The age-herald., 1900-08-26

Washington, August 25.-The diplomatic feature of the Chinese situation today took precedence over both the naval and mili- tary features. The most unsatisfactory de- velopment of the day, so far as the pacific programme of this government goes, was the receipt of dispatch from Admiral Remey conveying the reports which had reached him of disagreement between the commander of the Russian forces in Pekin and the other internationals. The text of this dispatch was not made public, but 1t was said to contain the statement that the Russian commander had forbid den communication with the Chinese on the ground that Russia was technically, as well as practically, at war with China
 It may be said that this information was not conveyed by Admiral Remey as of ficial news, but merely as report from reliable sources which he considered this government should possess. Assuming Ad- miral Remey's report to be correct this movement on the part of the Russians strikes the first note of discord in the harmonious concert of the powers. The possibilities of future complications that 1t opens are almost infinite and would be serious to a degree. It may be said, how ever that the news is not taken very ser iously by this government, and certainly will not affect our course in any way until it has been officially confirmed
 Conditions Not Met
 The situation in China at present does not meet in any way the conditions laid down in Secretary Adees note to Li Hung Chang on August gS as prerequisite to peace negotiations by the United States. This communication announced that al- though the powers had been compelled to rescue their Ministers by force of arms, unaided by the Chinese government, still the United States Is ready to welcome any overtures for a truce, and Invite the pow CTS to join when security Is established in the Chinese capital and the Chinese gov ernment shows its ability and willingness to make on its part an effective suspension of hostiities there and elsewhere"
 This is the condition laid down, which up to date has not been fulfilled The subse- quent course of the United States, as out lined by the same note, is stated in the lan- Euage of this Government as follows:
 "When this (the restoration of order) is done-and we hope 1t will be done prompt ly-the United States will be prepared to appoint representative to join with the representatives of the other similarly in- terested powers and of the authoritative and responsible Government of the Chinese Empire to attain the ends desired in our circular to the powers of July 3rd."
 One of the most serious considerations which remains prior to the opening of peace negotiations is to determine who and what is the responsible Government of China referred to in the United States note. It is understood that this Government Is inclined to the opinion that Emperor Kwang Hsu is the responsible head, but in the absence of any reliable information as to his whereabouts even the first steps toward appointing representative for a peace conference with China would be de- cidedly premature. The most that this Government hopes or expects just now Is information as to the readiness of other Governments to participate in a friendly conference over the course to be pursued by them in China after order is restored.