The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1900-07-25
PARTITION NOT APPROVED.
China May Try to Use Ministers as
Hostages to ExtOrt Good Terms
From the Powers.

From the Powers.
London, July 24.-The Chinese Minister
had long interview with Lord Salisbury
this afternoon. The general situation
was discussed and the Chinese Minister
reiterated his belief that the British Min
lister to China, Sir Claude Macdonald,
and the other foreigners at Pekin were
safe.
Lord Salisbury reiterated his demand for
direct communication with the minister
at Pekin. To this request the minister
could only renew his protestations that
it would be speedily accomplished if fea-
sible. He adduced no new facts to prove
his assertions. The interview closed
without result.
Despite the Chinese Minister'S state
ments and despite Sir Claude MacDonald's
letter of July 4. a strong impression con-
tinues to prevail at the foreign Office
that the ministers al Pekin were massa-
cred July 6. The Associated Press cor
respondent is informed that not one scin-
tila of evidence is yet in the possession
of the foreign office leading them to dis
Claude MacDonald's letter. with it's ac-
count of severe fighting in progress, mere
ly confirms the governments forebodings.
William Pritchard Morgan, member of
Parliament. whose knowledge of and in
terest in China are extensive, informed
the Associated Press correspondent to-day
that he was positive, from cable MESA ges
from his agents. that the members OF the
legations were alive July 8. When the
foreign Office was told this, the rejoinder
was made, Mr.. Morgan has submitted no
evidence to convince us of the truth of his
statement. however anxious we may be to
believe it,
Consultations are in progress between
cabinet ministers and officials as to the
course TO be pursued should the ministers
prove TO be alive. The contingency of
China holding them as hostages is upper
most in the minds of all, although the
Associated Press correspondent is official
ly informed that the Chinese diplomats
have not yet hinted at such action.
No Partition of China.
Negotiations between the Powers have
brought out mutual assurances that the
military expeditions to China are for the
sole purpose of relieving the legations,
and that there is no intention to partl-
ton China. Hence, should China agree
to deliver the ministers alive. no power
will have a reason for continuing agrees
stve military operations, except Germany
to quote high British official, will have
to forego the Emperors assertion that
he would not stop till the German flag
floated over Pekin."
As for the other Powers, 1t Is empha IT,
cally stated that they have unanimously
agreed that with the safe delivery of the
ministers, the aggressive campaign will
end. All rumors of an International agree
ment regarding the future of China sub
sequent to the return of the ministers,
are false. The agreement is purely Mega
tive, and based upon the lines stated by
Secretary Hay, of which the independence
and integrity of the Chinese Empire are
essential features.
II the imperial edict proves true. the
Powers while holding their forces In read
mess to enforce demands, will accept pc
cuniary indemnity. No territorial propo,
stlons will be considered. In common
with the other Powers, Germany must
through arbitration or otherwise, gauge
the damages for the loss of the life OF her
minister by a pecuniary standard. The
same rule will apply as to the loss of
other lives and destruction of property.
May Use Them "A Lever.
IL may. with safety. be stated that should
the ministers prove to be alive the Chi
nese government will to some extent,
use them as a lever to compel European
and American missionaries and CONNER
cial enterprises to moderate their activ-
ity, If not 20 withdraw from the empire
entirely On this point William Pritchard
Morgan, who is in close touch with the
Chinese Minister, said 10 the Associated
Press correspondent that he had good
reason to believe the Chinese government
had entrusted or would entrust Ii Hung
Chang with the mission Of saying to the
Powers:
Look here; II you withdraw your mis-
sionaries and give up your concessions,
we will be willing TO give ample pecuniary
remuneration for your losses. We will
then deliver your ministers, except Ger
many's. alive Well, " you do not agree
we cannot be euswerable for the lives OF
your ministers. We cannot reconcile the
majority Of our people to the foreign ele-
ment."
"And who" said Mr.. Morgan. will
have hardihood enough TO say to China:
"'Go ahead Kill the ministers and we
will take revenge
IN A STATE OF ANARCHY.