Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-10-05
PLENTY OF PLANS
Offered for Solution of the
Chinese Situation.
Latest Is One on Which France and
Russia Have United.
Minister Conger Instructed TO Proceed Along
Lines Of Germany's Plan.

Washington. Oct. 4-Propositions of
a far-reaching character concerning
China are being presented in rapid sue
cession to this government. The state
department had no sooner disposed Of
one Of these propositions, today. by
delivering response TO the German
government that II was confronted by
an even more important proposition,
+, submitted by the French government,
| and within half an hour formally sec
onded by the Russian government.
The answer to Germany covered the
subject Of furnishing Chinese offenders
| ana made known that the United
States had instructed Minister Conger
| along the lines suggested by Germany.
| These instructions look towards secur-
ing the names of the persons deserv-
| ing chastisemcnt, also whether the
| punishments accord with the gravity OF
| the crimes committed. and, finally in
| what manner the United States and
| the other powers are to be assured that
satisfactory punishment is inflicted.
Aside from the specific purposes Of
| the note, it is regarded as important
, chiefly in establishing the most salts
| factory relations between the govern
ments at Washington and Berlin. The
Franco-R Russian proposal takes a much
broader scope and submits a program
under which the negotiations for e
complete settlement can be carried for
ward.
The French charge, NJ. Thiebaut
handed the proposition to Secretary
Hay, shortly afternoon today. and held
a brief conference concerning it. Half
| an hour later, NJ De Wollant, the Rus
sian charge, arrived at the state de-
partment and handed to Mr.. Hay
note expressing Russian approval OF
the propositions just submitted by
| France. Mr. Hay gave no formal an
swer to the two communications. as
| they will go first to the President at
| Canton.
The Franco Russian proposition j.
under four heads, namely, first, punish
ment Of the guilty parties: second, in
terdiction Of the shipment of arms id
TO China third, permanent indemnity TO
the powers; and, fourth, SUFFICIENT
guarantees for the future.
In addition. a suggestion is made for
the establishment of permanent lega-
ton guard at Pekin: for the raising %
the Taku forts and for the maintenance
OF line of communication between
Pekin and the sea.
The impression here, in advance OF
action on these propositions by our
government. is that they contain moth
ing essentially uniting them to be
subjects of consideration in a final set
tlement The difficulty which is likely
to arise lies in the placing OF proper
Limitations upon the scope Of each head.
This is particularly true OF the subject
of guarantee. and, perhaps. of that Of
| indemnity. Still. as already suggested.
| each is undoubtedly a most proper
subject for discussion when the final
negotiations are reached, and there
fore NJ. Delcasses broadcast PROPOSE
tons. while likely to consume some
time in reducing them to ultimate and
binding form, may be said to have
fair reception awaiting them.
AS to the Introduction of arms. the
state department already has intima-
ted that this may be a question as TO
its wisdom and there is reason to believe
also that Germany will not view that
particular feature with approval. But
there appears to be reason to expect
that middle ground will be reached by
specified period. possibly to be fixed by
the time required by China within
which 10 pay the indemnity. The chief
objection to the proposition is in its be-
ing permanent in its present form.
Continued on page %