Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-24
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
A Conference of the Powers Deemed
Necessary.
ACTION At THE CABINET MEETING
Reported Declarations of Russia
and Germany Discussed.


The President and his cabinet believe
that the Chinese situation has reached such
a point as to require conference of the
powers. 1t is believed that this conference
will be proposed to the European coun-
tries by the United States within a few
days. At long session of the cabinet to-
day this practically the only new fea-
ture in the discussion. The remainder Of
the time was consumed in reviewing the
program that has been followed, and in
going over dispatches from General Chaffee
and other officials at the front.
The action of the President in stopping
the sending of more troops to China was
sustained by the cabinet, which agreed with
him that this was an evidence of the peace
able intentions of the United States 1t Is
not intended to send any more troops
to Tien Tsin unless the situation develops
unexpected features.
Report to Russia.
OF great import, If true, and much COM
plicating the situation, is the statement that
Russia has declared war against China and
intends to push right until she forces
China to the wall. Inquiry was made at
the cabinet meeting as TO the report, but It
can be stated that official notification
has been had that such a course has been
adopted by Russia. In this connection 1t
can be stated on the beet authority that if
Russia has declared war and proposes TO
conduct an Independent campaign of her
own this country will enter a vigorous pro-
test. 1t is considered by the President that
the powers have the situation too well in
hand now for different governments to be-
gin acting separately. This is one reason why
he will propose an international conference.
If Russia has not taken the step proposed
the conference ought to quickly decide upon
the intentions of the countries involved and
secure an understanding to exactly what
course shall be pursued by the powers from
now on.
In the suggestion that will be made to the
powers to a conference the State De-
partment will probably say that such
method ought to bring about satisfactory
results, and put a stop to the many differ
ences that are sure to rise in the conduct
of affairs from now on unless there is an
agreement. 1t is believed by the President
that thorough understanding could be
arrived at. The position Of this country is
already known, and if Europe accepts the
proposition to be made 1t will be taken by
some as an Indication that that portion Of
the world earnestly desires best results IN
China. and is not seeking territory.
II Germany Declares War.
twill be regretted If Germany declares
war, as is reported, and the administration
views with some concern these probable
varying steps. Should Germany make such
a declaration. however. the United States
will enter a protest. With Germany and
Russia in open hostiIities against China the
position of the other allies would be pecu-
liar and embarrassing
1t is understood that the United States
would, In all probability, withdraw its
troops altogether from Pekn and remain
a spectator of the contest until the end,
when 1t would insist on Just what IL in
tends to insist on now, IL peace is brought
about under present conditions So far as
this country is concerned, Germany" and
Russia would not be allowed to profit in
the least by declaring war when a final
settlement with China arrived 1t would
be pointed out that these countries took
that step when it was not necessary and
cannot. therefore, claim lions share
Ihe troops of the United States would not
leave Chinese territory but would remain
at Tien Tsin, or where the interests of this
country could be protected. One reason
for getting out of Pekin would be the
probabilities that nearly all of Europe
might become involved in trouble before
the matter was settled.
An Extra Session Improbable.
The subject of an extra session of Con-
gress, 1t was said, was not mentioned at
the meeting, and 1t can be stated on the
authority of a member of the cabinet that
under the present conditions an extra ses-
sion is altogether improbable. 1t is pointed
out that the President now has at his
command far larger appropriation than
couiu possibly De utilized within so short
q time as the next meeting of Congress in
December, even under most extraordinary
circumstances.
The only reason, therefore, that could be
advanced to justify an extra session, it is
said. would be that war with China was
imminent
The diversion Of the troops now on the
Pacihc from China to Manila is apparently
sufflcient proof that there will be no war
with China, so far as this country is con-
cerned. until diplomacy has failed to Sc
cure such reparation and indemnity as this
government may demand on account of
the Imprisonment of Minister Conger and
our other legationers and citizens and the
property losses they have sustained during
the present uprising. Should diplomacy
fail there seems to be no question that a
declaration of war would follow, but at
present there is said to be no good reason
to anticipate such result. The conclu-
sion, therefore. is that an extra session is,
at best, remote possibility