Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-01-08
TO BRING 1T HERE
Proposed to Remove Field of Negoti-
atoms From Pekin.
SUGGESTIONS TO THE POWERS
Questions Relating to Indemnity
and Treaties.
\ HOSTEL INFLUEN CE

The negotiations which have been pend
ing for some time relative to the removal
from Pekin of some of the subjects of in
ternational negotiations, so that they could
be taken up at Washington or at the capt.
tai of one Of the other powers. have now
advanced to stage where there is promise
Of satisfactory understanding among the
powers. The plan originated through sug-
gestion of Minister Conger, cabed about a
week ago, to the effect that there was little
prospect of securing united action the
subject Of indemnity and Of new CONNER
cial treaties with China. For this reason
Mr.. Conger suggested that better progress
in the negotiations was likely to result If
these two phases could be removed from
Pekin, and taken up at some point entirely
removed from the local influences prevail
ing there.
Sugeestion to the Powers.
Mr.. Conger's idea met with favorable
consideration from the officials here, and
accordingly the suggestion was commune
Gated by this government to the other
powers interested in China. 1t was not q
proposition to remove the entire field OF
peace negotiations from Pekin, but simply
that these two phases, relating to indem-
nifty and the commercial treaties, be taken
capitals. In executing this plan it has
been the purpose to assemble an 1nterna-
tional commission, which could pass on all
questions of indemnity. both among them
selves and against China. 1t would be
in the main conference among the pow
ers, although it Is expected that Chinese
ENJOYS would be invited to participate after
the proceedings have reached a stage
where unity Of action among the powers
was assured.
Nh nrfn
The State Department has already re-
ceived indications as to the general feeling
of some of the powers on this proposition.
But there has not been time for final ac-
ton by any of the powers. nor for such an
indication Of the consensus of opinion as to
foreshadOw the result. There appears to be
no reason to anticipate serious opposition
to the transfer, as most Of the powers have
appreciated the obstacles at Pekin in the
way of an agreement on the two subjects
of indemnity and commercial treaties.
Attitude Of the Empress DOwaEcr.
Minister Conger was heard from today In
a cabegram to the State Department. The
text of the dispatch was not given out
but 1t was made known that in substance
Mr. Conger confirmed recent press reports
to the effect that there was reason to be-
lieve the empress dowager was exerting
her influence against the acceptance of the
demands submitted by the powers. 1t is
the feeling among officials here that the
influence still welded by the empress
dcwager may lead to serious complica-
lions, in case she seeks to bring to halt
the negotiations now pending.
PARIS, January S.-As the result Of in
quiries made in official circles. the Asso-
ciated Press learns that it is true (as cabled
from Washington to the Daily Mail of
London) that the United States has put
forth a tentative suggestion that the peace
negotiations be shifted from Pekin to
Washington. The French government,
however has not yet received a formal
proposition and, therefore, its attitude on
the subject is not determined.