The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-09-07
The Authorities at Washington Will Give No
lnkling of Its Nature. It May be Laid
Before the Cabinet For Con-
sideration Today.
(By Associated Press.)

(By Associated Press.)
Washington, September G.-The latest
expression to the attitude of the powers
ON tie evacuation Of Pekn comes from
the United States Ambassador at Paris,
General Horace Porter. who has advised
the authorities here that the attitude of
the French government is favorable 10 the
position taken by Russia. Almost stimuli
taneously with this dispatch from General
Porter came another from the American
titude of Germany on Russia's proposal.
This in substance states that German,
while anxious to avoid any friction be-
tween the powers. regards the conditions
at Pekin such as TO require the continued
presence of German forces there. Neither
General Porter nor Mr.. Jackson give the
text OF the answers. These two highly
important communications bring the Chi
nese negotiations to a very advanced
stage though they are not yet concluded.
as all the answers are not yet in The
German and French answers, however
clearly indicate the alignment of the pow
ers. 1t is generally accepted that Ger
Pekin will be concurred in by Italy and
Austria Definite word has been received
here that Austria favors remaining at
Pekin. AS to the purposes of Great Brit
ain, there is an absolute lack of official
information, though little doubt is enter
tanned that since Germany has taken the
initiative Great Britain will follow suit in
favor of remaining at Pekin. The position
of Japan is likewise lacking in definiteness.
although it is believed in the best posted
quarters that if other nations remain at
Pekin Japan will deem it eXpedient to re-
main there also. 1t would seem from this
that France is the only government to give
concurrence to the Russian proposition,
although the United States has expressed
a purpose of following Russia's course un-
less the other powers brought about a
modification of Russias position. Thus
far Russia has not expressed any purpose
of modifying her original position. 1t was
stated authoritively today that Russia has
not ordered the departure of her Minister
or troops from Pel1in upto this time. so
far as the United States government is
advised. 1t is stated also that no new
proposition has been presented, but that
the question is practically the same as
when first presented. namely, as to
whether the troops will remain or be with
drawn from Pellin.
The receipt of the communication from
Berlin and Paris brought about numerous
conferences between the President, Secre-
tary Root and Acting Secretary of State
Hill and also between Mr.. Hill and Mr..
Adee. 1t was gathered from these meet
ings that another note was being prepared
by tie United States. but the authorities
did not feel disposed to give any inkling
as to it's nature. and it is quite probable
that it's final form will await the consid-
erations of the Cabinet tomorrow
Aside from the general question, the
French Government is again considering
the status of Lii Hung Chang, and this
subject was also brought to the attention
of the authorities here today. There have
ben reports Of prospective detention Of
Earl Ii in case he proceeded north, BUT .
the communications Just in hand indicate
that there will be no interference with
his movements. His acceptability as a
peace commissioner also continues to
be subject of discussion. there being
a strong desire in certain quarters not to
include him on the Chinese commission.
The military situation at Pekin remains
unchanged apparently. General Chaffee's
message make it clear that he for one is
proceeding upon the understanding that
the American troops are ito winter in
China. The American contingent in the
parade through the Imperial Palace was
small, probably in conformity with an ar
rangement between the various command
ers in Pekiu that the force selected to
make the demonstration should be limited
in number in order to reduce the chance
of looting. 1t is supposed here that this
demonstration was made to impress the
Chinese people as whole and not from
any present military necessity. Some ac-
tion of this kind appears to have been ne
cessary in order to offset the stories which
were af,oat in the Southern Chinese ports
to the effect that the allies had been COM
pletely overthrown by the imperial troops
and the Boxers, which stories were ealcu-
later to cause further uprising. Besides
the demonstration at the palace may re-
duce the i'll effects of any Withdrawals of
troops from Pekin as a result of the pres
ent negotiations.
An announcement from the cable COM
panies that the offshore cable from Shang-
hal to Taku had been completed encour-
aged the officials here in the hope that at
last it would be possible to communicate
with Pekin the same day that a message
Continued on second page.)