The Hawaiian gazette., 1901-01-22

LIZ quarters, the Associated
- Press is given the following
statement in regard to the Chinese sit
uation: THE Chinese plenipotentiaries
signed the joint note yesterday, thus
concluding the preliminary stage of the
negotiations"
1t was added that this important
step was insignificant compared with
the difficulties to be met with betwe en-
the powers themselves, whose clashing
interests will have full play in the COM
ing discussion. The United States pro-
posals to shift the seat of the negotia-
lions find no favor in the European
chancellories. Three reasons are given
for this opposition:
First-It is considered a great mis-
take to transfer the negotiations from
China, where all the information is at
hand respecting the situation, and the
feeling among the Chinese themselves,
and more especially regarding the con-
ditions of trade and commerce at which
the negotiations Will be chiefly con-
cerned.
Second-The United States commerce
when compared with that of several
other countries. Therefore the United
States is not entitled to expect the ne
gotiations to be carried on at Washing
ton.
The third and most difficult reason
advanced is that the European pow
ers have not felt sufficient confidence
that the United States Government
might not find itself influenced in the
negotiations at Washington by the
pressure of interests, having an eye to
the exploitation of China. The atti-
tude of some of the powers, moreover,
is swayed by other motives in APP
preaching the United States proposal.
Great Britain, for example, which
seems to be the most strongly antagon-
istic, has probably taken into consid
GRAFTON the United States attitude to-
ward the Clayton Bulwer treaty.
The feeling here favors Shanghai, If
any change is made, as it is pointed
out that Shanghai is the most impor-
tant trade center in China, and more
over, that the southern viceroys who
are favorable to foreigners and anx-
ious to further trade, could make their
influence felt. The enormous British
interests are in favor Of the choice of
London, but it is improbable that the
other powers will agree to this.
There Is no reason to suppose that
Russin will withdraw from the joint
negotiations. The treaty she has con-
cluded with China concerns her special
interests In regions contiguous to her
territories, but she has great political
interests to defend, and, further, in the
Joint conference, which will brstle with
nhat TO ok fn
STA aims chiefly at wide expansion
OF her political influence. Great Brit
ain wants to roughly open the Chinese
empire to her commerce and at the
same time strengthen her political foot
hold. The United States, apparently,
will be devoted to securing commercial
advantage, while France and Germany
will desire to increase their trade gen.
orally, and their political influence in
certain provinces.
The struggle between these conflicting
Designs will be bitter, and in any case
will greatly protract the negotiations
One thing which Great Britain and
the United States wish to secure is the
raising of the prohibition which now
exists in China against foreigners ac-
Quiring land interests.
SHANGHAI, Jan. 10-A dispatch
from Sian Flu (where the Chinese court
Is located) to a native newspaper says:
"Some of the clauses of the condi-
lions for peace are impossible of accept
ance, consequently the Emperor and
Empress and the much-troubled court
have telegraphed to Lin Kun vi, the
viceroy of Nankin, and Chank Hi
Tung. the viceroy of Mankow, to pro-
coed Immediately to Picking and confer |
Wi No mir Chinese
commissioners in an attempt to the
modification of the obstructive condi- |
tions. They have been instructed, If |
they are unable to proceed to Picking to
propose a suitable meeting place for
the ministers elsewhere"
WASHINGTON. Jan. 10.-As some of
the foreign powers do not look with
favor upon the proposition of the Unit
ed States recently made as to the with
drawal of certain features OF the nego-
tiations from Picking to Washington, or
some other capital. and other powers
hesitate to decide the question, the
President has deemed 1t advisable to
withdraw the proposition and has d.
rected the diplomatic representatives
of the United States abroad to so In
form the different governments
EMPEROR MAY RETURN.
SHANGHAI, Jan. "a newspaper
of this city publishes a letter from
Sian Flu announcing that the Emperor
has fully determined to return to Pc
king to administer the reformed gov
eminent.
According TO this letter the Empress
Dowager offers no opposition to the
Emperor's determination.
BOXERS REoRGANIzE.
BERLIN. Jan. 9.-The war office has