The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-04-22
Pao-Ting-Fu Filled with French and
German Troops ON Their Way to
the Border of Shan-Si.
RUSSIAN LOAN IN MANCHURIA
MADE TO ESTABLISH n CHINESE
MILITARY POLICE.
Korea Floats a French Loan for Rail-
way Purposes-Russia VIII Not
ReOpea Negotiations.

WASHINGTON, April 21.-The Chinese
minister, WI Tingfang, is about to make "a
move Of far-reaching Importance in the af-
fairs Of China and one which cannot, IL
is believed, but engage the favorable at
tention of all the powers interested in the
affairs of the empire. He is preparing a
memorial TO the Chinese government based
upon his intimate acquaintance with the
affairs OF the western world, and pointing
out wherein there is opportunity for China
TO adopt enlightened policy, which will
bring ii into harmony with the sisterhood
of nations, and at the same time will re-
lieve ii from the present perplexities which
are crowdng upon it, The memorial deals
with administrative. economic and financial
questions, taking in practically the entire
range of government affairs so far as there
seems to be present opportunity of re-
habilitating them on modern and progress
i've lines. The document, however, purpose
ly avoids the radicalism which has in
terfered with previous efforts at reform.
Mr.. WI is a loyal and devoted admirer
of his country and its institutions, and he
has not been in sympathy with past ef-
forts for excessive change, as in his judg-
ment they went so far as to invite preju-
dice and TO command aid in overcoming the
present disastrous condition of affairs.
y recent edct of the government points
out past evils and holds to severe account
those members OF the ancient regime whose
conduct has been largely responsible for
the distress through which the country has
passed. The government asks for every aid
which its patriotic citizens can bring TO 1t
In overcoming the evils of the past, and
I'm establishing a secure basis for the fu-
ture. Acting upon this edict, Mr.. WI has
prepared his comprehensive memorial TO
the government. A memorial of this charac-
ter, it is said, is the most important act
Chinese Official can take, for it is not re-
sorted to except on rare occasions when
the gravity of a cause warrants an official
TO come into immediate communica ton
with the imperial authorities on high ques-
tions of state
Probably the most important feature of
the document is its general presentation
of the view that the time is now ripe for
China to adopt plans for conservative re-
form. In stating the need and advantage
of this, the minister's memorial will point
to the lesson Japan has given to the world
Up 10 few years ago the conditions in
China and Japan were almost Identical
methods of procedure Japan has brought
herself into close communication with the
rest of the world, and now occupies an
enviable position among all the other recog-
nized great powers. Minister WI holds
that there is nothing lacking in the re-
sources of China or in the character of her
people to keep her from securing the same
advantages which have come to Japan.
The memorial does not, however, confine
itself to generalization, but specifies along
what lines changes can be made with ad-
vantage.
AS stated, these cover administrative eco
nonic and financial conditions. In some re-
spects also Mr.. Wu's recommendations
will take up lines OF reform which have
been brought forward by the powers in the
negotiations at Peking, and will point out
that instead of resisting them it will be
to the advantage of China to go even
further than the powers have suggested.
For instance, one of the most important
subjects recently under consideration has
been that relating to the establishment of
a foreign Office at Peking to take the place
of the Tsung Ii Yamen. The plan of the
powers, as recently made known in dis
patches from Peking, is that the old board
of ten members shall be replaced by new
board of five members, with prince of
the blood at its head, two ministers of
foreign affairs and two vice ministers,
the latter TO have a knowledge Of for
eign languages. This plan has not been
wholly satisfactory 20 the foreign minis
ters and their governments. but they
have accepted it with the belief that it will
be at least an improvement on the old
Tsung Ii Yamen, and one which would be
more likely to concur with China's desire
to have important work performed by
boards instead of by individuals.
Mr.. Wu's memorial will go even further
than the powers have suggested as to the
establishment of modern foreign Of
fee. Instead OF a board he will propose
that one official be given the authority and
responsibility of directing the foreign af-
fairs of the empire. He does not regard it
as essential that this one official shall be
prince of the blood, although IL need be
preference might be given to a prince if he
had the other requisites Of ability for for
eign administration. The memorial will
urge that the supreme test IN the selection
of this high official shall be ability end fit
ness for the special duties TO which he Is
appointed 1t will be pointed out that BY
virtue of his position he should be a MEM
ber OF the Privy Council. and thus able TO
secure ready access TO the Emperor. While
this official would be charged with the re-
sponsiblity, yet for administrative pur-
poses he would have under him two or three
assistants. This would constitute the entire
executive organization, so far as relates
to the foreign affairs of the empire. and
such additional officials as might be
Quired would be appointed simply for pur-