Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-07-24
PRESIDENT WILL MEDIATE.

Washington, July 23.-Thc President
has listened TO the appeal Of the Chin
.csc government as transmitted BY Min
lister wa and has signiiicd his willing
ness to mediate between the imperial
government and the powers. but only
upon conditions which first must be
met by the Chinese government.
The exact nature of the terms pro-
posed by The state department cannot
be stated until tomorrow, when it is
expected that publication will be made
of the text of the Chinese appeal and
of the Presidents answer. 1t IS known,
however. that the answer is entirely
consistent with the statement Of prin-
ciples laid down by Secretary Hay in
his identical note to the powers. and,
moreover. it accepts as truthful the
Chinese statements relative to the safe
ty of the foreign ministers at pekin.
It would not, of course. be possible
To take even the initial steps toward
mediation were either party to the ne
aotiations to entertain openly distrust
of the accuracy of the statements of
the other. There must be confidence
between them The United States
French answer TO a similar appeal in
ese government could not meet, even
if so disposed if il actually is strug-
Cling for its existence.
1t does. however. look to the immc-
date relief Of the foreign ministers in
Pekin, and moreover. to the protcc-
ton of all foreigners, missionaries and
traders in China and to the restora-
ton of order With that much ac-
complishcd the state department feels
that it can properly approach the
powers with the Chinese proposition for
a settlement for what has occurred.
The Chinese appeal came to Secretary
Hay. yesterday. through Mr.. WI. The
secretary promptly telegraphed it to
the President at Canton and after TAX
ing a full day for its consideration. the
Presidents answer came. this after
noon, to the taste department. 1t
was put in the proper diplomatic form
and copy delivered to Minister WI,
who was to forward it to his own gov
eminent. The appeal and answer will
be made public here. tomorrow.
The imperial edict made public. today,
at the state department shows that the
imperial government already has taken
the first steps toward doing what the
United States requires as to the principal
condition for the exercise Of it's good
offices. in enjoining the viceroys. masis-
trates and leading men to stop the disor-
ders ana protect foreigners. our govern
ment will await the result of this before
proceeding furthe
1t is expected that adverse criticism on
the action of the state department in this
matter will be heard from Europe where
the governments are acting upon the be-
lief that all of the foreign ministers in
Pekin have persisted, but our government
nevertheless regards its course as the
correct one. All of the European govern
ments have taken the stand above indi-
Gated.
The last of the answers to Secretary
Hays note reciting the Conger message
have come and all of them. in terms po-
lite and diplomatic. express utter incred :
ulity in the authenticity Of the Conger
message. Consul General Goodnow. him
self 4 man Of good Judgment, also cables
a warning to Secretary Hay against the
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