The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-11
NOT DEFINITE ENOUGH.
~BaIfOur's Statement Regarding Brit
aims Policy in the Far East.

LONDON, Jan. 1O.-Right Hon. Arthur J.
Balfour first lord of tho treasury and gov
eminent leader in the House of Commons,
addressed his constituents at Manchester
this evening. 1t was expected that he would
make an important announcement of the
government policy in China, but he con-
fined himself to generalities. Mr.. Balfour
said the concert of Europe had not added
to its reputation by its recent treatment of
Crete He declared that it would be better
to have a third-ratc governor of the island
than none at all, and that it was strange
the concert could not find one either in Eu-
rope or America. He eulogized the bravery
displayed by the British troops in the India
campaign, a campaign more difficult than
the Afghan war of 1879.
Turning to China Mr.. Balfour said British
interests there were commercial and not
territorial. Except as base for possible
warlike operations, the territory would be
a disadvantage because it would involve
responsibility and expense in money and
men. He dilated upon the fact that THE
extent of orr trade in China s,ivee nc
special claim to prevent her pursuing
policy that would discourage trade, and
added: But the deepest traditions of our
policy preclude us from using our trading
privileges as a weapon to exclude our rivals.
II we ask freedom of trade it is not for
England alone. but the whole world"
There was no objection, said Mr. Balfour
in conclusion, to Russia having an ice-free
port, provided England was not excluded
but the government would do it's utmost to
prevent China yielding to foreign pressure
to make regulations adverse to Great Brit
ain, or amy improbable but possible at
tempt to dot the coast of China with for
elgn stations by protectionist countries, who
would raise customs or other barriers to our
trade. The burden of the whole declara-
tioon was that England's plicy in China is
for the benefit of the world at large
The morning paper editorials of all shades
ffe.fa
ton at Mr.. Balfour'S exposition of the prin-
clpleS guiding the governments policy in
the far East but they complain of the alb
sence of definite statements.
The Morning Post says: "A great minister
on great occasion has only whetted the ap-
petite of a people ready to give him large
and generous vote of confidence"
The Daily News says: Mr. Balfour's ex-
lent in intention, and the only fear is that
the execution may fall short of the inten-
ton" With reference to the New York
Illness expression of regret that lack of
appetite has succeeded to Englands ira
dltional earth hunger, the Daily News says:
such regrets in an American journal are
piquant indeed. But our American friend
need not be anxious. Our interests which
are identical with theirs, can be protected
In China by other means than territorial an
rexation."
according to a special dispatch from
Shanghai. 1t is said that the agreement be-
tween England, Japan and Russia with re-
spect to Corea, involves a restoration of the
status quo and the reinstatement of Nc
LeaVy Brown as chief commissioner of
customs, with a Russian commissioner at
Gensan the port of Broughton bay on the
east coast and Japanese commissioner at
f,uSan in the extreme southwest. Sir Robert
mart, director of the Chinese imperial mari
time customs, is negotiating with the Chi
nese government for loan. The Emperor
look the negotiations from the Tsunp
Lii Yamen (board of foreign affairs) in dis
gust at the previous failure.