The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1900-11-07
EMPRESS DOWAGER TO co
To be Excluded from Participa-
ton in Chinese Government.
SHE MUST LEAVE PEKIN
No Physical Punish nent or Indignity,
characterization of an
~ Indemnity Fund.

Washington, d. G., Nov. 2.-It was
stated today in quarters well versed in
Chinese affairs that outside of the ques-
tons of indemnity, punishments, ETC.,
now Under negotiation at Pekin, there
are three vital and far-reaching questions
to be determined, viz: First, the re-
moval of the Empress Dowager, person
ally and through the influence of her adj
visers, from all participation in the Chi
nese governments; second, the creation of
an indemnity fund by the increase of
China's customs revenue either by the
payment Of the duties in gold instead Of
deprecated silver as at present, or else
by doubling : the present silver duties
from 8 per cent. to 10 per cent. ad va
loren; and third, the establishment OF a
minister of foreign affairs in place of the
old and cumbersome system Of the tsung
Ii yamen.
The demand for the retirement of the
Empress DOwager is said to result from
the conclusion, now generally accented,
that the imperial government of China
was responsible for the Boxer uprising.
AS the Empress DOwager was the ruling
authority Of the imperial government
during the uprising, this responsibility is
brought home directly to her. There is
understood to be no purpose, however. to
visit upon her any physical punishment
or indignity, but merely to SO form the
reconstructed government as to eX-
clude her from all participation in it,.
1t is deemed advisable for that reason
that she should remain permanently
away from Pekin and that her advisors
also should be kept away from the seat
of government.
Plan to Raise Money.
The plan of doubling China's customs
duties has arisen from the need of finding
q source to pay war ihdemnities which
the various powers demand. 1t appears,
however that the increase of duties has
heretofore been brought to the attention
Of the United States government by Lii
Hung Chang. This occurred during his
visit TO Washington few years ago
when 1T was reported 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 in the
value between silver and gold Ii Hung
Chang pointed out that China's ) per
cent: due In silver actually Anetted only
ABOUT 212 per cent, judged by the pre-
valllng gold standard. The matter was
not pressed at the time.
Chlna's present customs revenues arc
SAID to be already pledged to meet the
interest and principal of Chinese loans so
mat 1t Will require some entirely-neW
source to meet the indemnities. In case
the enlarged duties are determined upon.
IT is understood that their collection will
be placed under the supervision of repre-
ssentatiyes OF. the powers, at least until
the tndemnitles are paid: The plan of
substituting minister Of foreign affairs
IN place Of the tsung Ii yamen has long
been in contemplation, as foreign repre-
sentatives have found it very difficult TO
deal with this mixed body and to locate
responsibility upon it, particularly dur
ing the Boxer trouble. oui