The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-09-19

pIete authority to deal with them. But
TO take one subject up in advance, settle
it, and make it an indispensable prelim-
mary to negotiation is extremely hard
But more than this, such a condition
if imposed, is simply impossible and be-
ing impossible the effect would be to
bring the peace negotiations to a stand
still Suppose the situation was revers-
ed and this unfortunate trouble had oc-
Cured in some one of the countries now
dealing with China. In the midst of ex-
citernent suspicion might have been di-
rected against persons high in authori-
ty, even against the members of the
royal family in that country. Would
that country, when the question of set
tlement came up, for moment consider
the surrender of these persons vaguely
suspected, or would it not ask that ali
questions be considered by the court
which was to pass upon the entire sub
ject? Who could tell to whom this con-
dition would apply? There have been
intimations against the very high
in Chinese affairs, but it would be very
hard, yes impossible to say in advance.
before the negotiators had considered
the question that these persons should
be given up Who would have the proof?
1t is an Indispensable requisite, accord
ing to our recognized judicial methods
that persons accused have the right to
be heard, and that their evidence shall
be taken into account in proving an ac-
cusation. But according to this propo-
sition there would be surrender of the
party first, before the negotiations had an
Opportunity to consider all questions of
proof which might be presented.
''Under these circumstances I am
most hopeful that Germany's note is
less positive than the published reports
indicate. Recent indications have been
that the difficulties over beginning
peace negotiations had been overcome
and that very soon the negotiations
would begin. 1 feel that it would be
unfortunate to impose a condition, which
being impossible, would bring the nego-
+iaf To ha1 Tf,o Of
a stop in all progress would be of disad-
vantage to all parties concerned to the
powers as well as to China. In short, its
effects would be SO far-reaching that I
am hopeful that Germany may see her
way clear to reconsider the proposal"
CHINA CALLED HIM BACK.
Washington, Sept. 19.-President Nc
Kinley, accompanied by Secretary Cor
telyou, reached Washington at "A this
morning, from Canton. They We're met
at the station by Assistant Secretary
Pruden and Adjutant General Corbin,
who after today, will be acting secre-
tary of war, in the absence of both Sec
retary Root and Assistant Meiklejohn.
Soon after the president arrived Attor-
ney General Griggs called to extend his
greetings, postponing until a later hour
the general consultation over the Chi
nese situation. Mr. Mckinley will re-
turn to Canton Friday.
The complications which have arisen
IN connection with the Chinese situation
ington at this time. The decision to
come was reached on Monday before the
president had any knowledge of the new
German demand for the punishment of
the leaders of the anti-foreign move
ment.
Attorney General Griggs is the only
cabinet officer in Washington and with
him the president win go over the new
developments in the situation. Since the
departure of Secretary Root, Mr. Griggs
has been the ranking cabinet officer and
has had charge of al1-important matters
IN the presidents absence
The president, it is understood, has
sent out a call for the absent cabinet
officials to return, and those who come
back will do SO voluntarily. Secretary
Long has already notified the president
that he will be back on FRIDAY. There
is no such thing as a quorum of the
cabinet for a session and if necessary
one can be held with only one member.
Indeed, the Presidents conference with
Attorney General Griggs was in reality
a cabinet meeting. The conference took
place after Assistant Secretary of State
Adee had talked with the president and
nau placed him IN possession of all the
details of the situation known at the de-
partment. Mr. Meiklejohn also saw the
president, but his visit it is said, had
no relation to the Chinese situation. Mr.
Meiklejohn leaves tonight for Nebraska
where he will make a speech SATURDAY.
and simply called to pay his respects,
CHINESE OFFICIALS ORDERED TO
PEKIN.
Berlin, Sept 19.-The Boersen Zeitung
today prints a dispatch from Shanghai
dated Monday, September IT, saying
that an imperial edict dated September
z, commands all the Chinese generals
under pain of death to avoid hostile acts
orders all high officials to return to Pc
kin and assist in restoring order and
peace, and orders the suppression of the
boxers whose leaders must be captured.
A second edict, the dispatch adds or
17or1
administration of the empire.
The allies at Pekin, it is also declared
in the dispatch, must insist upon the
emperor'S return and the punishment of
Kang vi and all the boxer leaders.
Belle Archer Stricken.