Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-05-10
ASK CHINA FOR MILLIONS
Indemnity Finally Fixed by the
Commission Which Includes
All Private Claims.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT IS 1925, 900, 900.
Four Plans Are Provided for Making
Payments Sources of Revenue
Agreed Upon-POwers May Have to
Guarantee the Bonds Issued by the
Chinese Government.


London, May 3.-The Picking corre-
spondent of the Times sends sum-
mary of the indemnity commissions
report. Considering the improbable
ity of China paying from her own re-
sources the f65,000,000 demanded,
which sum includes the private claims,
four alternatives, the report says, pre-
sent themselves:
First-A Chinese loan not guaranteed by
the powers. Such a loan would be almost
runous TO China.
Second-A loan guaranteed by all the
powers. Such loan would ~ easily OBJ
tainable. 1t would hasten the payment
of the indemnitiss and the restoration OF
normal conditions. II would be advan-
tageous to trade. but would involve heavy
responsibilities for the governments and
might lead TO difficulties In the event Of
differences among the guaranteers, who
might require control Of the revenues
hypothetical
Third-To issue Chinese bonds 10 each
power for the amount of its indemnity, pay
able at fixed terms. Bonds bearing inter
est could serve as security for national
loan.
Fourth-Annual payments which would
be inconvenient az involving an undue pro-
iongation of the time OF payment.
The committee decised to leave the
decision as 10 which alternative shall
be adopted to the home government.
Sources of Revenue.
The committees unanimously agreed
upon the following sources of revenue
to be utilized for payment of the in
IDENTITIES:
First, the maritime customs, which al
ready are under foreign control. Their
total revenue IL eos 900, 600 or G29 10000, Of
which G24 900 600 is absorbed In paying In
terest Of foreign loans.
Second an increase In the customs tariff
TO an effective five per cent. ad valorem
This would give, opipm being excepted,
from G2.500 600 TO G3,50OOco.
Third, the native customs, II placed un-
der the maritime customs would yield from
G3.oO1.OOO to Gl0. 10000.
Fourth. duties on goods such as -four.
butter. cheese. foreign clothing, spirits,
etc which are now admitted free.
The committee considers that the
above sources would yield a minimum
revenue Of $500, 600 taels and maxi
mum revenue of 100000 taels.
what Is Recommended.
The committee recommends, but
not unanimously. the following:
An increase OF the customs tariff 70 ten
per cent, which. It is estimated, would
Weld from 10. 500 900 10 lS,po,0co tsels. 1t is
estimated that the salt tax would yield
from 40I0, 600 20 ~. 100000 taels, the Picking
octroi producing 500 w taels. The commu-
tation VI the rice tribute, II is estimated.
would bring 10000 to 10000 taels. The
abolition OF the Manchu pensions and
reduction Of military expenses are recon-
mended
The commission expresses the opin-
ion that neither the land tax nor the
li<in can be touched. The increase in
the maritime customs applies to i'm
ports only.
Ministers Do Not Agree.
All the ministers, with the excep-
ton of the British, American and
japanese. favor an immediate increase
of ten per cent.
The committee concludes that with
out the guarantee of the powers China,
in order 10 pay G65,00O,O0 sterling,
would require to raise { 100000 at
five per cent, but with a guarantee she
would not require TO raise more than
G 7O,OOO,000 at ! or AZ per cent. if the
creditors consent 10 postponement
of the redemption until the revenue is
increased. China meantime need pay
the interest only.
Leave Peking.
Picking, May 6.-The United States
cavalry and artillery left Picking Sun
day morning 10 march to Ton-Ku. !
Imposing farewell ceremonies attend !
ed their departure. Sir Alfred Case
lee and the other British generals. |
with their stats. were present, and |
the British commander sent de-
tachment of Baluchis, who escorted |
the Americans outside the city wall. |
Withdrawal of Troops.
Peking. May THE plan Of with
drawal of armies from China has been |
announced. When indemnity is
pledged and the guilty men punished |
will end.
want No Limit.
Washinton, May Enquiry here
the report that the United
States is working, and finds support
in it's efforts. toward the opening of
all China, including the provinces. to