The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-12
MR.. R0CKHILL'S REPORT
REVIEW OF THE RECENT NEGOTIA-
TIONs WITH CHINA.
Policy That Was Pursued by the
CommissiOner Under Instruc-
tions from Washington.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-THE long-ex-
pected report of Special Commissioner
RockhiH to the secretary of state, on the
results OF his work in connection with the
Chinese negotiations in Peking. has been
submitted TO Congress along with the full
text of the protocol which has been al
ready published and a mass of detailed
statements. IL was upon this report that
the President based his commendatory
reference TO Commissioner Rockhill's work
in his recently published message to Con-
gress.
Beginning by detailing the conditions I'M
der which he came TO be appointed. in
July, 1900, United States commissioner to
China. Mr. Rockhill tells of visits he made
TO the viceroys of Shanghai and WI
Chang. which. he said. did not a little to
further the interests of peace. Mr.. Rock
hill says he fully concurred in all the meas
ures Minister Conger had been and was ne
gotiating.
1.-THE twelve demands by the powers on
China" Mr.. Rockhill says, the accom-
plishment of which was deemed necessary
for the restoration of normal relations with
that country ard which were embodied in
the Joint note of Dec %. 1900. may be classi-
fed under four different heads Adequate
punishment for the authors of and those
guilty of actual participation in the anti
foreign massacres and riots; the adoption
of measures necessary to prevent their re-
currence; the naturalization for losses
sustained by states and foreigners through
these riots, and the Improvement of our
relations. both official and commercial
with the Chinese government and with
China generally.
"As regards the punishment of the re-
sponsible authors and the actual perpe-
traitors of the anti-foreign outrages, the
government of the United States, while in
sisting that all such should be held TO the
utmost accountability, declined to deter
mine in every case the nature of the pun
ishment to be inflicted. and that the Chi
nese government itself should in all cases
carry them out. AS soon as the chief cul-
prits had been punished. considering the
terrible losses in life and property sus-
tanned by China, not only through the Box
ers and their adherents. but by the destruc-
ton of Tien-Tsin, Picking and the military
occupation of a large portion of the prov
ince Of Chilli. the United States threw
moderation and the prevention of further
bloodshed The demands for capital punish
ment were finally reduced from ten TO four.
and many names, enormously or on in
sufficient evidence, placed on the lists, were
removed. or lighter forms of punishment
asked for those left on them
OUR POLICY IN CHINA.
while seeking with the other powers,
the best means to prevent the recurrence
of such troubles. and to guard in the future
American residents in Picking from such
dangers as they had passed through. the
United States did not lend its support to
any plan which contemplated either the
prolonged occupation by foreign troops of
any portions or points In China or the cree
ton OF an international fort I'm the city of
Picking. from which to carry on friendly
relations with the Chinese government.
Our policy has always been in favor of a
strong. independent and responsible Chi
nese government, which can and will be
held accountable for the maintenance of
order and the protection of our citizens
and their rights under the treaties.
Throughout the negotiations we strictly
adhered 10 this just principle. with results
which have proved beneficial to all
las regards the third point of the nego-
tiatiOns, the equitable decentralization of
the various states. losses and expenses in
CURED by them in China, and in sending
expeditiOnary forces 10 relieve the lega-
tons and foreign residents at Picking and
restore order. and also the securing of in
IDENTITIES TO societies, companies and indi-
viduals for their private losses through the
anti-foreign riots, the government of the
United States advocated that the sum to-
tai OF these indemnities should not exceed
a reasonable amount well within the power
OF China TO pay After careful inquiry you
reached the conclusion that with her pres
ent resources and liabilities. China could
not pay, as indemnities TO the powers, more
than S200.OoO000. and that the exactiOn of
any larger amount would not only entail
permanent financial embarrassment on the
country. but might possibly result in either
financial control, or even loss OF territory.
The representative Of the United States
was instructed accordingly. and he was
further told that. in the opinion Of our gov
eminent. the amount should be asked of