The times., 1899-06-04
SUNDAY. JUNE 4, 1899.
our New Pnciac Neighbor.

IT is said that some surprise was occa-
stoned in the State Department and at the
White House by the announcement of the
Spanish Queen Regent that convention
had been signed with the German Emperor
providing fog the cession of the Carolines
and Palaos Islands. and the Ladrones, with
the exception of Guam. to Germany. Why
all this should not have been expected is
rather hard TO understand. 1t has been
well enough known for months past that
negotiations were in progress with such an
object in view. From the day when the
combined timidity and stupidity of the
present Administration led it to fail in de-
manding all the Spanish islands in the Pa
cific, it has been obvious that Germany
would buy. or in some way acquire what
ever the United States did not take
That fearful hesitancy was without ex-
euse. 1t represented the tag end of the
policy with which Mr.. Mckinley started
out, under the united influence of George
F. Edmunds. Archbishop ireland. and the
then Secretary Day, not to take anything
from Spain but coaling station in the
Philippines. Popular indignation drove
him from that idea, but he had to make
some sort of concession TO his original in
tentions. and TO the confectioners of his
peace protocol: and SO he took it out in
the unnecessary and unstatesmanIike sur
render OF several of the most important
strategic position in the Eastern seas to
Germany via Spain. We will venture the
f1,at
been Secretary of State six months or so
sooner than he was. this colossal bIunder
would have been avoided. The results
show that Minister of Foreign Affairs
needs TO be citizen of the world, and to
be as familiar with its affairs. opportuni-
ties, and high politics as one we wot of was
supposed 10 be with the affairs and politics
OF the village of Canton. Ohio.
Since the mistake was made and irrepar-
ably. and in committing il we practically
invited strong. ambitious, and aggressive
neighbor to divide power with us in the
Pacific Ocean, there is nothing TO be done
but 10 make the best OF a situation which
is strictly of our own Construction. Having
refused our chance to take all the Caro-
lines. Ladrones. and Palaos Islands, their
cession, excepting Guam, 10 Germany is no
concern of ours.
But the natural consequences of the firm
hold and naval and commercial advantages
which the Kaiser has gained in the Far
East Will compel us to greater watchful-
ness and activity in protecting our trade
interests in Asia The partition of China
Is going on steadily and remorselessly.
Diplomatic euphemisms like spheres OF
influence" and the covering seizures of
territory with the fiction of a lease may
serve some valuable purpose among the
powers that are using them so freely. But
they do not alter or even obscure the seri-
Gus facts and conditions of the absorption
OF the Chinese Empire by the nations of
Europe.
The little America party. in New Eng
land and elsewhere. is constantly assert
ing that the partition of China. while IT
may be viewed with regret, is not a matter
with which the United States has any
business 10 interfere, and is a movement
in which, certainly, II should never mar
ticipate. Upon the sane ans vast ma
jority OF Americans, however, it has
dawned that we can hardly afford to sit
still and see the great Asiatic market
closed to our commerce. as II must ineyi-
tahly be when the extinction of China as
an Independent Government becomes ac-
complished in name as it nearly has been
already in fact At the present time cur
rights in the country rest upon treaties
with the Chinese. Where shall we stand
when those treaties are abrogated by the
passing OF sovereignty to powers including
our most active trade rivals? With Eng
land and Germany barring entrance from
Tonquin TO Port Arthur, where shall we
find our open door? 1t is high time that
We were taking these considerations into
careful account. We have too much at
stake In the East TO let things drift aways
from US any longer. II the coast line of
China is TO be ultimately divided among
the Western powers. in very short time
1t Will be too late for US TO gain foot
hold. We must anticipate fate and nego-
uste for port and coaling station on the
Chinese mainland. ana do Il at once, or.
before we know II, there will not be a SPOT
big enough on which to land canoe. from
Siam 10 Siberia that will not be in the
possession Of France. Germany, Italy. Aus
tria, or Russia. Our only chance for an
equitable share OF future Chinese trade
depends upon our ability TO secure a port