The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-09-16

governments tangles would be straighten-
ed out. but under the present conditions
this seems to be impossible.
An argument advanced against the pro-
posed conference is the difficulty of the
powers being represented by men fully
conyersant with all the latest phases of
the Far Eastern question. Some of the
details which would be urged in connec-
ton with the peace terms are discussed in
diplomatic circles here. One point strong
ly urged on the part of France is the
permanent continuance of the interna-
tional agreement now in force, now pro-
hibiting the expectation of arms to China.
This IS believed to be a strong measure
of precaution against re-occurence of
the determined assault on foreigners. A
demand IS also made for a reduction of
the Chinese forces holding Taku and Wob
Sung, which are the main coast defences
respectively of Pekin and Shanghai, in
order to keep open more secure route to
these cities.
The question of indemnity and how it
will be paid is a serious problem. The
indemnities are divided into three clcsses,
those payable to the states to the socie-
ties and to Individuals The amount
which the various states will demand will
reach an enormous sum. and the ability
of China to meet them solely with cash
payments causes concern. Great Britain's
indemnity, it is believed here, will be not
less than sixty million francs, while Rus
sia's VIII not be far below this. Frances
indemnity will be in the neighborhood Of
thirty million francs and that of the Uni
ted States, it is thought, will not be so
large on account of the most of the Am
erican troops going from the Philippine
Islands. In order to meet these great
claims it is possible that some reforms in
the internal administration of China may
be necessary, though their nature is not
considered yet. 1t is said that Russia has
not heard from NJ. De Giers, her Minister
at Pekin for some days and the messages
of VI. Pichon, the French Minister at the
Chinese capital, are also delayed, thus not
permitting the Government to gain any
new knowledge in regard to the evacuation
terms which are left to these officials. 1t
is asserted here that France and Russia
are acting in perfect harmony and that
| they will certainly remain in accord in
their negotiations for peace.
ALL RUSSIANS TO LEAVE.
Copyright, 1900, by Associated Press)
Pekin, Sept. S.-(Via Shanghai, Sept.
11)-It is announced that owing to the
impossibiity of getting the railroad
| through before winter SETS in, all the
| Russian forces will be withdrawn and
will make Tien Tsin their headquarters.
| This is causing speculation as TO Russias
| policy.
| The occupation of Pekin during the
! winter is practically impossible for
| large body of troops unless railroad con-
necton can be established. Some favor
| leveling Pekin with the ground before
retiring from Tien Tsin.
YUNG LII AN ENVOY.
Washington. Sept 15.-Minister WI
was an early caller at the State Depart
ment today and spent nearly an hour
in conference with Acting Secretary
| Adee. He notified Mr.. Adee verbally of
the appointment of Yung Lu as an envoy,
| but he had no further information to
| communicate He was rather in search
| of news himself and was much interested
| in a short dispatch from Minister Con-
| ger, describing the conditions in Pekin.
| The State Department while declining to
make this message public authorizes the
statement that the dispatch indicated
that no change had taken place in politi-
| cal conditions in Pekin.