The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-23
IT IS REJECTED.
CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE.)

being the first and real perpetrators
of the crimes committed in Peking against
international law. The number of perpetra-
tors who served tools is too great; a
wholesale execution would be averse to the
civilized conscience. Furthermore, circum-
stances would not allow that even the
group of leaders could be completely as
certained. But the few among them whose
guilt is notorious should be surrendered
and punished. The representatives of the
powers in Picking will be in a position TO
make adduce in this investigation fully
valid testimony. The number of those pun
ished is of less Importance than their char
acter as principal instigators and leaders.
The government of his Majesty, the En-
peror, believes that it can depend in this
matter upon the concurrence of all the
Cabinets; for, Indifference towards the idea
of just expiation would be equivalent
to indifference towards a repetition of the
crime.
THE government of his Majesty. the En-
peror, therefore, proposes to the interested
Cabinets that they request their repreSen-
tatives in Picking to designate the principal
Chinese personages whose guilt in the in
stigation or execution of the crimes is be-
yond doubt.
"a similar communication is forwarded
to the other interested Cabinets.
Requesting Of your Excellency reply
soon practical. embrace this occa-
sion to tender the assurance of my most
''sTERNBERG."
Acting secretary Hill TO the lmpeTlal
German charge d'affaires:
Department of State.
washington, Sept. H
'Sir-In response to your inquiry of the
18th inst. as to the attitude of the govern
ment of the United States in regard to the
exemplary punishment of the notable lead
ers in the crimes committed in Picking
against international law, have the honor
to make the following statement:
THE government of the United States
has, from the outset, proclaimed its pur-
pose to hold to the uttermost accountable
ity the responsible authors of any wrongs
done In China TO citizens of the United
States and their interests, as was stated
in the governments circular communica-
ton to the powers, of July g. last. These
wrongs have been committed not alone in
Picking, but in many parts of the empire
and their punishment is believed to be an
essential element of any effective settle
ment which shall prevent a recurrence of
such outrages and bring about permanent
safety and peace in China. 1t is thought
however, that punitive measures can be
SO effective by way of reparation for
wrongs suffered and as deterrent examples
for the future as the degradation and pun
ishment of the responsible authors by the
supreme imperial authority itself, and il
seems only just to China that she should be
afforded In the first instance an opportun-
ity to do this and thus rehab ilitate himself
before the world. Believing thus and with
out abating in any wise its deliberate pur-
from the responsible authors of the wrongs
we have suffered in China the government
OF the United States as a preliminary con-
dition to entering into diplomatic negotia-
tions with the Chinese government TO join
in a demand that said government surren-
der to the powers such persons as, accord
irg to the determination OF the powers
themselves, may be held to be the first and
real perpetrators of those wrongs. On the
ether hand this government is disposed
to hold that the punishment of the high
responsible authors of these wrongs not
only in Picking but throughout China
Is essentially condition to be embraced
and provided for in the negotiations for a
final settlement. 1t is the purpose of this
government at the earliest practicable
moment to name its pleEipotentiaries for
negotiation of a settlement with China AMI
In the meantime to authorize it's minister
in Picking to enter forthwith in the confer
ence with the duly authorized representa-
tives of the Chinese government with a
view to bringing about a preliminary agree
ment whereby the full exercise of the i'm
perial power for the preservation of order
and the protection OF foreign life and prop
erty throughout China. pending final nego
tiations with the powers shall be assured
Accept, sir, the renewed assurances of
my highest consideration.
DAVID J. HILL.
Acting Secretary
"Freiherr Speck Won Sternberg, etc, etc,
etc. Washington"