for all, brought the United States into immediate prominence in the council of nations and proclaimed a new order of diplomacy. The successful termination of the negotiations was formally announced by President McKinley on the twentieth of March, 1900, thus placing another wreath of fame on the brow of the secretary who had been the means of introducing so large a measure of justice and common sense into the world's diplomacy.
It soon became evident, however, that the Government of China would be unable to carry out its agreement with the powers, and the memorable "Boxer War" resulted. For a brief period the United States was forced into concurrent action with the other powers in a common effort to protect the lives and rights of all foreigners within the limits of the Empire, but the idea of making war on China was not entertained for a moment by our Government. On the third of July, 1900, Mr. Hay addressed a note to the powers, declaring that the United States did not propose to make war against the Chinese nation, but was determined to rescue our legation from the perils by which it was menaced at Peking, to secure the safety of American life and property, and to prevent the spread or recurrence of the disorders. As a result of this declaration and a strict adherence to the policy which it outlined, the imperial Government disavowed all responsibility for the outrages of the Boxer uprising and solicited the good offices of President McKinley in restoring peace. The final result is a part of the history of our country and need not be repeated here; but the course of the secretary in planning and executing the policy of our Government has elicited the warmest praise from all sources.
During the war between England and the Boer Republics of South Africa, the United States, by proclamation of the President, assumed a strictly neutral position. The policy of the Government in this episode was severely criticized by many of our people, irrespective of party affiliations, for the sympathies of the nation were practically unanimous in behalf of the struggling republics; but the wisdom and patriotism of the secretary in maintaining a neutral policy have been amply vindicated by events.
The Samoan question, which had caused a great deal of friction, was brought to a satisfactory settlement by Mr. Hay in 1899. Under the agreement then made. Great Britain withdrew from the islands, leaving Germany and the United States in possession. Without
