Gilpin observer., 1901-04-18
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From Our Regular Correspondent
Washington, D. G., April Is, 1901.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

lEsiSlzi;lz5ElElS5ISjEl SlelElsifslSslsiEllEll
Washington, d. c., April 10, 1901.
This government will make formal
protest against the contemplated action
of the powers to demand the payment
of s50O,0O0,000 indemnity by China, on
the ground that it is not only exorbtant
but beyond the power of China to pay
This was decided at u cabinet meeting
last week, and the protest will probably
go directly to the powers instead of the
representatives in Pekin. Under the
circumstances, with the country upset
and impoverished as result of the Box
er troubles, not TO mention the new civil
war the Chinese government has on her
hands, to make such a demand would
be nothing more nor less than robbery
by the powers simply because they have
the power to rob and could have only
one result-the dismem berment of the
Chinese empire. This government
placed its own claims at S25,0O0,0OO. 1t
is understood that there was some very
plain talk at the cabinet meeting, and
that the good faith of some of .the pow
ers was questioned. OF course if the
powers are determined to rob China
this government cannot prevent il, but
it will certainly decline to be party to
the robbery.
1t is certainly apparent that the Cub
ar Constitutional convention is playing
for time, by neither rejecting or accept
ing the conditions offered by congress,
but the reason is not so clear. They
talk of sending a commission to Wash
ington, but that would afford only a
pleasant Junket for the members of the
commission. Even if he were disposed
to change or modify the conditions, and
he is not, the president could not do So.
The conditions are part of an act of con-
gress and only congress can alter them
even in the slightest particular 1t may
be harsh and unkind to say that mem
bers of the Cuban Constitutionalco conven-
tion are after holding their jobs, which
pay $40 day and expenses, as long as
possible, but that is what some are say
ing.
An interesting incident occurred at
the special reception given in the East
room of the white house by the presi-
dent to the members attending the
ninth congress and fourth general re-
union of the Military order of the Loyal
T.pn;Ar Mr. uarr &c &c
the members sang, "Coumbia, the Gem
of the Ocean," and everyone present in
Guiding the president, joined in the
chorus. AT the same reception the
president shook hands with the tallest
man that ever visited the white house,
Mr.. Vought Burke, of Englishtown, n.
j., whose height is 6 feet II inches.
Senators Cullom and Mason headed n
delegation of citizens of Illinois. who
came to Washington to witness the un-
yelling of the esquestrian statue Of Gen.
John A. Logan, which called at the
white house to tender the president, in
the name of their state, thanks for his
eulogy of Gen. Logan, delivered at the
unveiling. Senator Mason said: 81 have
heard many eulogies of Logan, but the
one that covered the most in the fewest
words was that of President Mckinley.
1t was magnificent gem" The pub
| lication of a cablegram from Manila
saying that Agunaldo had been buying
diamonds and jewellery has caused a
number of rumors to get into circulation,
alleging that he is being paid for his
efforts to get Filippinos to surrender.
At the war department no credence is
given these rumors, and officials express
the opinion that the story of the pur-
chase of diamonds by Aguinaldo was
fake.