The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-07-25
now WAITING ON CHINA.
Next Move Depends on the Answer to
McKinley's Note.


Associated Press Dispatch.
WASHINGTON, July 24.-The State De-
pertinent is again in a waiting attitude
regarding China. 1t has frankly, promptly
and fully answered the Chinese Emperors
appeal for mediation, and the correspond
ence given publicity to-day makes it ap-
pear that the next move is for the Chinese
government. 1t is expected to accept or re-
ject our terms at once, and in either case
the answer must convey tidings of the state
of affairs at Peking and the welfare of the
legationers. The belief is not concealed
here that the chances for successful medi-
alton are slight. Mediation cannot be
forced on a party to a cause; 1t must be
acceptable to all the parties. If the United
States is to mediate i'm Chinas interest she
must first secure the assent of all the
powers who have suffered in life or prop
erty at Peking. The difficulties in the way
Of such an undertaking are likely to be
many and serious, in view of the exhibi-
ton Of feeling in Europe. But it is said
here that the United States will cheerfully
undertake the task, provided its conditions
are met If IL does not succeed In inducing
| the European powers to be lenient i'm their
treatment of the imperial government of
China. the United States government will
not be drawn into further hostilities after
we have taken care of our own affairs. but
we will withdraw, taking care, however,
to let 1t be understood that this govern
ment will not allow its proper interests in
China to be injured by the action Of any
of the powers that may choose to remain
obdurate.
At least one of the greatest powers is
under strong suspicion here of acting cold
bloodedly and without regard 20 sentiment
! or anything more than the most material
| of considerations. 1t is believed here that
| this power is quietly taking measures to
| drop out of the league at Tien-Tsin and
| conduct a campaign on its own account
| against Peking. and 1t is even suspected
| that this power is already moving troops
| toward the Chinese capital
| NO COMMUNICATION WITH PEKING.
One fact regarded as now beyond need of
| further demonstration. in view of the
| Chinese appeal. is that the Chinese Off
| cials at the coast ports are actually in COM
munication with whatever remains OF the
| imperial government at Peking. and the
text of Kwang Hsu's appeal appears to
| establish the fact that the Chinese govern
/ ment itself is sanctionirg the resistance to
the international advance upon Peking.
The Chinese appeal is unquestionably an
| adroit production. The Presidents answer
/ is equally clever and more sincere; that is
the opinion OF the officials here who have
carefully studied both. The President has
| succeeded In asking for conditions pre-
/ cedent to mediation quite as valuable as
1 those laid down in Europe. yet he has so
| tempered his requirements as to make them
| ment. at the same time there is nothing
| in the note to which the European chan
cellors can object. openly, at least The
| President expressly states that his media
tion is subject TO the approval of the pow
| ers; he win not attempt 10 force it upon
| Europe. And the Chinese government
must produce the ministers in safety.
| Minister WI declares that his govern
| ment will meet that obligation. in proof OF
which he produced Shengs telegram. In
/ which he expressed implicit confidence
| Certainly. IL the last promise is baseless
the Chinese government is party TO one OF
the most barefaced deceptioss practiced
on another nation. I'm the estimation OF the
| State Department. The department does
| not doubt Minister Nu's sincerity in any
| case. and as for that official. he is so conf.
dent that the United States government is
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