The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-09-07
Negotiations Have Been Brought
to an Advanced Stage.
ENGLAND'S POLICY IN DOUBT
It is Generally Thought That Italy and
Austria Will Act in Accord With
Germany in Keeping the
Forces in China

Washington, September 6.-The latest ex-
preston as to the attitude of the powers
on the evacuation of Pekin comes from the
United States Ambassador at Paris, Gen
eral Horace Porter, who has advised the
authorities here that the attitude of the
French Government is favorable TO the po-
sition taken by Russia. Almost sinultane-
ously with this dispatch from General Por-
ter came another from the American
Charge d'Affaires at Berlin giving the at
titude of Germany on Russas proposal
These two highly important communica-
tons brings the Chinese negotiations to
very advanced stage, though they are not
yet concluded, as all of the powers are not
yet in. The German and French Minis
ters, however, clearly show the alignment
OF the powers.
1t is generally thought that Germany's
attitude in favor of remaining at Pekn will
be acquiesced in by Italy and Austria, as
these two countries act with Germany on
political questions of a general nature.
Moreover definite word has been received
here which clearly foreshadows Austria's
position in favor of remaining at Pekin.
AS to the purposes of Great Britain, there
is an absolute lack of official information,
though little doubt is entertained that since
Germany has taken the attitude, Great
Britain will follow suit in favor of re-
naming in Pekin The position of Japan
likewise is lacking in definiteness, although
ii is believed in the best-posted quarters
that If other antions remain at Pekin, Ja-
pan will deem it expedient to remain 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 purpose to
follow 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. 1t was stated au-
thortatively today that Russia had not
ordered the departure of her Minister or
troops from Pekin up to this time SO far
as the United States Government is ad-
vised.
1t is stated also that no new PROPOSE
tions have been presented, but that the
question is practically the same as when
first presented namely, as to whether the
Another Note May be sent
The receipt of the communications from
Berlin and Paris brought about numerous
conferences between the President, Secre-
tary Root and Actin Secretary of State
Hill, and also between Mr. Hill and MI
Adee. 1t was gathered from these meet
ings that another note was being prepared
by the United States, but the authorities
did not feel disposed to give any inking
d n n of1Irn ora1 tc <,.,ttA Al,l.l
that its final form will await the condi-
ton of the cabinet tomorrow
The French government is again consid-
ering the status of Ii Hung Chang, and
this subject also was brought to the at
tention of the authorities here today.
There have been reports of prospective de-
tention of Earl Ii in case he proceeded
north, but the communications just in
hand INDICATE that there will be no inter-
ference with his movements. His accept
ability as peace commissioner also con-
tinues to be subject of discussion, there
being a strong disposition in certain quar-
ters not to include him on the Chinese
commission. M. Thiebaut, the French
charge daffairs, and Baron Spreck Won
6ternberg the German charge, had long
conferences at the State Department to-
day, but the purpose of their calls was
not disclosed, although they are under
stood to have related to the Chinese situa-
ton. The military situation at Pekin re-
mains unchanged apparently. General
Chaffee's message makes 1t clear that he
for one. is proceeding upon the under
standing that the American troops are to
winter in China, and he and General Barry
speak of the comfortable arrangements.
that have been made for the soldiers
American Contingent small
The American contingent in the parade
through the imperial palace was small,
probably in conformity with an arrange
ment between the various commanders in
Pekin that the force selected to make the
demonstration should be limited in num-
bers in order to reduce the chance of loot
Ing. 1t is supposed here that this demon
stration was made to impress the Chinese
people as a whole, and not from any pres
ent military necessity
Some action of this kind appears to have
been necessary in order to offset the
stories which were afioat In the southern
Chinese ports to the effect that the allies
had been completely overthrown by the
Imperial troops and the Boxers which
stories were calculated to cause further
uprisings. Besides, the demonstration at
the palace may reduce the i'll effects of any
Withdrawals of troops from Pekin as
result of the present negotiations. The an
nouncement from the cable companies that
the offshore cable from Shanghai to Taku
had been completed, encouraged the Off
9iais here In the hope that at last 1t would
be possible to communicate with Pekin the
Same day that q message Nas dispatched.
II appeared, however, from General Berry's
report that the Boxers are still cutting the
wires between Tien Tsin and Pekin and
the messages received today from the Chin