The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-03-08
UNCLE SAN IS SOLID
With China Since Refusing TO
Take Part
IN DIVIDING THE EMPIRE
Mr. WI Gives ItaIy's Claim
the Horse Laugh.

Washington, March THE Chinese min
lister, Mr. WI Ting Fang. expresses him
self as highly gratified at the definite de-
termination Of the United States to keep
hands of China and 10 resist the intima-
tons of other powers that the time is ripe
for this country 10 take for itself a part
Of the coast line of China. as made known
by an authorized statement given out yes
terday. Il am sure the Chinese govern
ment and people will not fail to observe
this strong evidence of good WILL said
Mr.. WI today. 1T is not only another
bond between the two countries, but il
has special significance just now. While
the old world powers seem moved by ra-
pacity, the United States takes that lofty
position of equity. justice and humanity,
which has characterized her dealing with
other international questions lately and
instead of joining in encroachments on
China, assumes an attitude of strict neu-
trality."
The minister had a long conference yes
terday with Secretary Hay as TO the sit
uation in China. While he will not discuss
the conference ne undoubtedly learned in
an unofficial way what was known by the
public later in the day, and communicated
the news to Pekin. It IS expected that the
position of the United StSates in refusing
10 seize any territory will have an import
ant influence on aaffirs in China, strength
ening the hands of those i nauthority.
Speaking of Italy's action in seeking an
open door Oh the Chinese coast by the
acquisition Of San Nun bay Mr. WI says
he was much surprised at this move, as
Italy has practically no trade with China
He said that he never had seen more
than two or three Italians in China; there
are no Italian commercial houses that he
recalls, and no Italian colonies Under
such circumstances. the minister is in
clined to believe Italy would not have act
ed until some of the other powers had
been sounded. What China will do as to
accepting or rejecting the Italians claims
Mr.. WI has not been advised officially.
He says, however, that the reports that
the Tsung Ii Yamen has returned the
italian request should not be construed
10 mean that any summary course has
been adopted. All this information indi-
Gates that the return of the request was
in no offensive spirit but was merely to ex-
plain the difficulties of complying with
such a request.
Mr.. WI points out that China continues
to have great stretch of coast, with
number of large ports. including Canton
and some twenty-five treaty ports, through
which the commerce of the world can flow
uninterruptedly. The Russian port at Port
Arthur and that of the British at Wei
IL,
military ports. Kiao Chou, the German
port, is better adapted for commerce as
well as naval uses although Mr.. WI says
his understanding is that the "open door"
policy is to be maintained by the Germans
at Kiao Chou so that all countries would
share alike in its advantages. In any
event he SAYS the free entry of goods
would relate only 10 Kiao Chou and its
Hinterland, and that when these goods
passed into China the Chinese customs
would be levied.
The recent visit Of Admiral Lord Beres-
ford afforded an opportunity for an ex-
change of views between him and Count
Cassini. the Russian ambassador. and Mr..
WI, all Of whom are intimately familiar
with the large questions engrossing China
Lord Beresford had conferred with Off
Gals Of the Tsung Il Yamen and with the
viceroys and leaders. The result Of all this
study Of the Chinese question was summed
ND in the belief. openly announced. that
Great Britain, Germany and the United
States and Japan. having the bulk Of COM
merce and interest in China, should unite
to protect these interests by insuring 70
China stable government free from con-
e+an+ harassment. Mr.. WI does not COM
nit himself on the wisdom Of Lord Beres-
fords plan Of solving the Chinese prob
lem but he IS inclined to believe that mis-
lordships mission which thus far Is IN
official and in behalf Of the Associated
! Chambers Of Commerce Of England, after
his return to England. viii have official