The Oskaloosa herald., 1900-10-11
FLEET is in DANGER.
Chinese Fleet Must Capitulate or
Be Destroyed.

London, Oct. Cit is reported in
St. Petersburg, according to the cor
respondent of the Times at the Rus
sian capital, that the Chinese feet in
Formosa strait attempted to engage
the Russian armored cruiser Rurik,
but the l~atter's speed frustrated the
plan. The correspondent says it is
probable that the allied squadrons
will force the Chinese feet to capitu-
late or will destroy it.
France Has a Plan.
Paris, Oct. 6.-The following official
note was issued Friday afternoon:
THE foreign minister has instructed the
representatives of France to sound the
powers whose troops are cooperating with
purs in the extreme east regarding the
| adoption of a common programme for the
| negotiations with China. Our representa-
tives acquitted themselves of this mission
and left with the various foreign ministers
a copy of the following note:
Elm sending their forces to China the
powers proposed, first of all, to deliver
their legations. Thanks to their union and
the yalor of their troops this aim has
been attained. 1t is now a question OF Sc
curing from the Chinese government,
which has given Prince Ching and Il Hung
Chang full powers to negotiate and treat
in its name, suitable reparation for the past
and serious guarantees for the future.
Penetrated with the spirit which inspired
the previous declarations Of the different
governments, the government of the re-
public believes it sums up their real senti-
ments in the following points, which 1t
submits as a basis for negotiations to be
entered upon Immediately after the usual
veriication of the powers
First, the punishment of the principal
culprits who will be designated by the
representatives OF the powers at Picking.
Second the maintenance of the prohi-
bition of the import of arms.
Third, equitable indemnities to states,
societies and individuals.
Fourth, the formation of a permanent
guard for Picking legations.
Fifth, the dismantlement of the forti-
fcations.
sixth, military occupation of two or
three points on the road from Tientsin to
| Picking, which would thus be always open
to the legations wishing to go to the sea
or to forces proceeding to Picking from the
sea.
presented collectively by the repre-
sentatives Of the powers, supported by the
presence of the international troops, 1t ap-
pears impossible to the government Of the
republic that these conditions, which are
so legitimate, would not be accepted by the
Chinese government at an early date"
The Latest French Note.
The latest French note is a distinct
movement toward the initiation of ne
gotiations for a settlement while this
question Of punishments is still pend
ing. 1t is probable that exchanges
will take place with the French note
as the basis while the ministers at Pc
king are at work under their instruc.
| tions upon the subject of punishments,
but ever though some advance is made
with the French note, it is not likely, in
the Judgment of officials here, that all
of the complex questions involved
therein "a be agreed upon by the pow
ers before Mr.. Conger and the other
ministers are ready to report upon
| their branch of the case.
Touching the French proposals the
officials here have already received in
timations that the Chinese government
is preparing to offer strenuous objec
ton to some of them, notably to the
propositions looking to the razing o.
the Taku forts and the introduction o.
the importation of firearms. 1t is be
lieved here, however, that the imperia
government will make an earnest eff
fort to meet the demand of the powers
respecting the punishments.
Follows Americas Lead.