The times., 1899-11-09

The Government authorities are growing
impatient over the persisteney with which
reports are circulated abroad concerning
The alleged attitude of the United States
in the question OF the partition Of China.
Most OF these reports, il is stated. are alb
solUtely untrue, while the remainder have
the barest foundation In fact.
The latest report from London 10 the ef-
feet that secret treaty between Great
Britain, the United States, and China has
been arranged to preserve the integrity of
China and maintain the open door" is
denied most positively here by no less an
authority than the Secretary Of State.
There is not a word Of truth in it" said
Mr. Hay yesterday. Under our Consutu-
tion there would be no validity in such an
arrangement A secret treaty with a for
eign Government except d modus vivendi,
which IS purely temporary and provisional
and is always made public. is impossible.
To be binding a treaty must be ratified by
the Senate. You cannot eXaggerate the i'm
possibility Of such a thing
Confirmation was secured yesterday b.
the reporter of the statement made several
times IN these columns that the only
official interest the United States has in
The partition of China is in preserving
American trade rights in that country.
The Government Goes not care 10 be
party TO the dismemberment of the Flow
cry Kingdom, although there is ample rea-
son 10 suppose that Continental powers
would be only too glad 10 assist the United
States In obtaining actual possession of
some Chinese territory. thus securing a
practical endorsement Of their partition
scheme and getting rid of the bugaboo Of
American Interference IN the plans for dis
memberment.
For some time past the State Departren
has been engaged in efforts to prevent any
curtailment Of the large commercial d 5al-
ings between the United States and China.
and there IS reason 10 believe that u gle
handed and alone without any hint Of
English cooperation, IL has se-ur- from
Germany, France, and Russia. assurances
that virtually amount to pledges that what
ever the result OF the present desires Of
these countries concerning China, the
rights OF the United States secured by
treaty with the Chinese Government viii
not be iniCTfered with Or curtai!ed.
With the elections over these statements
CaRnct help having greater force in tEe
United States. II cannot row BE- charged
that it was for internal political Ie-s3ns
only that the Government denied the re-
ports circulated that a secret arrangement
existed between Great Britain and the
United States
Dir. W. the Chinese Minister, expressed
himself yesterday regarding the effect upon
China Of the request made by the United
States for assurances that their interests
there would not be pTeiudiced by exclusive
treatment IN the spheres OF influence ac-
quired by European nations. Mr. WI said:
Il am convinced that the United States.
in taking action with respect 10 its inter
tsts iu China. is actusted not only by a de-
sire To prCtzct these interests, but also TO
conserve The friendly relations which have
always subslsted between the Pekin and
Washington Governments
7; is said that two constructions might
b. placed upon the action taken by tue
PTssident-cuz that in abandoning its poll
cy Of silence with respect 10 affairs in the
territory Ct my Government this Govern
mcnt has taken s.ap IL Chinese affairs
which may be- preliminary 10 acquiring
foothola on he Asiatic continent
The other view is that this Government
las announced 10 the powers Of Europe It's
purpose 10 fully protzct American interests,
that il VIII oppose the acquisition and clos
ing Up CT territory in the Empire, and 10
1nis extent giTes It's support 10 the Imperial
Government
Il held 10 this view. for / am confident
that the policy Of the United States. as Il
has ever been IN the past viii be houora bic
and friendly toward China
4 am satisfied that the United States
has 10 Intention Of establishing Itself CT
The Asiatic continent You have only re-
Gently secured possession Of the Philippine
archipelago WHICH furnishes an excellent
base from which your merchants and com
ueTcial men can operate il China. The
p0ss sssiCn Of this territory entirely o5yi-
ates the necessity Of this Government do
ING more than il has already done to pre-
serve lis commercial rights.
TO 90 more would be TO injure the
friendly relations between the two govern
meufs. The existing condition is beneficial
U0r only 10 China. bur 10 the United States
IS vel, because OF The good VIII felt for
-hH American people, not Cuiy by my Gov
e-umeEt, but by the Chinese people