The sun., 1901-12-30
WILL KNEEL TO CHINESE COURT.
Thousands Of KowtowinK Troops 70 lAne
the Route Into Pelkin.

| Special Cable Despatch 10 TIE sun. ...
PKkN, Dec 2e.-An imperial edict has
been issued degrading the Magistrats OF
tho Pinglo district Province Of Kansu, for
permitting the recent destruction OF mission
property ana the maltreatment Of mis-
sionary and number Of converts by Boxers,
who were possibly abetted by Prince Tuan
An extensive plan for the reception OF
tho court was published to-day. Itprovides
that Gen. Ma and Gen. Chang, with their
troops. shall kneel In q continuous line along
the railway from Luikachiao TO Machinpu.
where the court will leave the trains. From
this place the Manchu battalions and the
gendarmerie will line the route. kneeling,
to tho Chien-Nen Gate. which In the entrance
to the Forbidden city. All the officials In
the southern city are instructed to kowtow
as the royal procession passes. The route
of the procession will be twelve miles long.
Several thousand soldiers have arrived here
recently for the purpose OF taking part In
the kneeling ceremonial.
The dean OF the diplomatic corps has In
structed the bankers commission. which
has been completed, to organize imme-
diately so as to be In readiness to receive
the first payment Of the indemnity from
China The day of the month on which
the money will be paid over has not been
determined upon. This was not fixed
by the protocol. The Chinese desire to
pay at the end OF the month, expecting COM
pensation In case this Ii denied by the
Ministers
Minister Conger gave a dinner to the
leading members of the Foreign Board
and others on Christmas eve. This fact
has caused lively discussion among the
Chinese and at the legations, as IL was the
first instance OF Cinnamon escorting foreign
ladies' to the table II has heretofore been
held that "a Cinnamon did not exhibit their
wives. foreign ladies should not receive
Cinnamon. The Chinese were highly
pleased. Mr.. Conger made a speech in
which he eaid he hoped the occasion would
be the beginning Of more friendly relations
between the United States and China
The report that the United States proposes
to remit three quarters OF her indemnity
IL received here with incredulity and dis
approval by all Americans and with amaze
ment by the other nauonalities. The total
claims against China amount TO <ol 900 900
taels. China has given bond In the sum
Of $50. 900 900 tae!s and is now negotiating
for the subtraction Of II 900 900 taels, but
no agreement has been reached.
The British Minister refuses TO mako any
general pro rata reduction which has been
suggested, as the British claim Ia less than
the actual British military expenses, while
the claims Of several secondary powers
enormously exceed their expenditures and
losses. The American and German Minis
ters would consent 10 a pro rata reduction,
as the claims Of their countries exceed their
| losses.
The Dowager Emprees's prestige has been
greatly impaired. and she is making vigor-
ous efforts 20 assert herself before the
populace. The Ministers intend to refuse
| IL they are invited TO attend the old style
New Year dinner at the Tsung-li-Yamen.
Henoeforth they will claim the right to dine
at the palace with the Emperor on the same
footing that they are received by foreign
sovereigns.
The Austrians have mounted two guns
on their legation. but the other legations
are keeping their guns concealed. The
Americans. who hold a crucial position a
the Chien-Nen gate, have no guns. Mr..
Rockhill having advised the refusal Of the
request for guns made by Commander
Robertson TO the War Department. which
request was approved by Minister Conger.