Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-09-07
ATTITUDE OF POWERS
This Government Informed Of How
they Regard Russia's Proposal.
AN AMERICAN COMMISSION LIKELY
New Note to Be Sent to Euro
pean Nations.
HAS NOT YET BEEN SENT

1
| 1t Is known that the government has
inferential knowledge of the attitude OF all
| the powers regarding the Russian proposal.
| but 1t is still awaiting official advices as
| to some Of them. The information con-
| cerning those regarding which no official
announcement has been received, it is
stated, is practically that which Is in pos
session of the general public newspaper
reports and the opinions of official organs
| Of the various countries.
1t seems to be regarded as highly proba-
| BILE in official circles that when the time ar
rives for the actual negotiations looking
to settlement with China. that this gov
ernment will appoint commission for that
purpose. rather than place the negotiations
in the hands of a single individual. There
have been various suggestions as to who
might be appointed upon such a commits
sion, and the names of Minister Conger
and Mr. Rockhill have been suggested as
possibilities or probabilities, but it is posi-
lively stated that as yet no definite selec-
tions have been made. AS to the numeri-
cal strength of such commission the gen.
eral impression seems to be that it would
not consist of more than five members,
more likely three, and possibly of only two
There will certainly be upon the commits
sion some American of pre-eminent ability,
whose reputation will be immediate
guarantee to the American people that
American interests will be safe in his hands
and whose standing before the world is
such as to give him and those associated
| with him prestige abroad.
It is believed that the administration is
now casting about for such man to head
the commission when 1t shall be ready to
appoint it.
The names of ex-President Harrison, ex-
Secretary of State Day and Mr.. John Bas-
sett Moore, who was secretary of the peace
commission of Paris, have been mentioned
in that connection.
The New Note to the Powers.
No information is obtainable today re-
garding the new note which it has been
| rumored for several days the government
was preparing for transmission to the pow
ers. The only thing definite concerning It
was the positive statement today that 1t
had not been sent either last night or up to
noon today. No representations have been
made by this government looking to re-
turn Of the Chinese imperial authorities to
Pekin. Such a course on the part of the
Chinese authorities, however, would be
deemed highly desirable by this govern
ment, because 1t is believed here that re-
sumption of the reins Of power at the cap
ital of the empire would inevitably hasten
and facilitate peace negotiations. If the
Chinese authorities are deferred from re-
turning by the military occupation of
Pekin, 1t is pointed out that this fear would
not be removed, except by the withdrawal
of all the powers.
Limited Occupation of Pelxin.
In this connection, the suggestion which
| is being made Of a possible limited occupa-
Inn nf pal in hyyf he
mise does not seem to meet with favor here
The total force of the allies In Pekin is now
about 10000 men, and it is pointed out that
the situation at the Chinese capital might
make 1t unsafe for a force much smaller
than that to attempt to preserve order
The immense population of Pekin and the
disturbed conditions there produced by the
uprising and fighting. would in the opinion
of the officials here who are giving the SUBJ
ject consideration make 1t hazardous for
the powers to leave small forces there and
withdraw the bulk of their troops to the
coast.
France FavOrs Russia's Proposal.
The latest expression as to the attitude
of the powers on the evacuation of Pekin
comes from the United States ambassador
az Paris, General Horace Porter, who has
advised the authorities here that the atti-
tude of the French government is favor
able to the position taken by Russia.
Almost simultaneously with TINS dispatch
from General Porter came another from
the American charge d'affaires at Berlin
giving the attitude of Germany on Russia's
proposal This in substance states that
Germany, while anxious to avoid any fric-
ton between the powers, regards the con-
ditions at Pekin such as to require the
continued presence of German forces there
These two highly important communica-
tions bring the Chinese negotiations to
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 powers.
Attitude of the Drefbund.
1t is generally accepted that Germany's
attitude In favor of remaining at Pekin will
be concurred in by Italy and Austria, as
these two countries act with Germany on
political questions of general nature
Moreover, definite word has been received
here which clearly foreshadows Austrias
position in favor of remaining at Pekin.
AS to the purposes of Great Britain, there
Is all absolute lack of official informant ton
though little doubt is. entertained that since
Germany has taken the initiative, Great
Britain will follow suit in favor of re-
naming at Pekin.
The position of Japan is likewise lack
ing in deiniteness. although it is believed
In the best posted quarters that if other
nations remain at Pekin Japan will deem
1t expedient to remain there also.
This Governments Position.
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, unless the other
powers brought about a modification of
Russia's position. Thus far Russia has
not expressed any purpose Of modifying
her original position.
Rr0tn
Secretary Root has gone away on a two
weeks vacation. He left here this morn
ing in company with Mrs. Root for their
1t fhan ,Hl