The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-08-20
NOW ASKING WHAT
SHALL NEXT BIZ DONE.
Discussion Turns to the Next steps
TO he Taken 20 Secure Peace and
Indemnity for Loss.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19-Now that the
primary object for which the allied ar
mics marched upon Picking. viz: The res
cue of the besieged legatfoners has been
accomplished. the drift of the discussion
In official and diplomatic circles reverts
to the next step to be taken. Necessar-
lily. many predictions as to what this will
be are purely conjectural. as 1t is real
tied that complete and definite informa-
ton regarding the condition OF affairs In
Picking must be awaited before any posi-
tive action can be taken by the govern
ments whose interests have suffered as a
result of the Chinese troubles
I'VE are on the threshold of an entirely
new condition OF affairs: a new aspect
confronts U.S. said a well-posted official
OF this government tonight. THE efforts
OF the severa. governments during the
past few weeks have been devoted to the
rescue of the legations In Picking. Now
that that has been accomplished. the
course OF the governments whose inter-
ests have been affected, Is, for the pres
ent. one largely of conjecture
An Armistice Suggested.
The presumption here is that the next
move will be an agreement for an armis-
tice- This may be undertaken by the
commanders OF the Chinese army and
those OF the allies on the spot. where the
fighting. according to the latest reports
from Picking. appears still to be in pro-
gress. This accomplished, the question
of the withdrawal of the foreign armies.
the payment of indemnities and many
other problems may be left TO commits
sions duly appointed TO adjudicate them.
Ii Hung Chang has already been APP
pointed a plenipotentiary by his gov
eminent to negotiate terms Of peace,
and, in this capacity. he made an inef-
fectuai attempt TO stop the progress Of
the allies in their march on Picking.
Whether Earl Ii will be continued in that
capacity by tho imperial government. 10
not known here, but such seems altogeth-
er probable. as. with his well-known abil-
ity and his acquaintance with the world.
he would be able to make possibly better
terms than any ether Chinaman.
There are eleven nations. pointed out
the same official. which have suffered
as a result of the Chinese disturbances.
All will expect settlement OF damages
which have resulted from the Boxer out
breaks, the murder OF missionaries and
tho destruction of legation property.
Spain is one Of these. and. although she
has not participated IN the relief expe-
dition, she has suffered alike with tho
others, and will expect to be Unidentified
for her losses.
II can be stated. authoritativeiy, that
up 10 this time there have been no ex-
changes between the United States and
other. powers regarding the steps to be
taken In the future, TO bring China TO
terms for the losses that have been In
Cured. The sole interest OF the United
States. up TO this time. has been the
rescue Of the legations. which is now an
accomplished fact. Informal discussion
has taken place between the president
and his cabinet as to what this ,goyern-
ment would do TO secure PREPARATION for
losses, but the cNclusions reached arc
purely tentative and In no sense definite.