Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 93, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 August 1900 — AMERICA'S REPLY TO LI-HUNG-CHANG [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

AMERICA'S REPLY TO LI-HUNG-CHANG

The following statement was given out at the State Department in Washington, consisting of a telegram to the U nited States embassies in Berlin, London, Paris, Rome and St. Petersburg, and to the United States minister at Tokio: Department of State, Washington, Aug. I.—ln reply to a suggestion of Li-Hung-Cbaug that the ministers might be sent under safe escort to Tieu-Tsin, provided the powers would engage not to march on Pekin, the Secretary of State replied on the 30th of July: “This government will net enter Into any arrangement regarding disposition or treatment of legations without first having free communication with Minister Conger. Responsibility for their protection rests upon the Chinese government. Power to deliver at Tieu-Tsin pre supposes power to protect and to open communication. This is insisted on. This message was delivered l>y Minister Goodnow, on the 31st, to Viceroy Li, whe then inquired whether, “If free communication was established between ministers and their governments, if could be arranged that the powers should not advance on Pekin pending negotiations.” To this inquiry the following reply was sent on the Ist of August: "Goodnow, fonstii General, Shanghai—l do not think it expedient to submit the proposition of Karl Li to the other powers. Free communication with our representatives in Pekin is demanded as a matter of absolute right and not as a favor. Since the Chinese government admits that it possesses the power to give communication it puts itself in an unfriendly attitude by denying it. No negotiations seem advisable until the Chinese government shall have put. the diplomatic representatives of the powers in full and free communication with respective governments and removed all danger to their lives and liberty. We would urge Earl Li earnestly to advise the imperial authorities of China to place themselves in friendly communication and co-operation with the relief expedition. They are assuming a heavy responsibility in acting otherwise." You will communicate this information to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

SECRETARY OF STATE HAY.

V C ROY L- HUNG - CHANG.