Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.
(Mr. Hay directs Mr. Conger to try to arrange before negotiations close, if possible, that Peking may be made as treaty port and that the Chinese minister for foreign affairs shall be required to speak some foreign language; to favor lump sum for indemnity, distribution among the powers to be subsequently arranged, possibly by arbitration. Repeats suggestion as to posthumous honors to the three friendly Chinese statesmen. It would be advisable to provide against arbitrary execution, without trial, of high officers of state.
Mr. Conger is to keep always in view and to urge in conference the consideration that impossible terms must not be asked, which would only result in the defeat of the purposes aimed at.)