The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-21

out by him or by others on the commits sion As there was relatively little op- portunity for direct discussion with the president of the board of revenue on account of his absence at the summer palace in attendance on the court, as well as from the pressure of his other duties (since, in his judgment, the mat ter was already settled), it seemed, until shortly before the American commissioner was compelled to leave China on account of the limitationof the life of the con- mission imposed by congress, that the plans of the commission would probably not be adopted or even thoroughly con- sidered by the imperial government in the most important matter Of al-the prompt establishment of the gold basis although in numerous minor particulars, even some of considerable importance, the opinion was freely expressed by the officials that they would acacept the American suggestions.
 New President Appointed.
 At length. however, His Excellency the President of the Board of Revenue. was was transferred to the President of the Board of Works and a new president of the board of revenue was appointed. His Excellency Chao Erh Hsun. the new president of the board of revenue, mani fested immediately a great interest in the plans under discussion and himself personally honored the American com missioner by meeting him repeatedly day after day for the discussion of the sub ject Before MT. Jenks was compelled to leave Peking for America, the opin- ion was expressed by several of the high Chinese officials whose positions would place heavy responsibility upon them in connection with the money system, that the American plans were practical if the cooperation of the viceroys of the more important provinces could be secur- ed; that the Chinese government, could, if it seemed advisable, secure the finan- cial means necessary for the carrying out of the reform; and that there would be no infringement of the sovereignty of the empire or danger to it's integrity or usefulness in the employment of such foreign expert aid as might be required for the establishment of system in ac- cordance with the American plan.
 The commissioner was assured also by different governors, viceroys, and com missions that the American plans would have their support and some of the high est officials in Picking are of the opinion that in number of instances. at any rate, the support of the local authorities will be heartily given to the central government if 1t undertakes these plans. A favorable judgement regarding the at- titude of the Chinese government seems to be quite general also among those foreign residents most experienced in Chinese affairs. The general opinion seems to be well represented by MT. Conger, the minister of the United States, in his letter to the department of state as follows:
 Conger Writes Letter.
 I have the honor to report that Pro- lessor Jenks left Picking for home on the 27th instant.
 His task was a very difficult one, and at first the prospects were rather discour- aging; but by patience, persistence and clever presentation of his unsurpassed knowledge of the subject. he has made great progress. He has practically
 
 (Continued on Second Paoe.)