The Oskaloosa herald., 1901-01-17
SIGN THEIR NAMES.
Chinese Plenipotentiaries Subscribe
to Joint Note.

Picking, Jan. 1.-THE joint note of
the powers has finally been signed by
the Chinese peace commissioners.
Prince Ching signed Saturday and Ii
Hung Chang, who is better, signed it
Sunday.
Most of the ENJOYS have received
word from their governments that the
negotiations must be conducted in
Picking, on the ground that for various
reasons other places suggested would
be objectionable.
Prince Ching has protested to the
court against the appointment, said to
be contemplated, of Viceroy Chang
Chin Tung as plenipotentiary in the
place of Ii Hung Chang. He thinks
the latter's advice absolutely essential,
although he believes it might be ad.
visable to appoint a third plenipoten-
tiary for China and reiterates his de-
sire for the appointment Of Sheng,
who would be acceptable to the for
eigners. So far as Chung Chin Tung
is concerned, the ENJOYS who know
him personally say that, while he is
strongly anti-foreign and has never
made any secret of his likes and dis
likes, they believe he would be a salts
actory representative of the Chinese
and there would not be any objection to
him on the score of his recent utter
ances. Indeed, some Of the ministers
think it would be wise for China TO
make Chang Chin Tung plenipoten-
tiary.
why American Plan FaIIed.
Berlin, Jan. 14.-It Is stated here
that the reasons given by the CONT
mental powers for their opposition to
the proposal of the United States that
the negotiations with China in regard
to indemnities and the revision of
commercial treaties should be trans
ferred from Picking to Washington,
Toxic, or some European capital were:
First, the delay that would be in
volved in exchanging communications
between such committee and the
Chinese commissioners at Picking.
Second the expense that would be
involved in practically two sets of
commissioners; and,
Third, that such a course would di-
minish the local pressure upon China.
The fourth and strongest reason,
which was urged by Japan, was that
Asiatic interests were all anxious for
a quick settlement of the trouble and
the Withdrawal of the allies from
China.
Anxious for Speedy Peace.
Paris, Jan. 14:-It is believed in
French official circles that the action
of the United States in Withdrawing
the proposal for the transfer of the
Chinese negotiations from Picking to
Washington or some European city
was due to a desire on the part of the
American authorities to have the mat
ter settled as quickly as possible. In
this the French officials heartily con-
cur.
Is Not True.
London, Jan. 1.-THE foreign office
here declares the report of the ces-
sion of the New Chwang-Shan-Hai
Kuan railroad to Russia by Lord Sal
isbury, as announced by the Daily
Chronicle, is unfounded. 1t points out
that Great Britain has no power to
csde it, as the railroad is Chinese prop
erty. Moreover, it is stipulated that
the railroad shall not be mortgaged to
any foreign government or company.
In Justice to COnGer.
Washington, Jan. 14.-In view of
published dispatch from Picking criti-
cising the course of Minister Conger
for having signed the joint demands
of the powers after he is alleged to
have been aware that the state de-
partment disapproved of the use of
the word ''irrevocable," it is said at
the state department in justice to Mr..
Conger that the criticims are based
on only a partial knowledge of the
facts, and that, as a matter of fact,
Mr.. Conger subsequently was author
lied to sign the lrrevocable" demands,
and that he did sign with a reserva-
ton which he had been directed to
attach. The matter is looked upon
as closed incident, and there is no
disposition to hold Mr.. Conger culpa-
bic under the circumstances.
Killed 1000 Boxers.
Shanghai, Jan. IA French force is
reported to have defeated body of
Boxers west of Pao-ting-fu, killing a
thousand.