Dispute Over Chinese Peace Envoys
THE POWERS concerned in the Chinese problem are apparently yielding to the pressure being brought to bear by the United States to have the Chinese affair settled in as gentle a manner as possible. However, “the two peace envoys designated thus far by the Chinese government, will not be accepted by several of the foreign Powers.” Great Britain “has been suspicious of Li Hung Chang for many years, and especially objects to him now, on the ground that he is pro-Russian; and she will not enter into negotiations so long as the famous viceroy is in the saddle.” In the opinion of Washington authorities, “if Britain repudiates Earl Li Hung Chang, the programme for a settlement of the troubles there is as far from being intact as it was months ago, or before the legations were rescued.” Germany is also “suspicious of the fair-mindedness of Li, and would undoubtedly side with Britain.” Thus far, then, the United States is “the only Power that has unreservedly acknowledged the plenary power of Li Hung Chang as a peace envoy.” The other Powers are “keeping silent, and awaiting further developments.”