The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-10-08
France Offers Solution.

Washington. October 4.-Propositions or
n far-reachfns character concerning
China are being presented in rapid sue
cession TO this government. The state
department had no sooner disposed of one
OF these propositions today by delivering
a response to the German government
than Il was confronted by an even more
important proposition submitted Ivy the
French government. and within half an
hour formally seconded by the Russian
government.
The answer TO Germany covered the
subject of Furnishing Chinese offenders
and made known that the United States
had Instructed Minister Conger along the
lines suggested by Germany. These In
structlons look towards securing the
names OF the persons deserving chastiso-
ment. also whether the punishments ac-
cord with the gravity of the crimes COM
mitted. and finally. in what manner the
United States and the other powers are
to be assured that satisfactory punish
ment is INFLICTED. Aside from these speci-
fic purposes Of the note. II is regarded as
important chiefly in establishing the most
satisfactory relations between the gov
ernments at Washington and Berlin.
The Franco Russian proposal takes
much broader scope and submits a pro-
zramme under which the negotiations
for a complete settlement can be carried
forward. The French charge, NJ. THE
baut handed the proposition TO Secretary
HAY today and held a brief conference
concerning It. Half an hour later NJ. De
WoiIant. the Russian charge. arrived at
the state department and handed to Mr.
Hay a note expressing Russian approval
OF the propositions just submitted by
France.
Proposition Comprehensive.
The Franco Russian proposition Is
under four heads. namely: First. punish
ment OF the guilty parties: second. inter
diction OF the shipment of arms into
China: third payment of indemnity 10 the
powers. and fourth. sufficient guarantees
for the future.
In addition a suggestion Is made for
the establishment Of a permanent lega-
ton guard "A; Pekin: for the razne of the
Taku forts and for the maintenance of a
lire of communication between Pekin and
the sea.
The impression here in advance OF ac-
ton on these propositions 10y our govern
ment Is that they contain nothing essen
TALLY uniting them to be subjects Of
consideraii>p in n final settlement. The
difficulty WIZ IS likely To arise lies i'm
the placing of proper limitations upon the
scope of each head. This Is particularly
true OF the subject oil guarantees. ana
perhaps. of that ~ indemnity Still. rs
already suggested. each is undoubtedly
n most proper subject for discussion when
the final negotiations are reached. and.
therefore VI. Delcasse's broadest propo-
siiiOns. while likely to consume some
time I'm reducing them To ultimate ana
binding form NAV be said TO have "a fair
reception awaiting them.
Germany Msy Dissent.
As 20 the Introduction OF arms. the
state department already has intlmated
that there may be a question as 20 It's
wisdom and there Is reason To believe
also that Germany will not view that
particular feature with approval. But
there appears TO be good reason To expect
that a middle ground will be reached by
combining the Introduction OF arms to a
specified period. possibly TO he fixed by
the time required by China within which
TO pay the Indemnity. The chief obiac-
ton to the proposition IS i'm its being per
manent IN its present form.
particularly desires to avoid Is entering
ydesires to avoid Is entering
into a programme that leans I'm any man.
ner toward the maintenance of n foothold
on Chinese soil. and IL the other PROPOSE
tions relative to the maintenance of a line
Of free and safe communication between
PekIn and the sea. and to the legation
guards can be modified I'm the direction
Of temporary expedients, they will he more
likely TO receive the support of our gov
eminent. II is apparent from the COM