The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-04


foreign uprisings in China of 1900. having
been formulated in a joint note addressed
10 CHINA by the representatives OF the in
Jured powers in December last were
promptly accepted by the Chinese govern
ment. After prOtracted conferences the
plenipotentiaries OF the several powers were
able 10 sign final protocol with the Chi
nese plenipOtentiaries on the eth OF last
SeptembeS, setting forth the measures
taken by China in compliance with the de-
mands Of the joint note, and expressing
their satisfaction Herewith. 1t will be
lald before the Congress, with report OF
the plenipoteniary on behalf of the United
States, Mr.. William Woodville RCckhill,
TO whom high praise is due for the tact,
good judgment and energy he has displayed
IN performing an exceptionally difficult and
delicate task.
The agreement reached disposes in a man
ner satisfactory to the powers Of the
various grounds of complaint, and will con-
tribute materially 10 better future rela-
tons between China and the powers Repa-
ration has been made by China for the
murder OF foreigners during the uprising
and punishment has been inflicted on the
officials, however high in rank. recognized
as responsible for or having participated
in the outbreak. Official examinations have
been forbidden for period OF five years In
all cities in which foreigners have been
murdered or cruelty treated and edicts
have beer issued making all officials d.
rectly responsible for the future safety of
foreigners and for the suppression of vio-
Provisions have been made for insuring
the future safety of the foreign repre-
sentatives in Picking by setting aside for
their exclusive use quarter of the city
which the powers can make defensible and
in which they can If necessary maintain
permanent military guards; by dismantling
the military works between the capital and
the sea; and by allowing the temporary
maintenance OF foreign military posts
along this line An edict has been issued
by the Emperor or China prohibiting for
two years the importation of arms and
ammunition into China. China has agreed
TO pay adequate indemnities TO the states,
societies, and individuals for the losses
sustained by them and for the expenses of
the military expeditions sent by the various
powers TO protect life and restore order.
Under the provisions of the joint note of
December, 1900, China has agreed 10 re-
wise the treaties of commerce and naviga-
ton and to take such other steps for the
purpose OF facilitating foreign trade as the
foreign powers may decide to be needed.
The Chinese government has agreed TO
participate financially In the work OF bet
tering the water approaches to Shanghai
and TO Tien-Tsin. the centeTs of foreign
trade in central and northern China, and
an international conserVancy board, in
which the Chinese government is largely
represented, has Deen provided for the i'm
provement of the Shanghai river and the
control of its navigation. In the same line
of commercial advantages a revision of the
present tariff on imports has been assentsd
TO for the purpose of substituting specific
for ad valorem duties, and an expert has
been sent abroad on the part of the United
n
articles to remain free of duty, including
flour, cereals, and rice, gold and silver
coin and bullion, has also been agreed
I upon in the settlement.
During these troubles our government
has unswervingly advocated moderation
and has materially aided in bringing about
an adjustment which tends TO enhance the
welfare of China and to lead to more
beneficial Intercourse between the empire
and the modern world; while in the critical
period of revolt and massacre We did our
full share in safeguarding life and prop
erty, restoring order and indicating the
national interest and honor. 1t behOoVeS
US to continue in these paths, doing what
lies in our power to foster feeling of good
will, and leaving no effort untried 70 work
out the great policy of full and fair inter
course between China and the nations on
"A footing of equal rights an advantages
to all. We advocate the open door" with
all that it implies; not merely the procure
ment of enlarged commercial opportunities
on the coasts, but access to the interior by
the waterways with which China has been
so extraordinarily favored. Only by bring
ing the people of China into peaceful and
friendly community of trade with all the
peoples of the earth the work now
auspiciOusly begun be carried to fruition.
In the attainment of this purpose we neces-
sarily claim parity of treatment, under the
conventions, throughout the empire for our
trade and citizens with those of all
I other