The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-11

It is now definitely known that Ii Hung
Chang has been appointed the commits
sioner to represent the Chinese Govern
ment in all negotiations with the powers
and that the imperial family is extremely
anxious to have peace restored. Minister
WI yesterday presented to the State De-
partment a copy OF an imperial edict is
sued on August a, The document recites
that the imperial Chinese Government is
anxious that peace should be restored at
once, and to this end Earl Ii is appointed
a special envoy to treat with the powers.
The document is regarded as being
genuine by the Government officials, and
DR.. Hill win at once proceed to reccg-
nize Earl Ii as the Chinese envoy, and
to treat with him. 1t was stated yes
terday that the receipt of the odict
will be followed by the early announce
ment on the part of this Government OF
its Commissioners to negotiate with the
Chinese statesman.
The edict is signed by Emperor Kwang
Hsu. and is dated at Paoting-fu. The
original proposition that four Commits
sioners be appointed to treat with the
powers is ignored, and no word is said
about Prince Ching or the Eiceroys. 1t
is considered more expedient and better
that Earl Ii should act alone and should
be clothed with complete authority to
act in any manner deemed wise by him.
Earl l. will have power to accept or re-
ject any propositions advanced by the al
lies, and the Chinese Government agrees TO
abide by his decisions in all matters.
The date Of She edict locates the i'm
periaI family at Poating-fu, the capital of
Chilli, about 100 miles southwest OF Pc
kin
Mr. WI is highly PLEASED over the open
ing Of communication with his Government
again and is confident that all trouble will
soon be settled.
THE Emperor signs all edicts issued by
my Government" said he "and the sigma
lures Of other members OF the Government
are not required. / am confident that the
edict will prove absolutely satisfactory to
all OF the powers, as it gives them clear
and open field in which to operate. 1t is
agreed that the powers may treat with
Earl Ii anywhere, either in Pekin, Paris,
or even London, and ne has power TO de-
cied the matter for good and finally
Can he treat with any single power, in
the event of trouble among the others?''
was asked.
HE is given power to treat with any or
all powers, but there will be no trouble.
The edict satisfies all objections and aid
siIcs. 1t goes further than is even nee
essary in attempting TO restore peace and
harmony"
Acting Secretary Hill received the edict
too late yesterday morning to lay it before
the President before the departure of
the latter for Pennsylvania and later
stated that he would not make the
edict public until Mr.. Mckinley had
read it and given his consent TO have it
e-ix- l. Cd At yln
Department that the imperial order was
accepted with much qualification, as the
Government had all along insisted that
Earl Ii was the proper authority with
whom 10 treat and had objected to the
Chinese statesman being interfered with
by any of the powers.
The following message was received by |
the War Department yesterday from Cen |
eral Chafee, under date OF nebdn, Sep |
tember .:
''AGjutant General. Washington:
Two afternoon 4th. Evidence ac-
oumulates that diplomatic relations
will not be resumed here for long time.
Russian legation leave very soon for
Tientsin. Appears TO ne certain that
Chinese Government VIII not return
here whilst foreign army remain and if
this true cur legation can transact no
business. Ny opinion Pekin to be
merely camp foreign army pending set
tIenssnt by powers al other points
"CHAFFEE"
The situation as depicted by Genera
Chaffee is regarded IS being very serious
1t was hoped that Russia would retain her
Minister and her forces until peace nego-
tiations had begun, or were well rnder
way. The fact that the imperial Govern
ment would not return 10 Pekin while the
city was occupied by the foreign devils"
had been feared. but il had been antici-
pated that when protection was guaran-
teed there would be little trouble.
Baron von Sternburg. the German
Charge d'Anaires. called at the State De |
Dartment yester day, hut claimed to have no
news He was pleased with the appoint
ment Of Earl Ii as commissioner and STAT
ed that he was certain the edict would be
received fayoTably by his Government
THE BRITISH AT FENG-TAI.