Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-09-19
FRUN nAsh.NurO N
Correspondent of the Alexandria Gazette.
Washington, September 10

WASHINGTON. September 10
Minister WI, the Chinese Minister,
in an interview this morning, expressed
himself quite forclbly on the demand Of
Germany that the leaders OF the anti
foreign movement be delivered up to
the powers before peace negotiations
are begun. THAT demand" said
Mini ter Wa, imposes hard, indeed
impossible conditions. 1t is also
unjust IN the extreme, for it prac;i-
cally puts q stop TO negotiations
for peace before they are begun
and at the same time is equivalent to
announcing to the world that the dis
mem berment Of the empire is resolved
upon by the Emperor. The demand is
evidently aimed at the Empress and
Prince Tuan. Is il likely that they
will deliver themselves up in response
20 the order? If they do not comply
with the demand the German Emperor
SAYS th-t be will keep his troops in Pc
kin indefinitely. If this is done, the
empire will be dismembered There il
no escape from it. Just reverse the
conditions for the sake OF argument.
Suppose that similar trouble had
taken place 10 Germany and China or
| America, after subduing the German
troops, would demand that Emperor
William be delivered up before peace
negotiations were begun. Would the
Emperor agree to the condition :?
l do not think be would. The Ger
man note, if it is reported correctly,
says that the leaders OF the instruction
who are proven to be such be delivered.
VINO is to do the proving, I'd like to
quire, DR.. Morrison, the German
Emperor or VINO? If the demand Is
persisted 10, there will be no peace
negotistions. 1t is like sentencing a
prisoner before the court convenes."
Minister WI visited the State Depart.
ment before noon to lay his idea before
Assistant Secretary Adee, that the Pres
ident might understand the position as
sumed by China. Mr.. WI hopes thai
the Cabinet will not agree with the
German Emperor in the matter.
The German note demanding that
the insligatoIs OF the outrages against
international law which have occurred
at Pekin should be delivered up and
punished before any diplomatic rela-
tons be entered upon with the Chinese
government has upset all calculations.
La some quarters it is regarded as
definite notification that Germany does
DOT want peace bus is determined to
enter upon war Of conquest 10 China.
Others, while cot believing that Ger
many intends so radical construction
to be placed upon its note, recognize
that impossible conditions are laid
down 10 it which CHINA cannot accept
and that, therefore, thu powers must
secure a modification of its terms.
The n ote is regarded in diplomatic cir
cles here as most important declara-
ton and it has produced a sensation.
Baron Won Sternberg, the German
Charge d'Affairs, was an early caller at
the State Department. 10 discussing
the proposition of his government the
Baron said: "It proposes an absolute
condition precedent before the German
Emperor will be willing to enter into
peace negotiations with China. 1t is,
however, not necessarily a definite 6na |
declaration. 1t is subject to revision.
II is submitted to the powers
!or discussion, just as all the |
other notes have been submitted. |
and may in the council OF the DOW
ers be changed and modified
One of the most interesting questions to
Americans is the effect the German
note will have upon the policy of the
United States government. 1t is recog-
nized that now the time has come when
a straight out declaration Of our inten
tons must be forthcoming. We must
either begin peace nego istions with |
China, as requested by Prince Ching,
aud prepare 10 leave CHINA; or we must
stay there and probably be drawn into
40 international war. A favorable an.
wer to Prince Ching's request would
Dc a negative to Germsny's proposal,
In some quarters it is suggested that |
his is what Germany wants. 1t is said
>y those who take the view that Ger
many is,now unmasking her plans for a |
War of conquest, tn at the Kaiser is now
ready to proceed without the United |
States and is deliberately trying to force !
as out of China.
President Mckinley reached Wash
nton this morning. He was met at the
depot by Gen. Corbin and driven to the
W mite House. II nothing occurs to
cnange his plans he will start back to
Canton Friday evening.
Attorney General Griggs is the only
member OF the Cabinet in town TODAY.
al! the others are away on either sick
leave. their vacations or making politica,
speeches.. Governor Griggs had short
conference with the President soon after
the latter reached the White House.
There was one Cabinet meeting todsyn
laughinglv remarked the Attornan o.