The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-07-23
IN THE EAST SUBJECT OF INTER-
NATIONAL DISCUSSION
THE FUTURE OF MANGHURIA
This Question Should Go Before the
Ministers at Pekin-Russia's Opposi-
tion-She Renews Direct Negotiations
With China-Her Intention to Pro-
claim a Certain Treaty Port as Rus
sian Participants Magnanfmous Ac-
ton.
ton.

Washington, July lit is under
stood to be the desire of some OF the
great powers tina the disposition of
Manchuria should go before the minis
tiers at Pekin and be finally determined
by a joint agreement among the powers.
Although no definite step has beer TAX
en- in that direction, it is being discuss
ed by foreign representatives stationed
here. who fully expect that the plan
will be adopted. Russia, it is expected,
will be reluctant to agree TO it. At
tention has been directed to the matter
by reports that Russia had resumed
direct negotiations with China concern
ing Manchuria and also by yester-
days cablegram stating that a Russian
proclamation was about to be issued
establishing New Chwang as a Russian
port.
AS to the report that Russia will pro
claim New Chwang to be a Russian
port, it is pointed out in official diplo-
matte quarters that New Chwang is a
treaty port and as such is open to the
commerce of h world under the ex-
listing tariff regulations with China,
and foreign merchants have the right
to trade and to conduct establishments
there. These rights of trade could not be
Invested, in the opinion of diplomatic
officials. by a Russian proclamation,
unless the powers had previously given
assent. Thus far there has beer no re-
quest from Russia or China for any
change in the status Of New Chwang
as one of the treaty ports.
In a spirit which has aroused the
keenest admiration of the state depart
ment, the Japanese government has
met the difficulty growing out of the
preference of her request for an in
crease of her indemnity owing to de-
probation in selling price Of Japanese
bonds by Withdrawing that request. The
result is a substantial loss to Japan.
She asked originally for s23, 900. 900. This
figure was more moderate than any of
the powers which played any promin-
ent part in the Chinese campaign and
represented the barest expense of the
undertaking. 1t was fixed upon the
idea that payment was to be made in
cash by China. Confronted with the
bond payment. h Japanese govern
ment asked that her allotment be
creased to $4,000, 900 in bonds to make
good the loss she would suffer through
the sale of the bonds. AS soon as some
of the other nations found that the
allotment as originally fixed was in
danger of being disturbed they came in
with increased demands and thus it is
that Japan. finding that insistence up
on her demand would blockade the ne
gotiations at this phase. has withdrawn
her request for the present, at least.
1t is safe to assume hat the United
States government will do what it can
to secure compensation for Japan in
some other way in the future.
Mr.. Rockhill, our special commission
er at Pekin, has. been instructed to give
assent of the United States to the pro-
position to increase the Chinese GUS
toms dues in order to provide means
for the payment of the international
indemnity. Our government Is still OPP
posed to this project and the instruc-
ton is sent only in reference to the uni
versal wish for a speedy conclusion Of
the negotiations at Pekin.
1t is learned hat the hitch in these
negotiations. the most battling that has
yet occurred, is due entirely TO the is
sue raised as to the increase OF Gus
TOMS