Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-10-05

WASHINGTON. October 4.-Proposi-
lions of a far reaching character con-
corning China are being presented in
rapid succession TO this government.
The State Department had no sooner
disposed of one of these propositions to-
day by delivering a response to the Ger
man government, than it was confropt-
ed by an even more important PROPOSE
ton submitted by the French govern
ment, 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
instructions look towards securing the
names of the persons deserving chas-
tisement, also whether the punishments
accorded with the gravity of the crimes
committed and finally, in what manner
the United States and the other powers
are to be assured that satisfactory pun
isnment is inflicted. Aside from these
specific purposes of the note, 1t is re-
garded as important chiefly in establish
ing the most satisfactory relations be-
tween the governments at Washington
anu Berlin.
The Franco-Russian proposal takes a
much broader scope and submits a pro-
gramme under which the negotiations
for a complete settlement can be carried
forward. The French charge, NJ. THE
baut, handed the proposition TO Secre-
tary Hay shortly afternoon to-day. and
held a brief conference concerning it.
Half an hour later, NJ. De Wollant, the
Russian charge, arrived at the State De-
partment, and HANDED to Mr.. Hay a note
expressing Russian approval of the
propositions just submitted by France.
Mr.. Hay gave no formal answer to the
two communications, as they will so
| first to the President at Canton.
The Franco-Russian proposition is
under four heads, namely:
First, punishment Of the guilty
parties.
Second, Introduction of the shipment
! of arms into China.
Third. payment of indemnity to the
powers, and
Fourth, sufficient guarantees for the
future.
| the establishment of a permanent lega-
ton guard at Pekin; for the razing or
the Taku forts, and for the mainten-
ance Of a line of communication be-
tween Pekin and the sea.
The impression here in advance of
action on these propositions by our
government, is that they contain moth
ing essentially uniting them to be
subjects of consideration in a final set
Element. The difficulty which Is likely
to arise lies in the placing Of proper
limitations upon the scope of each
head. This Is particularly true OF the
subject of guarantees, and. perhaps, OF
that OF indemnity. Still. as already
| suggested, each is undoubtedly a most
proper subject for discussion when the
firal negotiations are reached, and,
therefore, NJ. Delcasse's broadcast prop
ositions, while likely to consume some
time in reducing them to ultimate and
binding form. may be said to have a
fair reception awaiting them.
AS to the Introduction OF arms. the
State Department has already intimated
that there may be a question as to its
wisdom and there is reason 10 believe,
also, that Germany will not view that
particular feature with approval. But
eAere appears to be good reason 10 ex-
pect that a middle ground will be reach
ed by combining the Introduction OF arms
to a specified period, possibly to be fixed
by the time required by China within
which to pay the indemnity. The chief
objection to the proposition is in its be-
ing permanent in It's present form.
What the United States government
particularly desires t. avoid is enter
ing into a programme that leans in
any manner towards the maintenance
of a foothold on Chinese soil, and II
the other propositions relative to the
maintenance of a line Of free and safe
communication between Pekin and the
sea. and t the legation guards can be
modified in the direction Of temporary
expedients. they will be more likely to
receive the support of our government.
It is apparent from the complexity of
the latest Franco-Russlan proposal
that the phase of negotiation thus mi
tiated will take some time to dispose Of.