Omaha daily bee., 1898-07-24

much like an individual. A man trades
where he is best treated. This is human
nature the world over, not excepting China.
l live in hope that whatever may be the
differences between the two countries they
will disappear. China desires to hold
friendly relations with all the world, and
particularly with the United States"
What are the commercial relations be-
tween the Chinese empire and the Philip
pines?"
China and the Philippines.
''They are very great. You will appreci-
ate this more strongly when i say that over
100, 900 Chinese inhabit these islands. Steam
ers continually run back and forth between
Hong Kong and other Chinese ports and
| Manila, exchanging the products of the two
countries. China has, as you will see, a
direct interest in the Philippines. Many of
the islands were settled by the Chinese,
| who have, as a matter of course, aided
greatly in their development. 1t is as If
a few thousand or more Americans had
| emigrated to some islands off the Atlantic
or Pacific coast and there built up a re-
munerative trade with their mother coun-
try. The maternal instinct ought to be as
strong in nations as in individuals. The
| mother cannot forget the child she has
borne and reared through much suffering.
say this merely to illustrate how we feel
| towards those of our own blood on these
islands"
Would the possession of the Philippines
by the United States help to enlarge our
! trade with China and other eastern coun-
tries and how?'
''This would seem to be the natural effect
of such a situation, but to answer this ques-
- " IA. H-II -l-lRAa-a2 I'LL uA-,..-
| time, and the time has not yet arrived when
the question can be answered properly, In
general, of course, wider interests mean
| wider trade, but the old saw: Never cross
a bridge until you come to it," may well
| apply to this case"
would the possession Of the Philippines
by the United States increase the estima-
ton In which the United States Is held by
the people of China and other eastern
people?"
ut Is beyond my province to answer this
question directly. In discussing the Philip
| pines Just at this j~uncture one approaches
| the LANCER line. Personally | hold very
decided views on the eastern question, but
as / cannot divorce my individuality from
my office i must decline to discuss this
particular aspect of the question"
"You speak Of the progress being made
by China In a material way. What about
that?"
Spirit of Progress In China.
"To appreciate that remark one must
thoroughly understand the Chinese
character. China to the world at large Is
an unknown land. notwithstanding all that
has been said and written, the Chinese are
q very practical people. They are not
moved with the fiery energy OF the Anglo
Saxon. They go slow, and hold to the things
they have. Time was when the masses
opposed with a spirit even of fanaticism
all internal improvements. That spirit only
exists now In isolated instances, Reforms
are now welcomed as never before. The
people are seized with the spirit Of progress.
We are a nation OF 400, 00O, 900. AS 1t is a
law OF nature that large bodies shall move
slowly, China is not 10 be Judged In her
forward movement with a smaller nation.
Nevertheless, we are moving forward.
''The genius OF China is not In the line
of the acquisition OF territory. We're she
circumscribed in territory perhaps her am
bitiOn might be for more. II has been said
OF her by Lord Wolseley, that in time she
will oyerrun the world with her millions of
inhabitants. No one need fear such a re-
| suit. Genghis Khan is pointed to as a