The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-30
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away much of the uncertainty that now
exists as to the future in China and out
lined its views in writing. The fact that
the military situation is admitted TO be
of a secondary importance confirms the
view, though no Cabinet officer would
vouchsafe information on this point, that
what is sought is an agreement among the
powers for terminating the indefinite status
of affairs in China. 1t is believed that the
point has been reached where it is proper
there should be a clear expression of pur-
pose on the part of the principal powers,
in order that the United States govern
| ment may know how far it may go con-
sistently in the execution of the common
programme. Most of the objects had in
view by the President when he made
answer TO the Chinese governments appeal
and began the campaign upon Picking have
| been achieved. Two others remain TO be
secured. namely the safeguarding of
American interests for the future and some
| proper guarantee for decentralization for
the expenses of recent operations and losses
of American citizens. Some plan by which
the objects can be attained by the United
States in common with similar objects of
the other powers engaged in China is
thought feasible. eeh
Incidental TO this main purpose several
phases of the problem are attracting spe-
cial attention. Thus the sufficiency of Ii
Hung Changes credentials as a peace en-
voy. or rather of the ability of the Emperor
of China to accredit anyone thus, is a mat
ter Of international consideration. The
United States not only must satisfy itself
of Lis competency but il must convey solid
assurance on that point to convince some
of the other powers, the purposes of which
| perhaps would not be best served by a
| speedy termination of hostilities in China.
1t was the general understanding that
the outcome of to-day,s Cabinet meeting
would be the adoption of a policy by this
administration that would tend to sim
plify these issues, and at least bring to
a focus the varying aspirations of the
powers. If this cannot be done then the
question 10 be determined is whether or
not the United States shall proceed fur
Their, hand in hand with the allied forces.
II is believed that this point is very near
a decision, our determination depending
upon the responses made by other Euro
rean nations to our inquiries. Suggestion
that a conference be held of the nations
represented i'm China is again revived as
an accompaniment of this purpose, and IL
is pointed out that with Special Commits
sioner Rockhill just about arriving on Chi
nese soil. with Mumm Won Schwartzenstein,
the German successor to Baron Won Kettle
Ter, already in China, with the ministers
ready at Peking and with the high mill
tary and naval officials in the Pei-Ho
valley. the material is already at hand
for the gathering of a conference fully
equipped TO deal with even so complex
and difficult a problem as is presented in
the settlement of China's future.
There Dire hopes that communication with
China, very much delayed of late, Will
be better soon. Consul Fowler. at Che
Foo. got a routine dispatch through to-
day of current date, and the Navy De-
partment has been informed that the cable
company's ship was about TO leave Shang-
hal to-day TO lay a direct cable connecting
Shanghai with Che-Foo one of the weak
est inks in the chain of communication
at present. These improved conditions as
to the opening of communication between
our military and naval commanders and
the officials here have made il possible for
the latter to abandon the purpose. con-
ceived yesterday. of employing naval yes
sells TO convey by water messages between
Shanghai and Che-Foo.
1t is stated at the War Department that
prepare tons are being made for wintering
five thousand United States troops in Chi
ma. The report that General Chaffee was
arranging to winter fifteen thousand troops
probably originated before the general was
informed that the troops on the way to
China had been diverted at Nagasaki TO
Manila. These arrangements are made in
order to guard against a failure of peace
negotiations.
There is no doubt that General Chaffee
will be appointed ~brigadier general in the
regular army upon the retirement of Joseph
Wheeler. 1t is stated at the War Depart
.ment that the services which General
Chaffee has rendered in China entitle him
TO this consideration. General Wheeler will
retire on Sept. 3. General Chaffee will con-
tinue TO hold the rank of major general Of
volunteers while in command of the troops
in China
ATTITUDE OF OTHER POWERS.