New-York tribune., 1901-01-11
CHINA'S ENJOYS SIGN.
CONCLUSION OF THE PRELIMINARY
PEACE WORK IN PEKING.
FLASHING OF INTERESTS AMONG THE pow
ERs NOW EXPECTED TO PROLoNG
THE NEGOTIATIONS.


paris Jan 10.-As the result Of inquiries in
authoritative quarters 10 The Associated Press
e given the following statement in regard to
che Chinese situation:
The Chinese Plenipotentiaries signed the
,ojnt note yesterday, thus concluding the pre-
,,rninary stage of the negotiations
II was added that this important step was
Insignificant compared with the difficulties to
"a met with among the Powers themselves.
,rbose clashing interests viii have full play in
,be coming discussions.
TRANSFER TO WASHINGTON OPPOSED
The United States's proposal TO shift the seat
- the negotiations finds no favor in the Euro
,san ChanceIleries. Three reasons are given
for this opposition:
First-It is considered a great mistake TO
transfer the negotiations from China, where all
che information is at hand respecting the situa-
,ion and the feeling among the Chinese them
selves. and more especially regarding the con-
sitions OF trade and commerce with which the
negotiations Will be chiefly concerned.
secoud-The United Statess commerce with
china is comparatively small when compared
with that Of several other countries. Therefore
tbA United States is not entitled 10 expect the
negotiations TO be carried on at Washington.
The third and most delicate reason advanced
Gent confidence that the United States Govern
roent might not find itself Influenced in the ne
gotiations at Washington by the pressure OF
interests having an eye to the exploitation Of
china The attitude Of some OF the Powers.
moreover, is swayed by other motives in op-
posing the United States's proposal. Great Brit
ain for example. which seems TO be the most
strongly antagonistic. has probably taken into
consideration the United States's attitude tow
ard the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty.
N FAVOR OF SHANGHAI
The feeling here favors Shanghai. if any
change is made as it is pointed out that Shang-
hal is the most important trade centre in China,
and, moreover that the southern Viceroys, who
are favorable TO foreigners and anxious to
further trade could make their influence felt
Failing Shanghai, Berlin or Paris may be chosen
The enormous British interests are in favor of
the choice Of London, but II Is lmprooab!e that
the other Powers will agree 20 this.
There is no reason to suppose that Russia
viii withdraw from the joint negotiations. The
treaty she has concluded with China concerns
her special interests in regions contiguous TO
her territories but she has great political in
1erests 10 defend and further in the joint confer
ence which will bristle with obstacles to a
speedy settlement. Russia aims chiefly at a wide
expansion Of her political influence. Great
Britain wants, roughly, to open the Chlnese
F5n7pire TO her commerce and at the same time
strengthen her political foothOld. The United
Statess efforts apparently viii be devoted 10 Sc
curing commercial advantages, while France
end Germany will desire TO increase their trade
generally and their political influence in certain
provinces. ,,
The struggle between these conflicting designs
VIII be bitter. and, in any case, will greatly pro-
tract the negotiations.
One thing which Great Britain and the United
States wish secured is the raising OF the prohi-
bition which now exists in China against for
eigners acquiring landed interests consider
able extension OF commerce being thereby antlci-
psted.
The Ministers Of the Powers viii be assisted
IL the negotiations by commercial advisers,
while Prince Ching and Ii Hung Chang VIII
continue to act for the Chinese Government
Shanghai, Jan. 1o-A dispatch from Si-Ngan-
Flu TO a native newspaper says:
Some Of the clauses OF the conditions for peace
are impossible OF acceptance, consequently the
Emperor and Empress and the much troubled
Court have telegraphed TO Liu Kun VI, the
Viceroy of Nanking and Chang Chih Tung, the
Viceroy Of Hankow, 20 proceed TO Peking I'M
mediately and confer with the foreign Ministers
and Chinese Commissioners in an attempt 70
secure a modification Of the obstructive condi-
tons They have been instructed, II they are
unable TO proceed TO Peking, TO propose suita-
bic meeting place for the Ministers elsewhere.