The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-11-22
DUR INTERESTS In CHINA
The State Department Conducting
NEGOTIATIONS For Their Protection.
STRIVING FOR THE OPEN DOOR.

The United States Will Take No Part In
the Di.memberment of China, But
VIII Firmly Insist That the Trade
Advantages 1t Has Secured by Treaty
Shall Not Be Disturbed.
WASHINGTON, D. c. (speciaD. For the
last year, under instructions from the Pres
.dent, the State Department has been
quietly negotiating for the prot ection OF
American interests in China. The officials
Of the Department refuse to make any
statement relative to the measure OF sue
cess that has attended their efforts, though
1t Is admitted that the subject so far Is
still open, although the prospects Of ulti-
mate success are regarded as highly en-
couraging.
An official 10 high station, who has had
large experience In Chinese questions, Is
authority for the statement that the Gov
ernment does not apprehend any i'm
mediate injary to American interests from
the political moves that are being made
In China. On the contrary, the con-
ditions in the Flowery Kingdom are
such that there is the best reason to
believe that, so far from restraining
the operations OF the United States In
regard to trade extension, the European
nations which have under one pretext or
another seized portions OF the Chinese
coast, would actually welcome the advent
OF the United States as calculated mater
tally to assist their own efforts to break
down Chinese conservatism, and open vast
markets In the Interior Of China to tue
trade OF civilized nations.
The only possible source OF apprehen-
sion, 1t is pointed out, would be some ac-
tlon in the future on the part OF lease.
holders. This might tend to restrict
American freedom OF trade, and even this
would probably be accomplished, not by
direct means, such as prohibition OF entry
at seaports or discriminating duties, but
rather by means Of vexatlous regulations
and the imposition Of obstacles. That
time, however, Is remote, IN the judgment
OF the speaker.
At present both Russia and Germany,
which have been said to be resentful OF
United States trade successes In China. are
on record as rather adding to the list OF
treaty ports, and thus opening new doors
for trade, than as endeavoring to shut out
the United States and England from the in
terror OF China. This Is notably true In the
case OF the German concession at Kiuo-
Chau. where the German authorities have
opened the ports OF Tsingtau, adjoining
the town of Kiao -Chnu, and have done
everything to facilitate the extension OF
trade into the interior. On the north coast
Russia has done the game thing at Tallen-
Wan, and even granted to foreigners the
right to participate In the aunicipal gov
er1ment.
These concessions and leases we're not
taken up By European nations without in
uuIry by the United States Government as
to how American interests were to be
affected, and that fact was disclosed clear
" in the last annual Message to Congress
OF President Mckinley. The President
then sald that he had not been an Indifferent
spectator OF the extraordinary events
that had been occurring In the Chinese
Empire, whereby portious OF the maritime
provinces passed under European control
and steps had beeu taken to see that Ameri-
can interests were not prejudiced by any
exclusive treatment by the new occupants.
He had become assured on that point,
however, 80 that there was no occasion
for the United States to become an actor
on the scene. The large interests OF this
country, its extensive Pacific Coast line,
and its position among nations gave the
United States an equitable claim to con.
sideration and friendly treatment, and 1t
would be the aim OF the United States Gov
6rQm6uC u pTcSoENo I'D inlSo AntoaS't' ~
all proper means in line with the constitu-
tlonal policy OF the Government.
The President then announced that, so
far as tho recent acquisitions OF Germany,
Russia and Great Britain are concerned.
they would be open to International COM
merce, and II 1t appeared that there was
no discrimination against American cltl-
zens and their trade, either now or here.
after, the desires OF the Government
would be realized. These statements were
made by the President after the latest
foreign acquisitions 10 China, and the
negotiations which the State D apartment
Is now pursuing are simply intended to
carry out the Presidents aim, and insure,
not only for the present, but for the
future, free access for American COM
merce to the interior Of China.