The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-12-06
Our Interests in China.

The United States has not been an in
different spectator of the xtr1ordinary
events transpiring in the Chinese En-
pire. whereby portions of its maritime
provinces are passing under the control
of various European powers; but the
prospect that the vast commerce which
the energy of our citizens and the ne
cessity of our staple productions for
Chinese uses has built up III these re-
gions may not be prejudiced through
any exclusive treatment by the new Oc-
cupants has obviated the need of our
country becoming an actor in the Scene.
Our position among nations, having Il
large Pacific coast and Il constantly eX-
banding direct trade with the farther
Orient. gives us the equitable claim to
consideration and friendly treatment in
this regard. and it will be my aim TO
subServe our large interests in that quar-
ter by all means appropriate to the CON
slant policy of our Government. The
territories of Kiao Chow, of Wei Hal
Wei and of Port Arthur and fallen Wan.
leased 10 Germany, Great Britain and
Russia. respectively, for terms of years,
will it is announced, be open to inter
national commerce during such alien oc-
cupation: and if no discriminating treat
ment of American citizens and their
trade be found to exist. or he hereafter
developed. the desire of the Government
would appear to be realized.
In this relation, as showing the vol
ume of our exchanges with China and
the peculiarly favorable conditions which
exist for their expansion in the normal
course of trade. | refer to the communi-
cation addressed to the Speaker of the
House of Representatives by the Secre-
tary of the Treasury on the 14th of last
June. with its accompanying letter of
the Secretary of State, recommending
an appropriation for Il commission to
study the commercial and Industrial con
dtionS in the Chinese Empire and report
as to the opportunities for and obstacles,
to the enlargement Of markets in
China for the raw products and manu-
facture of the United States Action
was not taken thereon during the late
session. | cordially urge that the re-
commentator receive at your hands the
consideration which its Importance and
Thickness merit.
GROUNDS FOR UNEASINESS.
Meanwhile, there may be just ground
for disquietude i'll view of the unrest and
revival of the old sentiment of opposition
and prjudice to alien people which per-
vades certain of the Chinese provinces.
As in the case of the attacks upon our
citizens i'll Szechuan and at kutien in
1890 the United States Minister has
been instructed to secure the fullest
measure of protection, both local and
Imperial. for any menaced American in
terests and to demand in case of lawless
injury to person or property, instant rep
aration appropriate to the case. War
ships have been stationed ut Tienstein
for more ready observation of the dis
orders which have invaded even the
Chinese capital so as to be in Il posi-
ton to act should need arise. while a
guard of marines has been sent to
Picking to afford the Minister the same
measure of authoritative protection as
tne representatives of other nations have
been constrained to employ.
Reference is then made to the infer
ruption of diplomatic relations between
Ialy and Colombia and the hone Of q
peaceful settlement is expressed The
message continues:
A claim of an American citizen against
the Dominican Republic for public
bridge over the Ozama River, which has
been i'll diplomatic controversy for sew
eral years, has been settled by expert
arbitration and an award in favor of the
claimant, amounting to about SOC. 900
1t, however, remains unpaid despite ur
gent demands for its settlement accord
ing to the terms of the compact.