New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-07
TIE ISSEE " TIE P4CIFIC.

Amid all the pothcr over the partition OF China
one fact Is clear and indsputable. 1t IL trade
that the Powers are after. Germany seized or
has leased. Kiao-Chau as basis for the extern
sion Of her trade in China. Russia seeks an
jce-free port on the Yellow Sea. and to that end
threatens 10 seize Corea or the Regents Sword
I'm order that her commerce may have free exit
and entry the year around France files hcr
cayeat upon the southern provinces OF emma as
her legitimate trading ground. Japan points 10
her great commercial interests in China ana
Corca as reason why she should he consulted IN
any changes that are made. And Great Britain.
sneaking last bn. most frankly TO the point. de-
clarcs that whatever else may or may not hap
pcn in that quarter of the world the trade OF
china must remain open on equal terms to all
the Powers.
All this shows The keen appreciation the COM
mercal Powers Of Europe have OF the increas-
ing value Of China and general Pacific trade.
They see that the vast empire which comprises
q quarter Of the human race Is destined TO be
one Of the most profitable OF markets for their
wares. and one Of the riches, fields from which
10 draw raw material. They are. some say.
gathering around China like vultures over
carcass Rather let us say they hocking
smart tradesmen TO n booming market. The
ouestjon for American consideration is. whether
or not this country IS to join them. Certainly
II will not ioin them in violent seizures OF terri
tory. or in partitoning the empire. lust as Ger
taiuly II ought TO Join them and TO be foremost
among them. in the peaceful and profitable
rivalry Of trade. The United States has OF all
nations the most important frontage on the east
ern coast of the Pacific. directly facing China.
or all great Western Powers, it lies nearest TO
China. 1t itself "opened" Japan and Corea 70
the trade Of the world, and long held COM
mapdiug rank In the China trade II IS by
nature and bv situation fitted TO enjoy the major
sbara ~ all Pacific commerce. II rests with Il
now. without delay. TO determine whetheF it
shall ;nnroye or shall forfeit its matchless OPP
portunities.
If II Is 10 improve them. Il must annex
Hawaii There IL no Disgusting or evading that
fact. LAYING aside all questions OF naval STRAIT
cgv and National defence. the fact is sef-evdent
that Hawaii IS the commercial key Of the whole
Pacific The Power that owns Il will have an
uncomfortable advantage over all rivals. Great
Britain. Germany and Japan all recognize that
fact and each one stands ready to take the
islands If this country will not do 60. They
would he content. Of course. 10 have Hawaii re-
main Independent and neutral. But that Is
manifestly impossible. 1t must speedily pass
under the control and ownership Of some great
Power. 1t offers itself first to the United States
Is this country to accept 1t and thus secure
sure basis for neStimable expansion of It's Pa
cifc trade? or Is it 10 refuse it, let some other
nation take IT, and thus have American com
merce hopelessly Handicapped In Eastern wa
tiers? Those are the questions which are now
before the Washington Government; for lmme
date answer