The true northerner., 1901-01-11
MET With FAVOR
Minister Congers Suggestion for
an international Commission.
TO BE HELD OUT OF PEKIN
10 Consider the Subjects OF Chinese
indemnity and Commercial Treaties
Empress Dowager Exerting an oP'
posing Influence.


Empress Dowager Exertng an OP'
posing Influence.
Washington, Jan. 9.-The negotia-
tions which have been pending for
some time relative to the removal from
Pekin of some of the subjects of inter
national negotiations SO that they
could be taken up at Washington or at
the capital of one of the other powers,
have now advanced to a stage where
there is promise of satisfactory un-
derstanding among the powers on this
move. The plan originated through
suggestion of Minister Conger, cabled
about a week ago, to the effect that
there was little prospect of securing
united action on the subject of indem-
nifty and of new commercial treaties
with China. Mr. Conger suggested
that better progress in the negotia-
tions was likely to result if these two
phases could be removed from Pekin
removed from local influences.
Mr.. Conger's idea met with favor
able consideration here and the sug-
gestion was made to the other powers
interested in China that the matter Of
Chinese indemnity and of commercial
treaties be taken up at Washington
or at one Of the other capitals. In eX-
pecting this plan, it has been the pur-
IL f,a4fN ant iFT n n.
mission whic could pass on all ques-
tions Of indemnity both among them
selves and as against China. 1t would
be in the main conference among the
powers, although it is expected that
Chinese ENJOYS would be invited TO
participate after the proceedings
reach a stage where unity OF action
among the powers was assured.
The state department has already
received indications as to the general
feeling of some of the powers on this
proposition. There appears to be nc
reason TO anticipate serious opposl
tion to the transfer, as most OF the
powers have appreciated the obstacles
at Pekin in the way of an agreement
on the two subjects of indemnity and
commercial treaties. Minister Congel
was heard from Tuesday in cable
gram to the state department. The
text of the dispatch was not given ou'
but It was made known that in sub
stance Mr.. Conger confirmed recent
nress reports to the effect that there
was reason to believe the empress
dowager was exerting her influence
against the acceptance Of the demand.
submitted by the powers.
II is the feeling among officials here
that the influence still welded by the
: empress dowager may lead to serious
D homnlications in case she seeks tC
bring to a halt the negotiations nov
pending. The powers by stating thet
demands TO be irrevocable made then
practically an ultimatum, and while
n refusal to sign by China demands
there would be prolonged occupanc!
of Pekin and this might lead TO fresl
complications threatening to the integ
rity of the Chinese empire.
The United States government i
seeking to insist upon the signing o
the treaty by the Chinese ENJOYS OF
the ground that they presented ere
dentials. clothing them with complet
authority to act without the necessit
of first submitting their acts to tn
;mnerial court for approval. Based oI
these credentials, Mr.. Coneer and IN
other ministers at Pebin ere urgin
that the envoys should sign Withou
reference TO the attitude of the court
and in case the SIGNATURES are give
they will be accepted as comolet
exnression of the will Of the Chimes
government.