Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-10-12
FRANCES PROPOSALS
Our Reply to Her Scheme for Set
tIing the China Trouble
Is Published.
PART OF THE PLAN Is INDORsED.
But Washington Is Nom Committal on
Other Parts-One Matter Sug-
gested for Arbitration

Washington, Oct. 12-The reply of
| the state department to the French
note relative to the bases of Chinese
| negotiations was made public late yes
terGaE 1t reads as follows: The gov
ernment of the United States agrees
| with that of France in recognizing as
| the object 10 be obtained from the gov
ernment of China appropriate repara-
ton for the past substantial guaran-
| tees for the future. The president is
glad to perceive in the basis of negotia-
tion put forward in the memorandum
of Oct. the spirit that has animated
the declarations heretofore made by all
| the powers interested, and would be
pleased TO see the negotiations begun
Immediately upon the usual Verifi-
cation of credentials. 1t may be con-
venie;it 10 enumerate the clauses of the
memorandum and to add some Obser-
vationS dictated by the attitude of the
United States in the present circum-
stances:
Punishment of the Guilty.
Il. The punishment of the guilty
parties who may be designated by the
representatives of the powers at Pc
king. The Chinese government has al
ready indicated it's intention to punish
recent disorders. The representatives
of the powers at Peking may suggest
additions to that list when negotiations
are entered upon.
80. The continuance of the interdic-
tion against the importation of arms
1t is not understood that this interdic-
ton is to be permanent. and the dur
alton of it and the details of its regula-
tion seem n proper subject of discus
sion by the negotiatoTS.
Indemnities for Property Destroyed.
%. Equitable indemnities for the
governments, corporations and private
individuals. This is an object desired
by all the powers. The Russian govern
ment has suggested that in case of pro-
tracted divergence of views this mat
ter might be commended to the cOnsid- |
Grafton of the international court Of ar
bitration of The Hague. The president |
thinks this suggestion worthy the at |
tention of the powers.
~. The organization in Peking OF I
permanent guard for the legations The |
government of the United States is I'M
able TO make any permanent engage
ment of this nature without theauthor-
ization of the legislative branch. but in |
the present emergency we have sta
toned at Peking an adequate legation |
guard.
-. The dismantling of the forts at |
Taku. The president reserves the eX-
preston of his opinion as to this meas
ure pending the receipt of further in |
in regard to the situation in |
China.
80. The military occupation of two
Dr three points on the road from Tien-
Tsin to Pekin&. The same observance
which has been made IL reference to
No. applies also this proposition. The
president is unable to commit the Unit
ID States to Il permanent participation |
,rnment of France and the other pow
'irable that the poNerS shall obtain
rom the Chinese government the as
;urance of their right to guard their |
egations in Peking and TO haveWthe
means of unrestricted access 20 them
whenever required.
THE president believes that the gov |
of France and tn eother pow
rs vii lSee in the reservations we have
lere made no obstacle to the initiation
# negotiations on the lines suggested.
md he hopes it will be found practi- |
able to begin such negotiations at an |
sarly day"
First of Our Troops to Leave.
Washington. OcA 12-Colonel Hum
)hTey. quartermdSter in China, sent q |
under yesterdays date to |
he quartermaster general announcing |
he first departure of United States |
roOps from China. They were COM
AMY ID. Sixth cavalry, which left |
for Manila.
OUR METHODS WERE THE BEST.
AMBASSADOR whites Comments on the
Trouble with Ah Sin.