The times., 1900-12-29
PLAN TO SHELVE CONGER
Result of Alleged Dissatisfaction
With His Work in China.
Appointment of Commissioners TO
Garry on Negotiations Thought to
Be Part of n scheme 10 Get Rid of
Him Friends Indignant About
InsinuutioHs of Incompetence.

Minister Conger will shortly return to
the United States from his post of duty
in Pekin, according to a report which en-
anates from a reliable authority. His
Homecoming. so the rumor goes, will
practically terminate his service as a
diplomatic representative of the United
States in China. The negotiations upon
behalf of this country will thereafter be
in other hands.
Within the past few days intimations
have come from Administration sources
to the effect that the work of Mr.. Conger
in Pekin has not been altogether salts
factory to the State Department. His
frieeds are highly indignant at this in
sinuation, and assert that a scheme has
already been discussed for relieving him
Of duty in the Chinese capital This ac-
tion is strongly resented by those who
declare that Mr.. Conger is entitled TO
better consideration at the hands of the
State Department. 1t is pointed out that
he has experienced an ordeal and been
confronted with perplexing problems such
as no other American representative
abroad has ever lad to meet
His friends declare that he has acquitted
himself honorably, that his record is clear
and that he has faithfully endeayored 10
carry out the instructions sent him by his
Government. In this connection it is stated
that the dissatisfaction with Mr.. Conger's S
work really arises from chagrin on the part
OF the Administration. because this Gov
ernment was not allowed by the Powers 10
take the lead in the matter of negotiating
terms with China. This. it is alleged. is
an Administration defeat, and not due TO
any fault of Mr.. Conger, who attempted
fully TO carry out the policy of President
Mckinley, and always awaited instructions
before acting. 1t is true that he had had
no diplomatic training before going to
China, and that therefore advantage could
be taken of him by the trained diplomats
OF other nations. still he has always been
accounted conservative man of good
Judgment
In view of the perplexing questions with
which he has had to deal IL is as
serted that he is entitled to the highest
commendation instead of criticism and in
situations. Regarding the report given out
by the State Department that Mr. Conger
misunderstood his instructions concerning
the Pekin agreement. il is said that such
could scarcely have been the true state of
affairs. Instructions upon such an i'm
portant matter would net have been made
in ambiguous language. and II there had
been error in Transmission. an explanation
would have been asked for and given As a
matter of fact. it is said that such a state
nent was made in order to cover up the
failure of the Administration TO secure just
the sort OF an agreement sought
The plan discussed for the practical re-
tirement of Mr. Conger is the appoint
ment Of number of special commission
ers to have charge OF conducting different
negotiations in the future with China.
The Administration realizes that the
signing OF the joint note OF the Ministers
and its submission 10 the Emperor is not
the end. but really the beginning of the
settlement of Chinese difficulties. While
public sentiment. it is said. would not
condone the recall OF Mr. Conger and tbe
appointment of a new Minister. the
method of shelving him win be the ap-
pointment CT number of advisers who
will relieve him OF the future negotia ions
and enable him to return home There
Is no doubt but that Mr.. Conger would
welcome return to this country after
the harsships and trying work he has gene
through in China, but the plan to relieve
him is resented by his friends. After re-
turning home and finding that Chinese
matters were being conducted by the spe-
eial commissioners, it is believed that
Mr.. Conger would resign.
The plan is said 10 have been consid-
cred by the Cabinet The appointment of
commissioners would provide lucrative
positions to be bestowed by the President.
This will be welcomed, especially as with
the beginning of President McKinley's
second term he will have little patronage
to deal out to those who contributed to-
ward his success in November.
The State Department received no in
formation from Nh. Conger yesterday to
the effect that the Chinese Emperor had
expressed disapproyal of the terms Of
-gr q Tnent 1t is expected, however, that
-hees be some little parleying and
pla modification of some OF the
terms is considered possible that the
.a-nEs- representatives. may submit 10
The ers a plan of their own, more
favorable China. 1t is also said IN
omelaily nat the reported Illness OF Ii
hung chang may be more feigned than
zeal and g a subterfuge to gain time,
as the other Chinese envoys could well
contend that LIS advice and counsel were
needed before a response TO the Powers
note could be made by the Emperor.
A Sure, Pure, Cure.