Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-11-29
JAPAN TOOK THE INITIATIVE.
Tho Word "Uitimatum," in the Text of De-
mnnds to BE Handed to the Chinese En-
voys, is Deemed Too Strong The Appeal
of Japan For Moderation is Meeting
with Favorable Responses Minister
tors to Pekin Too Hasty.
(By Telegraph to virginian- pilot)

to-day that the chief point in the ex-
changes concerning China which have
been going on during the last few days
among the powers relates to the wis
dom of delivering an "ultimatum" to
China, using the express word "ult-
matum" in the text of the demand to
be handed to the Chinese ENJOYS, in
volvng the possibility OF a resulting
declaration of war against China in
case the demands of the ultimatum be
not complied with.
APPEAL FOR MODERATION.
1t appears that some of the powers
desired the express use of the word
ultimatum" In the demand relative to
the decapitation or other extreme pun
lshnent of eleven of the princes and
other high officials responsible for the
outrages. and this view of using the
most expressive term of diplomacy
seems to have found favor with the
ministers at Pekin. When it became
known at the several capitals consider
able dissent became manifest.
JAPAN TOOK THE LEAD.
About week ago Japan took the in
itiative In an appeal for moderation,
and this received the favorable consid-
Grafton of the United States, France.
Russia and probably Great Britain. al
Great Britain cannot be made. About
the same time Secretary Hay took
steps TO express the view of this gov
eminent that it was inadvisabe to
proceed TO- the extent of an ultmatum
against China, but that the demands
Should not be beyond what China rea-
sonabiy might have the power to COM
ply with.
The unanimity of sentiment among
the powers gives grounds for the belief
nf1G Of Ia, ,,f, ,ie.tf 4
be modified by the omission OF an ulti-
matum. although 1t is not yet clear
what the final attitude of the remain
Ing powers-Germany, Austria and
Italy will be-
The negotiations in this particular
were carried on in London through
Ambassador Choatc. and it Is regarded
as significant that one of the parties to
the Anglo-German alliance should give
It's adherence to the moderate position
advanced by the United States.
TENT OF AGREEMENT WANTED.
Washington. Nov. 2S.-The state de-
partment has cabled Minister Conger
to forward the text OF the agreement
reached by the foreign ministers at
Pekin. Meanwhile he will withhold
his signature until the President has
had an opportunity to satisfy himself
as to this important document and to
make such changes as will bring it in
accord with our policy.
MINISTER'S TOO HASTY.
1t is safe to predict that this partic-
ular agreement will not become eff
fective In it's present shape. 1t APP
pears that upon inquiry directed TO
the powers themselves, their ministers
at Pekin have not correctly reflected
their present views as to the basis of
the peace negotiations. This statement
certainly is true as to Il majority OF
the powers interested and the fact is
regarded as warranting the prediction
that the agreement must be modified or
abandoned.
INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS.
1t is learned at the state department
that while these negotiations are drag
ging along at Pekin, some of the Amer
lean consuls in China are achieving
practical and valuable results by in
dividua efforts. These are addressing
themselves in cases directly to the vice
roys of the great provinces where
American property interests have suf-
fered. to secure indemnity and repara-
ton, and in most cases they are sue
ceedlng very we'll. 1t is surmised from
the latest Chinese advices that the
English consuis are doing likewise, and
are collecting many claims. and the
moneys are being turned over to the
mission interests which suffered If
this movement continues it is entire
ly possible that the United States and
Great Britain will not be obliged to
concern themselves with the prosecu-
ton of individual claims for indemnity
through the slow moving agencies at
Pekin.
AUTHORIZED TO SIGN.
Paris, Nov 2S.-A dispatch from Pc
kin to the Havas agency says the min
listers of the following powers declare
they are authorized TO sign the joint
agreement to be presented to China:
Germany the United States, Great
Britain, Austria Hungary, Belgium
and Italy.
CONCENTRATED FOR WINTER.
London, Nov. 2S--"The representa-
lions of Prince Ching. Ii Hung Chang
and others to the Chinese court that
the powers are dissatisfied and are
threatening action on the Yang Use
kiang to stop supplies" says the Pckin
correspondent of the Morning Post.
wiring Tuesday. ARE reported to be
having an effect, and 1t Is reported that
the court is likely to take measures to
meet the powers
AN American correspondent reports
from Pao Ting Eu that 1900 Germans,
under General Kettler and 1000
French troops under General Bailloud,
concentrated there for the winter, with
the intention of making frequent ex-
petitions north and south to punish
reputed Boxer Villages
THE OUTLOOK DARK.
prince Ukhtomski is in daily con-
ference with Ii Hung Chang, and oc-
caaionally meats Prince Chine 10 ~