Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-08-09

ly close to actual war in Secretary
Hays declaration that the conduct Of
the Chinese government is "unfriend-
| ly." That kind of language is ex-
IRENE in diplomacy and it is only a
narrow step between it and formal
war.
The impression prevails here that
the Chinese government, If it is not
absolutely bereft of power to act in
defiance of the boxers, will accept our
terms, and some such action is looked
for very soon. Possibly battle, not
more, it is believed, than one at the
most, will be required to bring the
imperial government to the point Of
acceptance. though in that case it is
questionable whether the original
conditions would be regarded as still
open to acceptance. If the Chinese
government now accepts, however,
the United States government will
be face to face with one of the most
delicate and momentous diplomatic
tasks ever undertaken. 1t must at
tempt to redeem its promise to use
its good offices in favor of China,
and in the present temper of some
of the European powers the greatest
difficulties may be expected to arise
in the prosecution of the attempt. It
is the confident expectation of the
officials here, however, that if the
Chinese government actually and in
good faith meets all four of the con-
dtions laid down by the president
in his reply to the Chinese emperor's
appeal for aid, that at least a major
ity of the powers now represented in
China will accept that as proper
base upon which to cease present hos
tilities and open negotiations for
settlement. The decision of the ma
jority in such case without doubt
would receive the acquiescence of the
minority, else an interminable entan-
clement might arise.
Secretary Root said yesterday aft
ernoon there had been no develop
ments which would necessitate any
changes in the instructions to Gen. |
Chaffee. or which would change the
intentions of the government in the
least. A cipher cable message was
sent to Gen. Chaffee by Secretary |
Root yesterday which contained adj
dtonal information and facts which |
Fave developed since the last message |
was sent to him at Nagasaki. The |
message contained no additional in
structions but merely information
which he may use as a guide to his
actions.
1t is not believed at the war de-
partment that an advance has been
made as yet from Tien Tsin. 1t is
explained that the last dispatches in
Dictated great deal Of delay in un-
loading the transports and before any
advance can be made the troops must
have all their equipments and trans
portation for them. The Indications
are that the plans being matured at
Tien Tsin contemplate rapid ad-
vance when the movement begins.
America Deserves Great Credit.
Berlin, Aug. 3.--The National Eei-
tung in leading article on america
in China" says: "If the movement
upon Pekin has now really begun
America undoubtedly deserves great
credit. Immediately after the first d.
rect news from Mr.. Conger, the
United States minister, was received
n, communication firmly regarded at
all times in Washington as authentic
Mr.. Hay insisted with all earnest
ness that Mr.. Conger's cry for help
absolutely demanded speedy relief
II even seemed for awhile that the
American secretary of state enter.
tanned the thought of sending a pure.
ly American expedition to Pekin if
:
The paper is gratified at President 4
refusal to accept Ii Hung {
Changes offer to deliver Mr.. Conger 8
II the American expedition is counter
handed. 1t thinks, however, that
Washington's China policy has been
and it explains this as due /
10 the exigencies OF the presidential a
and to the presence of the {
Chinese themselves in the United .
States.
The Kreuz Zeitung has an article
IN the same subject. Assuming that
he United States is still ready to
Mediate this journal remarks: ut
would be brilliant electioneering
cup If President McKinley's admin
stration could come forward as the
,reserver of the worlds peace. With
is separate role the administration
would draw nearer the goal which
american conceit of greatness is al
eady striving for, namely, American
legemony in the Pacific. This goal :
S not one to be reached easily, but ?
he prospect can do President Nc /
iinley's party good service in the a
oming election" ,
hax sell