The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-09-05
CHINA AND BRITAIN.
Effect of Lii Hung Changes Deal With
Lord Salisbury.

(Copvrieht 1896 by the Associated Press.)
SHANGHAI, Sept. 4.-There are reports
in circulation here among people of the
highest authority which, if correct, show
that the travels of Ii Hung Chang in Eu-
rope are likely to have in the immediate
future a most important effect upon the
policy of the Chinese government, and that
the interior of the Chinese Empire will soon
be thrown open to free trade. When the
great Chinese statesman was in England
an official attached to his staff said that
the main object of the Viceroy's tour was
to sound the European governments re-
garding an increase in the customs tariff of
China. He added that it was understood
that Russia, Germany and France were
favorable to the increase, but that the Mar
quis of Salisbury wanted time to consider
the matter, and that he had brought for
ward several important counter PROPOSE
tons.
What the proposals Of Lord Salisbury
were is a question probably known to but
few people. On the other hand, it is as
serted here by the people who are in po-
sition to have accurate information regard
ing the policy of the Chinese government
that the latter is inclined to concede the
conditions set forth by Lord Salisbury, and
that. as a preliminary agreement, there
Will De an increase IN the tariff, all transit
dues in the interior of China will be abol-
lshed and that, later on, Sfree trade will
be established throughout the Chinese En-
pire. The preliminary increase in the tariff
IS looked upon as being necessary, as a
loan must be secured in some manner, and
the customs dues are regarded as being
the best security possible under the cir
cumstanceS.
1t is also intimated that if Great Britain
advances the money required by China the
latter, as sort of bonus, will place orders
for a number of battle ships, cruisers and
torpedo boats of various descriptions In
British ship yards. and further British Of
fcers may be detailed to reorganze the
Chinese army. 1t was at first proposed to
entrust this task to German officers, but it
is believed that Ii Hung Chang, while in
Germany, was not successful in driving the
bargains which he contemplated. OF course
this is a decidedly English view of the case
and may be modified by future events, for
great deal depends still upon the action
of Ii Hung Chang when he returns to
China and the nature of the report which
he will furnish for the decision of the EN-
peror.
Finally it is understood that the Chinese
government has practically decided to take
steps at an early date to make a consider
able extension in the railroads of the en-
pire and a foreign railway board organ
lied on the basis of the Foreign Customs
commission may be entrusted with this
task The Emperor of China is known to
be favorably disposed towards the extern
sion Of the railroad service of China and
with free trade in the interior, the abolish
ment of all transit dues and an improved
system of railroads. the travels of Ii Hung
Chang may be the means of awakening
China into new life and prosperity and
open to the commerce of the world mar
kets which have hitherto been uselessly
closed