Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-29
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
A Special Cabinet Meeting Called
This Morning.
ANOTHER SESSION THIS AFTERNOON
The Diplomatic Situation as to
China Delicate.
DEFINITE POLICY NEEDED

Following a protracted conference at the
White House last night between the Pres
ident Secretary Root and Assistant Secre-
tary AGee q special session Of the cabinet
was assembled at 10 o'clock this morning.
Root, Smith, Gage, Hitchcock and Wilson
were present at the meeting this morning.
1t was said before the time Of assembling
that there was nothing startling or sensa-
tional In the developments which OCCASION
ed the conference. but that the delicacy OF
the diplomatic situation required prompt
and very careful consideration of every
question presented by the communications
received from the foreign powers, and that
this furnished occasion for frequent con-
ference.
Delicate Diplomatic Situation.
The diplomatic situation is described as
delicate rather than acute, but the difficulty
in bringing about an understanding be-
tween all the powers keeps ever present the
danger of serious complications, and the
avoidance of these depends largely upon
the skill with which the question is ham
6led by this government. The fact that the
policy Of the United States has been freely
and openly declared, and that it is perfect
ly consistent and without Interior de-
sign devolves upon this government to
great extent the task of bringing about an
understanding and cooperation between all
the powers. When the open door negotia-
tions were entered into condition upon
which the acquiescence of each Of the pow
ers was secured that the agreement
should be concurred in by all the other
powers. 1t is understood that similar sit
uation exists now with reference to an
agreement on policy with respect to China.
The assurances received from Russia yes
terday that that government had no design
upon the territory Of China occasions great
satisfaction. 1t 10 surmised, however. that
this attitude on the part Of Russia is con-
tingent upon similar policy being de-
clared by the other powers. In fact, it
may be assumed that the policy OF all the
powers with respect to Chinese territory.
except that Of the United States, II de-
pendent upon a unanimous agreement, as
the other powers would probabfy not agree
to stand aside. and keep hands OF II any
one of-them persisted In remaining free to
pursue a different course.
As- 1t Now Stands.
AS it stands now 1t appears that an agree
ment between Great Britain, Russia and
the United States. and probably Japan, can
be readily reached on this point while Italy
shows q reserve and qualification as to the
recognition OF Ii Hung Chang as peace en-
voy, and Germany very positively declines
to accept Ii Hung Changs credentials as
satisfactory. The recognition OF some au-
thority in China with power to conduct
peace negotiations and enter into an agree
ment for the protection of European In
terests and the recognition Of international
obligations must be the first step toward
the adjustment of the Chinese affairs, and
as long as cooperation in that direction is
withheld the question of policy remains in
doubt, and the attitude Of the government
which holds out against taking this first
essential step may be regarded as more or
less equivocal.
Effort for Unanimity of Action.
The efforts of this government are being
bent toward securing unanimity OF action,
and it is said that nothing yet has de-
veloped which indicates that this cannot be
accomplished. But should 1t fail 1t Is be-
lieved that II several of the great powers
would earnestly and in good faith insist
upon the policy adopted by the United
States. and to which they are committed.
a single power, or even two powers agree
Ing could not well afford to break the con-
cert Of action.
The cabinet separated at 1 O'clock but
will meet again later this afternoon. On
leaving the White House all the members
of the. cabinet refused to make any state
ment of the object of the special meeting.
They said that it was diplomatic ques-
ton, and that it was deemed inadvisable to
have anything printed in the newspapers as
to what transpired. 1t is understood that
one reason for the complete reticence is
that definite conclusion as to the course
to be pursued was not reached at this
mornings session.
The assumption Is warranted that this
government cannot view with complacency
prolongation Of the present situation in
definite and uncertain, and that the subject
under consideration at this time is the
course to be pursued to put an end to the
uncertainties which at present embarrass
all action.
Definite Policy Must BE Arrived At.
1t is intimated in other quarters that a
situation which can hardly be described as
anything but chaotic is untenable, and that
some definite policy must be arrived at by
the allied powers else that this govern
ment will be compelled to withdraw from
any further cooperation. The attitude Of
this government being openly and frankly
blind mans buff diplomacy with Germany
or any other power which desires to be
less frank.
Again In Session.
The cabinet began to reassemble at half
past this afternoon. Secretary Wilson,
Secretary Hitchcock and Mr.. Adee had ar
rived at that time and other members fol-
lowed soon afterward.
It is expected that the session will con-
sumo most of the day until dinner time
The result Of the conference will probably
be memorandum of suggestions to the
powers. based upon the replies received
from the several powers in response to the
inquiries made through our diplomatic rep
resentatives as to policy and the recogni-
tion of Ii Hung Chang as peace negotiator.
1t appears that the objections raised go
deeper than the mere question of the char
acter Of LIS credentials, and are based on
the fact that the existence Of any authori-
ty In China to give credentials is ques-
toned.