The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-12

tirely out OF its province to interfere with
the British programme in southern China,
which was being carried forward by Ad-
miral Seymour, on the ground with the full
knowledge OF local conditions. but in view
of China's present recalcitrant attitude, and
the lack up to date, of even an acknowl-
edgment of our latest demand concerning
the safety of our ministers. the United
States was not inclined to shoulder any of
China's troubles with Great Britain or any
other of the powers. Consequently the APP
peal of the viceroys will be ignored. 1t is
possible that the communication from Min
lister WI may be turned over to the Brit
ish government for its information, on the
general friendly principle that has been
adopted by the powers of keeping each
other informed on the various developments
In the situation. Even this step, however.
has not been decided on yet, and will be
left to the judgment of the President
JAPAN NOT CONCERNED.
In connection with the proposed landing
of Admiral Seymour's force, ii may be said
that the report of Japan's opposition to
this move is without any official confirma-
tion here. The Japanese minister, in gen.
eral conversation. when the subject was
first broached, said that he had no informa-
ton of any protest having been entered by
japan. What developments subsequent
events might bring it was impossible for
him to say. 1t may be said, however, aside
from Minister Takahiras statement, that
Japan has up to date displayed no jealousy
of Great Britain in the Chinese campaign.
japan herself, 1t has been announced semi
| officially, has no colonial ambitions.
Incidentally it may be said that the cor
| dial relations between japan and the United
States. aside from her participation in the
| British and American advance on Pei
Tsang, have been shown in her reply to the
State Departments advices concerning our
| last note to China. This note was transmit
| ted for information to Japan, as we'll as
to the other powers interested, and the
Japanese government promptly acknowl-
edged its receipt and indicated its friendly
/ approval Of the stand taken by the United
| States. While this acknowledgment was
a mere official courtesy. Japan is the only
cne of the powers so far to give formal
expression of its concurrence in the action
| of the United States.
| The action of the Russian government in
| authorizing NJ. De Gers to start from Pc
king for Tien-Tsin under Chinese escort
causes no little concern and surprise in Of
| fetal circles here, as it is Numerically op-
| posed to the course of the other govern
| ments, although there is no disposition to
| question the good faith which has inspired
| ii. The officials say that it's only effect
is to leave M. De Giers acting independents
| ly and upon his own discretion. If he de-
termines to leave Peking with a Chinese
! guard and succeeds in getting through to
| Tien-Tsin it at least will have demon
strated that this course is less hazardous
| than has been supposed. The position of
| the United States authorities is unchanged
| in declining to entertain the idea of allow
| ing Minister Conger to leave under Chinese
| escort.
| PROPOSED PEACE NEGOTIATIONS
Up to the present time the Chinese lega-
tion has not been advised of Ii Hung
| Chang's selection as envoy to negotiate for
/ peace in behalf of China, but the report is
credited by the Chinese minister here, who
| says that Earl Ii is eminently qualified
to perform such service I'm case the imperial
government determines on such a course.
AS stated. however, the fact that peace
overtures are imminent has not been of
.
nor, so far as is known, to the State De-
partment. a member of the Cabinet stated
to-day that the reported imperial edict
authorizing Ii Hung Chang to sue for peace
was likely to have no immediate effect on
the situation. "It may be true" he said,
"and the Chinese may be awakening to a
| realization of the situation. But neither
that edict nor anything else will bring
about a change in the present plan to push
on to Peking and rescue the legationers ]
| do not apprehend that anything Will occur
that will be sufficient warrant for stopping
the march on to the Chinese capital The
ministers must be rescued first. We would
put little faith in any such step until it Is
backed up by something more definite. l.
Hung Chang may Immediately put himself
in communication with some of the powers
but IL will not affect present plans until ouI
| legauoners are rescued" 1t was further
stated that this government did not have q
high opinion of the reliability of the Chi
nese statesman, and was not inclined tC
pin great faith to his acts.
The course OF such a negotiation as out
lined to-day by eminent diplomatist
personally conversant with Peking, would
be along the following general lines The
first move would be for a truce on botl
sides during which hostilities would be sus-
pended. But il is recognized that the pow.
ers would insist as the first condition OF
the truce that the initial action under II
would be the rescue of the ministers and al
other foreigners at Peking. To accomplish
that, il is stated by this diplomat, the
most advisable course would be TO have
the international column proceed to a point
about two miles outside the east gate OF
the imperial city and there camp, with a
distinct assurance from the commander that
no assault on the city would be made. Thi:
east gate is the nearest point TO the place
where Minister Conger and all the Other
ministers and foreigners are now located
II being one and a half miles from their
compound. The International force could
then wait for the imperial government tc
deliver the foreigners 10 the camp of The
allied forces. Ii was stated by the diplo
mat who outlined this plan that it was en-
tirely feasible and that In the present
| emergency ii was essential that some such
means of meeting the complexities should
be devised. 1t is realized that any plan sug
gested would be hazardous and open Il
objection, but this one is said 10 have TN,
least features OF substantial objections.
H
REVIEW OF THE DISPATCHES.
What Onncials Say About Conser-s ant