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 concurrence in the general principles by the representatives of the powers a comparatively easy one, and within less than one month they reached an agreement on the essential provisions to be embodied in a treaty, but some delay occurred in reconciling minor differences and consulting the home governments. A question arose as to the form in which the demands agreed upon should be submitted to the Chinese plenipotentiaries, whether in separate identic notes, or in a joint note signed by the representatives of all the powers. Although the United States does not ordinarily favor joint action with European powers, Mr. Conger advocated a joint note on the ground that the question was world-wide, that the demands should be strengthened by unanimity, and that it would hasten final settlement by being more effective than identic notes; and that course was pursued, and the note, signed by all the representatives, was delivered to the Chinese plenipotentiaries December 24, and by them forwarded to the court with their recommendation of the acceptance of its terms.

The note contained twelve demands, which may be divided into the four heads: (1) punishment of the guilty; (2) preventive measures for the future; (3) indemnification; and (4) improvement of official and commercial relations. On January 16, in obedience to an imperial edict, the Chinese plenipotentiaries gave notice of their acceptance of the twelve demands, but accompanied it with a series of questions and suggestions looking to some modifications of the details.

Mr. Conger had conducted the negotiations on the part of the United States to a successful conclusion on