The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-08-30
AN IMPORTANT
SESSION THE
CABINET HELD. l
Meeting the Longest in the History
Of President McKintey's Ad-
ministration.
CHINESE PROBLEM DISCUSSED.
Military Now Subordinate to the Dip
lomntic situation-opposed to
Division Of the Empire.

"
cabinet adjourned at $40 p. M, after
having been in session all day, with
the exception of a few minutes for
luncheon. Beyond the mere an
nouncement that the diplomatic
phases Of the Chinese situation had
been under consideration, no state
ment was made by the cabinet Off
GERS as they left the white house. One
Of the cabinet officers said that the
diplomatic document under consider
alton had been completed, but would
not be made public.
WASHINGTON. Aug. pa special
meeting OF the cabinet lasting all day,
and broken only by short recess for
luncheon marked the intense interest
the administration feels in the Chinese
problem. 1t was the longest cabinet
session OF the present administration.
The diplomatic and not the military
phase Of the situation In China was un-
der consideration and this accounted
for the presence OF Acting Secretary
Adee, a very unusual proceeding at q
cabinet meeting. Mr.. Adee Is the medi-
um through which foreign governments
communicate and he has been in re-
ce!pt Of a good many statements recent
ly. Last evening, he and the French
charge, Mr.. Thiebaut. compared the
French and American copies OF the crr-
dentiaIs OF Il Hung Chang. To-day.
he had long talks with Minister WI
and the German charge and the sub
stance OF these conversations he laid
before the cabinet. It is understood
that the cabinet to-day completed pre-
paratlon OF q plan for clearing away
much OF the uncertainty that now ex-
lists as to the future in China and out
lines Its Views in writing. The fact
that the military situation is admitted
to be of secondary Importance confirms
the view. though no cabinet officer
would vouchsufe information on this
point, mat what is sought is nsagrec-
men, among the powers for terminating
the indefinite status OF affairs In China.
Clear Explanation Necessary.
It Is believed that the point has been
reached where 1t is proper that there
should be 4 clear explanation OF pur-
pose on the part OF the principal powers
in order that the United States govern
ment may know how far /, may so con-
sistently In the explanation OF the COM
mon programme. Most OF the objects
had in view by the President when ne
made answer to the Chinese govern
ments appeal, and began the campaign
upon Pek!n, have been achieved and
two others remain to be secured, name
ly. the safeguarding of American in
tercsts for the future and some proper
guarantee for indemnlfication for the
expenses for recent operations and
Losses OF American citizens. Some plan
by which these objects can be attained
by the United States in common with
similar objects ythe other powers en-
gagged in China is thought feasible. In
cidental to this main purpose several
phases of the problem are attracting
special attention. Thus the suticiency
of Ii Hung Chang's credentials us
peace envoy, or rather OF the ability OF
the emperor OF China to accredIt any
one thus, Is matter OF International
consideration. The United States not
only must satisfy itself Of LIS compe-
tency but It must convey solid assur-
nnces on that point to convince some OF
the other powers, the purposes OF which
perhaps would not be best served by 4
speedy termination OF hostillties in
China.
To Simplify the Issues.
twas the general understanding that
the outcome OF to-day's cabinet meeting
would be the adoption OF a policy by
the administration that would tend TO
simplify the issues, and at least bring
to focus the varying aspirations OF the
powers. II this cannot be done then
the question 10 be determined Is
whether or not the United States shall
proceed further than 1t has with the
allied forces. It is believed that thIs
point Is very near q decision, our deter
minatlon depending upon the responses
made by European nations TO our In
qulries, The suggestion that q confer
ence be held OF the nations represented
in China Is again revived as an accom-
paniment OF this purpose. and 1t is
pointed out that with special commIs-
sioner Rockhill Just about arriving on
Chinese soil. with Herr Won Schwartz
zcnste!n the German SUCCESSOR to Won
Kettcler. already In China, with the
ministers resident at Pekin, and with
the high military and naval officials In
the Pei Ho valley, the matter Is al
ready at hand for the gathering OF a
conference fully equipped to deal with
even so complex and difficult u problem
rs is presented In the settlement OF Chi
mas future.
Word From Fowler.
There nro those hoping that comnu-
nication with China. now very much de-
iay.f OF late. VIII be better soon. Con-
bul Fowler. Mt Che Foo, got n routine
dispatch through to-day, OF recent date.
and tho navy department has been In
formed that the the cable company's
hh'p was about to leave Shanghai to-
day to lay n direct cable connecting
Shanghai with Che Foo-one OF the