Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-11-03
(By Telegraph to virglnian- pilot.)
Affairs of Government.

(by Telegraph to Nirglnian-Pilot.)
Pao Ting Flu (Friday), Oct. 26.-The
Commission of Inquiry into the out
RACES on missionaries here has sentenc-
ed to death Tien Yang. the provincial
judge; Wang Shung On, the military
commandant; General lliu and two
other officials.
German and French troops will garri-
son at Pao Ting Flu for the winter.
The preparations are complete for de-
stroying October 9th, the most vener-
ated temple in the city.
VITAL QUESTIONS.
Washington. Nov. 2.-It was stated
to-day in quarters we'll versed in Chi
nese affairs that outside of the ques-
lions of indemnity, punishment, etc,
now under negotiations at Peltn, there
are three vital and far-rcaching Ques
tions TO be determined, viz:
First, the removal of the Empress
Downger, personally and through the
influence of her advisers. from all par
ticipation in the Chinese government.
Second. the creation of an indemnity
fund by the increase of the Chinese
customs revenue, either by the payment
of the duties in gold. instead of depre-
ciatcd silver, as at present or else by
doubling the present silver duties from
five per cent. to ten per cent. ad va
loren.
Third, the establishment of Minister
of Foreign Affairs, in place of the old
and cumbersome system of the Tsung
Ii Yamen.
GOVERNMENTS FAULT.
The demand for the retirement of the
Empress Dowager is said to result from
the conclusion. now generally accepted.
that the Imperial Government of China
was responsible for the Boxer upris-
~. ~ frat w q
ruling authority of the Imperial Gov
eminent during the uprising, this re-
sponsibility is brought home directly
to her. There is understood to be no
purpose, however, to visit upon her any
personal punishment or indignity.
DOUBLE DUTIES.
The plan of doubling China's customs
duties has arisen from the need of find
ing a source to pay war indemnities,
which the various Powers demand. 1t
appears, however, that the increase of
the duties has heretofore been brought
to the attention of the United States
Government by Ii Hung Chang. This
occurred during his last visit to Wash
ington n few years ago. when 1t was
represented that the per cent. rate
was fixed in 1858, by treaties with the
United States, Great Britain and other
countries, and was payable in silver. at
which time silver was worth as much
as gold. But with the change of value
between silver and gold. Ii Hung
Chang pointed out that China's per
cent. duty in silver actually Melted
only about 2Is per cent. judged by the
prevailing gold standard.
WAS NOT PRESSED.
The matter was not pressed at the
time. China's present customs reve-
nues are said to be already pledged to
meet the interest and principal Of Chi
nese loans. so that 1t will require some
entirely new source to meet the indem-
mites. In case the enlarged duties are
determined upon, it is understood that
their collection will be placed under
the supervision of representatives of
the Powers, at least until the indemnl-
ties are paid.
ADDITIONAL PEACE COMMITS
SIONERS.
London. Nov. 3.-The Shanghai cor
respondent OF the Times says that an
Imperial edict appoints Liu Kun vi,
Viceroy of Marking, and Chang Chi
Tung. Viceroy eof Hankow, TO he add
tiOnal peace commissioners on behalf
of China.
THE GERMAN TROOPS.
Berlin. Nov. 2-Omcial kilograms
from Count Won Waldersee show that
all the German troops have arrived in
China and been distributed. The first
and second marines, the First Infantry
Brigade and a small force of cavalry
and artillery are stationed at Pekin.
The Second Infantry Brigade. with a
corresponding force of artillery. enGi-
necrs and cavalry, is ut Poa Ting Flu.
One battalion is at Shan Hal Kwan.
The Third Infantry Brigade. with
company of sharpshooters. two squad
rons of cavalry ana several batteries.
is at Tien Tsin. One battery and seve
raj Howitzcrs arc at Taku; and force
of troops is distributed along the rail
way from Pekin 10 Yang Tsun. super
intending the work of construction.