Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-09-01
AN EXCHANGE OF NOTES.
The Two Governments Seem to Agree as to
the Advisability of Acting Together
England Promises Consideration of A CT
Ing Secretary of State Adee's Note. and
Germany Wishes for limo to Consider
1.-THE Whereabouts of Ii Hung Chang.
the Poaco Envoy.


sia from China. and the United States
response thereto. was made public to-
day by the State Department, after
the Cabinet had fully considered the
expediency of SO doing The CORE
spondence is unique in the history of
diplomatic exchange. 1t may be said
to illustrate n clever move by which
the United States government again
has assumed the lead in prescribing
the policy of the Powers respecting the
Chinese trouble. This was accom-
plished by the State Departments
availing itself of the Russian note to
address to the Powers an inquiry as
to their policies, an answer to which
scarcely can be avoided.
TWO MEANINGS.
Various meanings can be placed upon
the statements of the two principals
to this correspondence. Thus on the
one hand, 1t may be noted that while
Russia announces n purpose to with
draw her troops from China, still as
to the occupying forces at Niu
Chwang, a condition is attached that
almost negatives the proposition as to
that point. Respecting our own atti-
tudc. 1t appears that, while believing
the best course to pursue is to remain
IN Pekin. our government is still will
Ing to withdraw. Perhaps this means
that If there is to be separate action
by the Powers In China the United
States proposes to deal with the situa-
ton with n free hand.
THE EVACUATION OF CHINA.
1t may be noted, In connection with
Dur withdrawal statement that where
as Russia proposed to withdraw from
China. our offer is to withdraw only
from Pekin. A significant fact in this
connection Is that General Chaffee, who
Is we'll advised of the situation, con-
unues his preparations for wintering
In,
the men are out of the Pei Ho within
the next six weeks they are likely to
be Ice bound. General Chaffee was
further advised to-day of the develop
ments In the situation. n compendious
statement of the points In the Russo
American correspondence being cabled
TO him for his guidance. AS bearing
further on the prospects of the future,
II may be noted that the War Depart
ment officials state that the govern
ment has not considered the question
Of the evacuation of China.
CONSIDERATION PROMISED.
II scarcely is expected that even with
the aid of the cables n complete ac-
cord can be reached upon this last pro-
position Immediately. Up TO the close
Of the official day only two communi-
cations had been received in con-
sequence of our last note. One was
from the British Foreign Office. pro-
missing consideration for the note, and
one from Germany, wishing for time
to consider the proposition.
The officials here say that they are
satisfied that JAPAN AT least, Is fully
In accord with our objects as set out
in the note. and rather expects an
early answer from her. France has
not been heard from on this point, her
last communication relating entirely
to the matter of Ii Hung Changes
status. The full text of the French
Governments answer to Ii Hung
Chang's peace proposals of August 10
and q has Just been received here. 1t
proved to be almost identical in Ian
guage with the reply of the American
Government, which laid down as n pre-
liminary to peace overtures that Sc
curity In the Chinese Capital and re-
sponsible government authority be
established.
Ii HUNG CHANGES CREDENTIALS.
1t has developed in the course of the
careful consideration which officials
have given to Ii Hung Changes creden-
tials that they We're issued by the EN-
press pOwager. and not by the EN-
peror Kwang Tsu. This may have an
important bearing on the subject as 1t
opens up the authority of the Empress
powager since the coup detat of Sep
tomber O. 1898. when she took the reins
of power from the hands of the EN-
peror. 1T involves, also. the issues be-
tween the Empress Dowager, who is
antl-forcign, and the Emperor, who is
pro-foreign. Still, a further considera-
ton is the Russian sympathies enter
tanned by the Empress Dowager as
against the British sympathies held by
the Emperor.
THE ENJOYS WHEREABOUTS.
Although the exact whereabouts of
Ii Hung Chang continued to be in
doubt, it Is understood of diplomatic
officials that he is now in continuous
communication with the imperial
household and thus is enabled to CON
vey to them the prospect of n return
return of Prince Ching to Pekin is said
to be result of this communication
between Earl Ii and the imperial fam
lily. and to be the initial move of re-
sponslble authorities toward the capt.
tai. There is reason to believe also
that Earl Ii Is now in frequent tele-
graphic correspondence with European
capitals he, failing to get from Wash
!nston an acceptance of his overtureS
having turned to Europe and more
particularly to Russia
ADVISED BY AN AMERICAN
II was stated to-day, as an addition
al reason for American acceptance of
Li Hung Chang, that his confidential
secretary and adviser Is an American,
Mr.. Pethwick. formerly of the Ameri-
can consulate at Tien Tsin. and re-
garded as a man OF exceptional ability
and scrupulous integrity
RUSSIA'S CHIEF MOTIVE.
The disposition to look for Interior
motives in Russia's plans is not by
the statement. in authoritative omar,
tiers, that such suspicious show lack
6 20 A