The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-11-30
REACHED BY THE FOREIGN MINISTERS
IN PEKIh.
THE. TERMS NOT MADE PUBLIC.
They stand Poo nance OF Endorse
ment by All the Powers-Supposed
Articles to which America VIII Not
Assent-one OF Most Powerful of
the Allies Agreed With Her on These
Points-Rumored Disagreement Be-
tween America and Germany.

Washington. November 26.-The state
department has been informed of the
agreement or understanding or prelimi-
nary treaty Git is not possible nov
to learn in just what form the matter
stands,) reached by n foreign minis
tiers at Pekin. II is not regarded as
lproper to give out for publication at
this time any detailed information re-
lspecting h agreement. It may be
lstated, however, that the agreement
stands a very poor chance of receiving
the sanction OF all the powers repre-
scented in the Pekin conference, unless
some material amendments are per-
United.
Just what the Objectionable features
are car only be surmised in view OF
the adverse decision of the authorities
respecting publication: but, accepting
as accurate the statement from Pekin
that the basis of the agreement is TO
be found in the French note. it is easy
to perceive hat there are no less than
two points which, if included in their
original shape, would not meet with
the unqualified approval of u own
government. For instance, the presi-
dent expressly reserved his opinion as
to the proposition that the Taku forts
be dismantled. He also withheld his
l%approval of the French proposition that
there be a permanent military occupa-
ltiOn at two or three points on the
road between Tien Tsin and Pekin.
Unless the ministers at Pekin have
made a very substantial change in the
-
fore, it may be predicted that our row.
ernment will feel obliged to seek to
make some alterations in the arrange
ment before it gives it's adherence
There is some reason to believe that
the indemnity proposition a taken
Isuch an excessive form as to make it
impossible for the Chinese government
to meet the demand, and this fact, TAX
len in connection with the unreasonable
demands of some of the powers respect
ing punishments, may require u gov
Iernment to make active efforts to hav
the demands moderated.
There are indications, too, that in
these efforts, III government is to re-
Iceive h support of one of the most
lsented at the Pekin conference and one
which generally has been supposed of
late to LAY favored an extreme posi-
ltion.
Berlin, November 26.-The entire Ger
man press refers editorially this even
ling to a report that United States Am
IbaSSador White on Saturday handed
the new American note regarding the
lChinese settlement to Baron vonRich-
thofen, secretary for foreign affairs,
lall the papers declaring Germany re-
fused to comply with the demands
THEREIN formulated.
| When Mr.. White was approached or
~ r-,h,~4N &Ls- H. Ia
THAT no interview with Baron Won
tRichthofen on Saturday was had nor
had he then received the American
note. He asserted he had received
nothing from Washington since Thurs
lday last and that what he received then
was not a note, but merely Instructions,
in consequence of which he had an in
lterview with the secretary for foreign
affairs IN Friday. Mr.. White reiterat-
ed that the result of the Friday inter-
view was satisfactory, adding:
1T was merely an interchange of
views in which no definite propositions
were submitted and no definite Engage
was in the nature of a suggestion look
ing toward greater moderation in the
lpunishments, but this was only a sug-
ltion which Germany could either ac-
Icept or reject. 1t was not a formal
proposition"
The Vissiche Zietung says: "A de-
mand for more moderation in the pun
lishmentS is a sensible demand, which
IGermany could accept without any loss
of dignity, especially as it ppear that
lGreat Britain sides in this particular
with the United States"
No other representative journals,
however. adopts this tone.
London, November Pr. r. Morri-
son, wiring to The Times from Pekin
lSunday
The foreign ENJOYS have agreed to
two proposals that were previously
rejected owing to lack of unanimity.
These are Sir Ernest Satow's proposals
that China should agree to re-cast the
commercial treaties, and the Italian
proposal that China should consent to
foreign financial control as a guarantee
Iof the indemnity. The delay in the
presentation of the joint note is due
to postponements by the home govern
ments. This increases the difficulties
of the position and ~aggravates the dis
location Of trade and finance. especially
the collection of inland revenues. At
the lowest estimate the indemnity is
computed at $50, 600, OO0.''
Berlin, November pa dispatch re-
lceived by the navy league, here today
says hat Colonel Yorck's column
Preached Kalgon. about 100 miles north
west of Pekin, November 18th. The
IChinese troops, numbering 5000 men
fled. a battalion of Chinese imperial
Isoldiers was disarmed.
The National Zeitung discussing the
punishment Of the guilty officials in
lChina, says: Germany must abide by
the decision of the ministers at Pekin.
The Post says the peace negotiations
will probably be finished at the end OF
the week.