principles of international justice that it met with the approval of the intelligent public sentiment of the world. Through the long and tedious negotiations which followed, this policy was consistently adhered to by the American representatives.
For several weeks no communication could be had with the American minister, Mr. Conger, and it was doubtful whether he would escape with his life; the Russian and Japanese forces were pouring into China in large numbers; and the situation with respect to the allies and their attitude towards China was uncertain. In this critical period the President felt the need of a representative in the midst of the scene of operations, possessed of his views and in direct communication with Washington. He therefore appointed as a special commissioner Mr. W. W. Rockhill, formerly secretary of legation in China and lately assistant Secretary of State. On his arrival at Shanghai the allied army was in occupation of Peking, Mr. Conger had resumed his duties, and was in free communication with his government. After conferring with the viceroys of the Yang-tse-Kiang provinces, Mr. Rockhill went to Peking and was made counselor of the legation, while Mr. Conger was in charge of the negotiations.
Before the siege of the legations had been raised, notice was given that Li Hung Chang had been appointed a plenipotentiary to negotiate a peace, and soon after the occupation of the capital by the allies, Prince Ching informed the representatives of the powers that "their majesties the empress dowager and emperor having gone westward on a tour," he had been nominated with Li
