The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-09-24

Pichon, the French minister at Pekin,
will pass the winter at the Chinese cap
ital in spite of the difficulties of the
telegraph service, as Tien Tsin is con-
sidered to be uninhabitable after the
sacking of that city.
France is not inclined to increase her
Asiatic fleet, but possibly some gunboats
will be sent to navigate the small
streams.
CoNGER TO MEDIATE.
Washington, Sept. 24-The position
of the United States on China as made
known in the notes made public is re-
ceiving the earnest consideration of the
other powers and their representatives
here. It is looked upon as sort of
turning point in the negotiations, on
which the alignment of the several
countries will be determined and their
programmes framed There has been
no word, however, from any of the gov
ernments concerning their view of the
American position, and it is expected
that some days will elapse before any
movement is made
There is reason to believe that the
American note was considered at Berlin
yesterday by those chief in authority,
but it has brought no positive devel-
opmentS thus far. The Chinese minister
has not heard from Ii Hung Chang, or
Prince Ching, since the purposes of this
government were made known to them.
Minister WI continues to express the
earnest hope that the United States will
take the lead in bringing about a set
I1emeQI- ASlOe IEOI4 us OSIC1IS ~
the powers and China, the minister says
it would establish lasting bonds be-
tween this country and China, ana
would pave the way for treaty rela-
tionS of the most advanta geous char
acter for American commercial inter-
estS.
In accordance with the statemnet
made to Germany to the effect that the
United States government is about to
authorize. Minister Conger to forthwith
confer with duly authorized representa-
tives with a view to bringing about a
preliminary agreement, Acung oecre-
tary of State Hill spent some time yes
terday framing the direction to Mr.. Con-
ger.
In view of the peculiarly delicate ma
ture of the task to be confided to Mr..
Conger, this is a work requiring much
thought. The language of the note pro-
Tossing to state what Mr. Conger is to
do, is unusual and seems generally TO
indicate that he is about to undertake
to bring the powers and China together;
in actuality he is to serve as mediator
in part at least. He presumably Will ar
range with the Chinese representative
Lii Hung Chang and Prince Ching, as to
the place where they are willing to meet
the repreSentativ of the powers to dis
cuss a final settlement and try tn nx
upon certain broad principles that shall
govern the conference. This programme
must be submitted to the powers TO
ascertain if they are willing TO accept It.
If so, then it may be that something IN
commission will deal with the Chinese
representatives.
Should the powers or any of them re-
ject such a programme as Mr.. Conger
may be able to frame, then it appears
that there will be nothing for the United
States to do but to proceed with the fin
al negotiations on its own account, TAX
ing steps to make sure that no subse-
quent action of the dissenting powers
negatives any OF the results secured by
our commissioners in the settlement di-
rectly with China.
It is now understood that Gen. Chat
fees military force will be reduced to
about 1900 men. This contingent being
known specially as a legation guard,
will not be subject to the orders of any
one save the United States minister res
ident as made known through the Amer
lean military commander, either General
Chaffee, or Gen. Wilson, probably the
latter, and not being part of the mill
tary forces will not be under the COM
mand of the German field marshal,
Count Won Waldersee. The orders for the
reduction are still in process of perfec-
ton.