We cannot but commend the course adopted by the Committee of the American Association in the publication of a journal, from which their members learn promptly what the committee are doing. The June issue of this journal is a most interesting one. It begins with a short preface headed "China's which the committee recall that as far back as the 15th of March they "gave ample information, both telegraphic and other, to our Government and people at home as to the undoubted results that would follow this (Boxer) movement, if not restrained." The Association's warnings were not listened to as they should have been, but they did to some extent rouse the people of the U.S to the importance of the subject. The closing sentences of this introduction ar 7
"Pending a restoration of order it is premature to offer much in the way of suggestion as to what would be the desirable, and at the same time practicable, settlement of the relations of the Chinese people. Tt is not cancel that the present reactionary regime shall be permitted to continue. Whether there shall be a restoration of the Emperor, under satisfactory guarantees as to reform, an entire change of dynasty to bring the Government into accord with the national aspirations of the more enlightened thinkers of the people, or an adjustment on the basis of spheres of influence and foreign control, at all events the chief points to see conserved are:—
"Protection of life and property, which is the primary duty of all governments "Reform in the fiscal system and general administration "And the principle, in commercial matters, of the 'Open Door,' or equal opportunity for all."
This introduction, which certainly represents the best. English as w as American opinion on the subject here, is followed by two letters written by the Secretary of the Association to the U. S. Minister, Mr. Conger, on the 9th of March Jast. In the former reference was made to the Boxer disturbances in Shantung, culminate in the murder of Brooks, ud the Minister was asked if the As: tion could render him any in the solution of the existing dificult and dangerous problem. In the latter, Mr. Conger was informed that the Association were sending the following telegram to the State Department at Washington "Open Door policy nullified should proscriptive hostility of the Empress continue toward Reform Party. Unless the Government attitude be modified, apprehend rebellion and anarchy, culminatingin disintegration of empire and destruction of foreign interests. Position critical. Prompt action and concert of Powers advocated."
Mr. Conger's reply to these two letters showed the trained diplomatist. It is dated Peking, the 19th of March "Sir—I have received your two favours of the 9th instant transmitting copy of telegram sent to the Secretary of State at Washington, cerning the hostility of the Empress Dowager towans the Reform party, expressing kind appreciation of my efforts to safeguard American interests, and tendering the good offices of the Association in the same direction.
"Please thank the Association in my behalf for their kind words and offer, which shall be availed of, if necessary."
Unfortunately, Mr. Conger was evidently at one with others of his colleagues in being very loth to listen to the warnings sent up from hai.
A correspondence witl of the Municipal Council posibilily of illegal arrests of Reformers in the Setilement follows, and then comes a copy of a telegram sent by the "Association to the Secretary of State at Washington on the 15th of March. It runs:
"Committee opinion present h lity Empress toward reform wholesale proscription reformers will nullify open door policy if continued apprehend rebellion anarchy resulting disruption empire seriously jeoparlising foreign interests prompt concerted action powers advocated."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.