The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-04-16
DELAY IN CHINA
MINISTER WI Attributes 1T To
THE FOREIGN POWERS.
He Says His People Have Been Ac-
cused OF sIowness. hut They Are
Less DiIatory Than others
MORE HASTE IS NECESSARY
CHINA's BUSINESS INTERESTS SUI
FERING SERIOUS INJURY,
And the Commerce of All Nations En-
gagged i'm Trade with the Em-
pire Also Is Affected.
TOO MUCH INDEMNITY ASKED
THREE HUNDRED MILLIONS Is A
GREAT BURDEN, MIR. WI SAYS.
China's own Losses, He Asserts, Will
Aggregate 5000, ,OcO, cO,O0O-PropOsi-
tion of the United States.
TOO MUCH INDEMNITY ASKED
THREE HUNDRED MILLIONS Is A
GREAT BURDEN, MIR. wv SAYS.
China's own Losses, He Asserts, Will
Aggregate 5000, ,Oco, o,OOO-Proposi-
tion of the United States.

WASHINGTON, April 15.-The Chinese
minister was at the State Department to-
day in conference with Secretary Hay on
the status of negotiations at Peking. The
minister is somewhat concerned over the
delay in bringing about a final adjustment,
and also on the current reports that the
indemnities reach a very large figure,
which, he fears, will be beyond the ability
of China TO meet. When seen at the lega-
tioa during the day Minister WI said, in
response TO inquiries these subjects:
1--WE have been accustomed to hear that
China was very slow. But in this case
many weeks and months are going by
without any delay attributable TO China so
far as I have heard, and yet without def
mite prospects OF bringing the negotiations
to close This unsettled condition is very
Injurious TO China, but II also is an injury
which affects the whole world. Take. for
instance, the cotton industry Of the South.
The shipments to China are very large, but
they have been falling off owing to the un-
settled condition Of affairs, and the trade
Is seriously menaced. The same may be
said OF many other branches of trade, and,
in fact, the commerce of all the commercial
nations of Europe, we'll as America, is
injuriously affected by the present uncer-
tainty OF conditions in the East. What we
need and what the commercial world needs,
Is stability and some definite understand
ing OF what conditions are TO be.
LAS TO the question OF indemnities, re-
ceive very little direct information. But
have regretted to see from some OF the
published reports that the total of the in
IDENTITIES is reaching very large sum. 1t
should be borne in mind that China herself
has suffered losses through the recent dis
turbances which will amount to many mil
lions and for which she cannot hope TO re-
ceive indemnity. So that, If the claims of
the powers aggregate 1914. 100000, as 1 see
stated. II would probably not be an under
estimate TO say that Chinas own losses
will reach twice that amount, say 5000, ,000,-
900. In the aggregate, therefore, China will
be shouldering burden of colossal pro-
portions and this will come after the coun-
try has passed through a most trying ex-
perience.
81 note that a number Of suggestions are
made that the indemnity should be along
the lines of commercial advantages and i'm
provements, rather than in money. How
far this is feasible L cannot say. but the
principle involved seems to me a good
one. 1t has the merit of being unselfish.
AS / understand IL, the indemnities thus
far asked are based entirely on the inter-
ests of the various powers. But the inter-
ests OF China are worth considering in
this matter. for, after all. the interests of
China will have much TO do in the end
with the interest of all those nations hav-
ing relations with her, and which are car
rying on extensive trade with the East.
There is a splendid opportunity just now for
such object lesson 10 the Chinese peo-
pie as would obliterate all anti-foreign
sentiment and would show them that the
interest taken by foreign powers in China
had something TO do with the development
and progress OF China, as well as the per-
sonal interest of foreign nations. Our peo-
pie might be shown the benefits coming
from considerate foreign treatment and
they would be grateful to see China
stored 10 a condition OF prosperity. AS TO
details. 1t Is not for me TO suggest what
the powers could do for China, and for
their mutual interest, but l am quite con-
hdent that IL they only put their heads
together very much could be accomplished
In the interests OF all concerned"