Of at least one other power be-
| side the United States. This statement
If true, must be regarded as discreditinR
all that has been established In this re-
gard thus far.
Either the Chinese government is play
ing very maIadroit game of diplomacy
or else its purposes are resolutely mis-
| represented. II we are to accept either
Of the circumstances as well founded that
the Intervention Of the English govern
ment has been asked in concurrence with
that of this government, or that the pro-
posed surrender OF the foreign repre-
sentatiyes has been conditioned on tie
cessation Of all operations for the relief
| Of Pekin, the conclusion is inevitable
that China is deceiving the civilized
world.
Whatever the immediate future may
| show to be true regarding the progress
Of events at Pedn during the past three
or four weeks. 1t must be admitted that
the course Of the United States govern
ment has been consistently one which is
worthy of the national approval II
| should be adhered to Throughout. II NAV
prove to be true that the treacherv Of
| the Chinese authorities Is as marked M
1t has been represented to te. If that
should prove to be the case it will be a
sore day for China. Nothing short Of tho
danger Of serious clashing Of national
interests Will save the Chinese empire
from disruption In such an event. TIL.
day for forbearance will have passed.
and the United States may be regarded
as having exhausted all available means
to avoid tho consequences which have
been impending over China. With the
1 legahons1s dsads OF being held as hos