Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1900-10-06

Washington, Oct. 4-Thc French note
regarding the Chinese situation has been
received at the department of state.
While the compromise suggestion will
not come before the cabinet for con-
Sidcration until fiusiu,,, haEinlav's
return TO Washington next Friday, 1t Is
the opinion in well-informed circles that
the French proposition will not be ac-
cepted as a while
Administration officials noto with
much satisfaction that the first part OF
NJ. Delcasses note is an Endorsement Of
the attitude of this government in re-
gard to Germany's plan of Furnishing the
Boxer leaders and a condition precedent
to peace negotiations, but 1t is apparent
from what officials say that the PROPOSE
tion to place for all time an embargo on
the importation of firearms and nmmuni-
tion into the empire will not be accept
able to the United States. Otherwise the
note does not present any Objectionable
features, although those officials whose
advice Is sought in the determination Of
policy admit that they have given no
consideration to the suggestions Of
France that the fortifications between
Pekin and the sea be razed and that
legation guards be retained in the capl-
tai.
The main objection against the proh-
bition of the importation Of munitions
Of war into China Is that the Chinese
government would have no means of de-
Tending itself against the attack of u
foreign nation or against an Internal up
rising. Insurrcctionary plotters could
smuggle in arms, perhaps, but the gov
ernment would not be able to indulge In
any such surreptitous method of pre-
pairing for war, even were 1t inclined to
do so. Again 1t Is urged that the en-
barge would naturally carry with 1t the
prohibition of the manufacture of arms
and ammunition, which has become an
important industry in China. Alto
gether the government officials in the
brief consideration they have given to
the subject are not inclined to indorse
that proposal of France.
There has been cOmmunicat ton from
Germany, also, the exact nature of
which Is not ascerta inable at this writ
ing. 1t does contain some new PROPOSE
tions in the interest of harmony between
the powers and Of a rational policy to-
ward China. The theory underlying it
seems to be that we should give the
Chinese trial and put the emperor on
his honor to see that proper reparation
is made for the past, and satisfactory
guarantees furnished for the safety of
foreign life and property in China here
after. Germany seems, like the other
powers, to be coming around to the
position originally taken by the United
states.
The brief, but spicy correspondence
between the two emeprors appears to
have supplied the needed safety valve
for the German emperor'S hot temper.
and his note of Sept &c, which If written
from Washington, would have laid our
government open to the charge of Yam
kee bumptiousness. will doubtless clear
the air and afford a convenient means for
Germany to descend to the plane of the
other powers in dealing with the Chinese
situation. On the whole, the outlook
from the point of view of this government
is steadily improving.
Some question has been raised as to
whether the powers would be satisfied
with the mere degradation and spolia-
ton of Prince Tuan and his associates.
The position of our government has been
from the outset opposed to the punish
ment of the offenders by the powers; but,
If the matter is left with China to deal
with the character of the punishment
and the extent of its infiction will have
to be satisfactory to the governments
concerned. 1t Is not understood, from
the imperial edict, that Tuan and the
sharers of his guilt are necessarily to
escape with a mere spectacular penalty.
1t Is obviously the intention of the en-
peror to bring them to trial and have
them punished fttingly for their mis-
deeds, death being among the possible
penalties.
The emperor seems so anxious to prove
his personal good faith in the whole af-
fair, that it would not be surprising to
gee him deal with this matter In a very
vigorous way, and no fear is entertained
of interference by the empress dowager,
who, if unprejudced accounts of her
character are to be trusted, would not
hesitate any more to take off the head
of her friend Tuan than to kill a ra bbit.
If she saw any ultimate advantage to ac-
crue to herself from the sacrifice. All
the papers in the case have been forward
cd to the president.