The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1900-10-27

In diplomatic quarters there IS felt to be
some significance IN the fact that France.
Russia and Japan. as well as the United
States. have not yet accepted the invitation
to accept the principles of the Anglo-Ger-
man alliance.
1t is understood that this nonaction Of the
Powers is not due to any concerted move
ment among them. although each appears
TO be halting on the third clause a diplo-
matte official said to-day that on mature
consideration of this third clause 1t was
seen TO involve two constructions:
First. that If any Power took territory in
China as a result Of the present trouble
then Germany. and Great Britain also
would take territory: or, second. that II any
country took territory I'm China Germany
and Great Britain would seek to prevent
this action. or. Otherwise. jointly act against
the country seeking TO extend its domains.
Either construction. 1t was pointed out. wa $
such that the Powers not party TO the
agreement could not be expected to bind
themselves to its acceptance.
Under these circumstances II was said
that the Powers probably would seek to
learn Russia's views on the third clause. as
Russian approval undoubtedly would re-
move the idea that there is any possible
menace intended.
. May Appeal to Arbitration.
Should the negotiations in Pe,in fan to
produce satisfactory results within a rea-
the reference of matters in dispute to the
International Court of Arbitration at The
Hague.
step In this direction has already been
taken by Secretary Hay. He has cabled TO
Minister Conger the suggestion made by
Russia that in case of a protracted diver
gence OF views the question of indemnity
be referred to The Hague court for de-
termination.
Under the instructions given Minister
Conger he will consult with his coIlea gues
on the question of indemnity and discuss
with them the demands their Governments
Will make in this respect. Should he re-
port that IL IL not possible to reach an
agreement, then secretary Hay proposes 10
earnestly advocate the adoption OF the Rus
sian suggestion as the easiest method of
obtaining satisfactory solution.
There is no doubt that Secretary Hay and
other officials of the administrator favor
the observance of the principle OF arbitra-
tion. but they believe it in the Interest of
all the Powers and China that direct nego-
tiations should first occur
Danger in Delay.
There are certain phases of the negotia-
tions which. according to officials of the ad-
ministration, are not fit subjects of arbi-
tration. They feel that IL is desirable to
endeavor to arrange at the outset a direct
settlement with China through her Commits.
sioners and the Ministers resident in Pekfn.
The Ministers thoroughly understand the
situation. and by reason Of the experience
they underwent are qualified to take ini-
mediate action.
On the other hand. the officials say that
The Hague court would have to organize
an Investigation Committee. the labors OF
which would require some time. Prompt
action. which. the officials say. alone can
sGve China from dismemberment. would not
be possible by the reference Of the matters
In dispute to arbitration. On the other
hars -... rlf ftW.asf Inn
that more expeditions action could be Sc
cured by the reference of the entire dispute
to arbitration at this time than by awaiting
negotiations. which may be Indefinitely pro-
longed and which may produce 10 results.