The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1899-09-22

Consul Ho Vows Gigantic
Project
Oriental Emp,ror to Give Esps oia'
Trade Privileges to Americana
lg 70 Keep on, Europeans.

One of the largest commercial ana
Industrial movements Of the world Is
now receiving the serious considera-
ton of a number Of Chinese and
American capitalists of San Francis
co. Reference has been made to 1t
once or twice in the press, but the i'm
portance of the project has never been
fully explained or generally under
stood. The proposition is the forma-
ton of United States and China
trading company, the scope Of which
will reach into every branch OF the
industries Of the two great nations.
looking to the creation OF
such an organization are being held
the capital in San Francisco
as we'll as In the East and China is be-
coming interested.
The first public notice of this move
ment was issued by Ho Vow, the Con-
sui Generol Of China in Frisco, who
sent out a number of circulars to the
commercial bodies of that city, the
East and in China. The representa-
tive Of the Flowery Kingdom has al
ways distinctly stated that his acts In
this matter were unofficial, but for all
this his broadmindedness has been.
criticized by those either ignorant OF
his purpose or fearful for personal rea-
sons. In his unOfficial communication
Ho Vow says.
China, territorially considered, is
almost a terra incognita, yet with her
undeveloped resources,
hAr ~
gressive Government and a desire to
obtain all the advantages OF Western
q most inviting field Is Of
fered for American capital, enterprise
and ingenuity. European nations have
not been slow to recognize and take
of these opportunities and
have sought to obtain large territorial
concessions.
1.-THE United States Government has
always maintained passive attitude
and has in consequence material ad-
vantage that other nations lack. One
who. follows the daily trend Of events
and Is conversant with the aggressive
and grasping policy of the diplomats of
Europe can readily realize the advan-
tages that may accrue to the citizens
of the United States through the lib
eral non-interference policy OF this
This quotation Is the key to the sit
uation. A gentleman recently returned
from China states that the powers that
be in that country have recognized the
of becoming one of the rec
0gnixed civilized nations Of the world
or be chopped up territorially and
parceled out among the powers Of Eu-
rope, which means its humiliation as
a nation. To accomplish this by Its
own power and resources Is impossible,
and a strong ally IL necessary. Ameri-
ca is China's only hope. but the alli-
ance must be commercial and not pO-
litical. Ho Vow in his address refers
to San Francisco as the natural dis
center Of the trade of the Pa
ciiic Ocean, and toward this point
must converge the greater part of the
trade that will eventually be devel-
oped between China - and this
His proposition is to form a United
States and China trading company
with capital of from five to ten mil
lion dollars, with a general charter
which will permit Of the most extern
sive field Of operations, the scope of
which will be determined by the in
vestOrs. Its purpose Ia to deal as d.
rect purchaser or agent in the natural
products or manufactured articles Of
each country with q view of introduce
ing American products into China; es-
tablish branch houses In every treaty
port of China; arrange for and accept
contracts for the construction of rail-
ways, building of steamships, war;
ships or other vessel for the Chinese
Government or private concerns; to
form and promote special syndicates.
ETC., and lin fact the aim of the COM
pany shall be to take advantage of
each and every opportunity that may
appear to AFFORD a profitable outcome"
From reliable sources It Is learned
that while the proposition of the Con-
sui General Is unofficial. 1t has the
sanction of the high powers of China.
With this backing such a company
could secure and absorb every fran
chise and concession within the gift OF
the Chinese Government and the grant
ing Of these concessions to such an Or
ganization as contemplated would be
sufficient excuse for the Chinese Gov
eminent refusing requests or demands
for the same from the grasping pow
ers Of Europe. With these interests
vested In America the United States
would be obliged to protect the rights
of Its citizens-and China knows this.
The general plan Of organization Is
to apportiOn shares in the company to
merchants, capitalists and corporations
at various points. This would natural
ly prevent Capitalization of the COM
pany In any section of the United
States, but would make the whole ma
ton party to any infringement upon
the interests and rights held by Its
citizens In the Orient. II Is stated
that the project Is being advanced
among other capitalists than those OF
San Francisco. That It Is favorably
considered there IL manifest by the
meetings OF some OF the prominent
business men Of the community, who
at present claim to be only discussing
and talking over the subject"
IL Ii certain that Ito Vow has ex-
cited more than q passing interest, for