The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-05
compacts the privileges secured to the
most favored nation.

most favored nation.
Here, then, we find the underlying
cause of English desire, though it is
more difficult to divine the actuating
motive of German interest, except that
she is solicitous to extend that peculiar
jurisdiction which diplomats define as
the sphere Of influence upon which TO
! project her commerce. Japan realizes
that the augmentation of the oppor-
tunities of Russia in the Orient mill
tate against the enlargement of her
| sphere Of influence commercially and
| otherwise, and she naturally turns in
willingly toward those Powers which
represent the broadcast and most pro-
gressive civilization, and which are
likely to remain as her chief trade COM
petitors in the commerce to develop
along all shores washed by the Pacitc.
France, with ingrained jealousy
of every English movement and ex-
preston; by no. means enamored OF
America or our methods; envious of our
rising power, and more than fearful OF
a possible alliance between the two
English-speaking nations, finds no hope
for sharing in the new geography OF
the world, and being a factor in the
court Of arbitrament that is sought to
be set up, may turn to Russia once
more for need of comfort and hope.
The situation, therefore, indicates
possible condition that may eventuate
in war-a war the most gigantic and
fateful the world has ever witnessed
On the other hand, the very strength
of the nations may be the supreme
guarantee of permanent peace and as
surance against all contention other
than commercial
If the purpose of one of the states
men Of England in a recent after
dinner delivery was to anger France
by reference to possible new hand
clasping between England and the
United States, prompted by CONNER
cial envy and greed, he certainly sue
ceeded. Mr.. Chamberlain's utterances
have been taken very seriously in
France, and there Is no concealment Of
the fact Our own ambassador at the
court of st. James appears to have be-
come infected with the alliance fever.
but with less adroitness than charac-
terized Mr.. Chamberlain's ELUSIVE COM
pliments to the United States and his
presumptuous claim that he has been
the chief agency through which pres
ent good feeling has been attained
opens the door to the purpose behind
Mr. Chamberlain's limitations by class
ing as the great commercial nations
America, England and Germany, be-
tween whom he suggests there is no
danger arising out of rivalry.
His suggestion followed that we have
advanced westward by four great
strides from the Mississippi to Manila,
and was concluded by the blunt, and
we must think injudicious, declaration
that lone step more will bring us to
the open door of China. and then who
shall slam it in our faces?'
1t can scarcely be assumed that Mr..
Choate spoke by the card; that his ex
preston was inspired. Rather he sees
what he thinks is inevitable drift, and
takes the chances. We question seri-
ously both his right and his wisdom,
however, in making declarations in
which his countrymen may not concur,
The question Of the open door is new
to US. Public thought has not settled
upon it; 1t has not had time to digest
it. Mr.. Choate, therefore, spoke unau-
thorizediy when he used language sus-
ceptible of Interpretation that the Unit
ed States may be a party to an alliance
which will either permit the dismem-
berment of China, or be a sharer in the
substitute for it.