all the essential questions involved, and as the discussion of the details bid fair to occupy much time, he was granted by the government a leave of absence from his post to visit the United States. He had well earned a season of rest. He had conducted himself during the trying ordeal of the siege with great fortitude and discretion, and in the negotiations he had labored indefatigably and with a good degree of success to impress upon his colleagues the liberal and reasonable attitude of his government. During his stay in the United States he received such marks of favor as indicated that his services were highly appreciated by his countrymen.
By appointment of the President, Mr. Rockhill succeeded to the conduct of the negotiations on the part of the United States. The two most important points yet remaining for adjustment were the punishments to be inflicted upon the leaders in the anti-foreign movement, and the amount and manner of payment of the indemnities. While the negotiations were in progress the Chinese government, under the urgent representations of the foreign ministers, had condemned a number of high officials, some of whom had been permitted to commit suicide, and others had been banished or degraded. But the ministers were not satisfied with the sufficiency of this action, and they prepared a list of ten other officials whose execution was to be demanded, and about one hundred more to be otherwise punished. The Russian minister objected to the list, and Mr. Rockhill strongly seconded him, declaring that the effusion of blood should cease, after the chief culprits
