Evening star., 1899-11-23
FOR AN OPEN DOOR
Dr.. Won Holleben on Germany's Policy in
China.
Absolute Neutrality Concerning the
War in South Africa-Samoan Set
tlement Approved.

DIR. Won Holleben. the German ambassa-
DOR has been interviewed with regard to
his recent visit to Europe and on the trend
of sentiment concerning international ques
tions.
THE Samoan settlement meets with very
general approval said the ambassador,
''as 1t seems to be regarded as good thing
for all the parties interested. 1t is GER
tainly n good thing for the three govern
ments which have hitherto exercised a joint
protectorate the islands, this ar
rangement was cumbersome and unsatis-
factory, and the events of last spring
showed that 1t might give occasion for
serious differences. 1t is equally good for
Samoa, as the islands no longer share in
the uncertainties of the tri-partite agree
ment but will have a uniform and stable
government Naturally the settlement is
most gratifying to Germany, as she secures
the two large islands of Upolu and Savaii,
where German interests have long been eS-
tabished and where the commerce Is con-
siderable. The Germans have been in that
locality so long that considerable sentiment
is attached to the retention of these is
lands. Moreover. this accession, following
so closely the accession of the Carolines,
is regarded as another marked tribute to
the strong and successful policy which
Count Won Bufow is carrying out.
Neutrality in south Africa.
concerning lle war IN SDutn Africa. the
sentiment in Europe so far I able
to observe. is one of profound public In
terest and complete official neutrality.
Naturally in a conflict of this character
the public takes sides. 1t is the same as
here in the United States. for | have no
ticed since my return that opinion is di-
vided here. This public sentiment in Ger
many and elsewhere simply shows that
free play which is given to individual opin-
Ion. But this is quite different from the
official attitude of the government, which
is scrupuously correct. neither showing
favor nor disfavor to either side. And so
far I observed this is the attitude
throughout Europe, for while there has
been much loose conjecture in the press
concerning Intervention. such a step does
not appear to have received the slightest
consideration in responsible quarters"
The ambassador was asked concerning
Emperor Williams present visit to Eng
land and the political significance attached
to ii.
This visit" said the ambassador. was
arranged some time last summer. and I
have reason to believe 1t is a family and
private trip. But | suppose it is quite nat
ural that the movements of the imperial
party should attract attention and enthu
siasm, and if the political gossips draw de-
ductions contributing to the existing good
feeling it will certainly be most welcome"
Referring to China and the recent nego-
tiations in which the United States has
been engaged, DR. Won HoIleben said:
Open Door in China.
Il notice that the question has attracted
much attention in this country, but far
as | am concerned ! come back entirely
without instructions. / may say, however,
that Germany's policy III China has always
been favorable to the open door The
German port of Kiao Chau has its doors
open to the commerce of the world, with
out favor or discrimination, and | have no
reason to believe that any change In this
Well-estabished policy is contemplated"
AS to the outlook for the meat-inspe"ton
BILL DR.. Won Holleben says it Is too early
to say what will be done. The reichstag
has just met, and the meat-inspection bill
has not yet been introduced. Concerning
the subject of reciprocity between Germany
and the United States. which has heretofore
been under consideration. the ambassador
says there have been no recent develop
ments.
Speaking generally concerning the rela-
tons between Germany and the United
States, DIR. Won HOlleben says there has
never been a time when those relations
have been more satisfactory. minor causes
Of difference having disappeared and a gen
eral era Of good feeling having been brought
about. For this the German ambassador
expresses mis- cordial appreciation of the
course of Secretary Hay, which has been
one of sympathetic cooperation in the adj
justment Of the various questions between
the countries.