The San Francisco call., 1899-11-25
FAVORS
THE OPEN DOOR
Del CaSSe Explains Her
Attitude.
WANTS LITTLE CHINESE SOIL
CONTENT WITH DEVELOPING
HER COLONIES.
Referring to the Boarding of the
Cruiser Cordoba, the Minister
Justifies the Action of
the British.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

PARIS. Nov. A-In the Chamber OF
Deputies to-day. during the discussion OF
the foreign estimates, Count Mantaigue
Conservative asked for explanations as
10 the incident of British cruiser stop
ping and boarding a French steamer, the
Cordoba, in Delagoa Bay. NJ. Del Casse,
the Minister Of Foreign Affairs, replied
that it was not an isolated case. Bellig-
erents during a war. he explained. had the
right to ascertain the nationality OF any
vessel. and. he added. If the British cruis-
ers only did this they had acted within
their rights.
Turning TO the situation in China and
the recent incidents in Kwang-Chau-W Wan
province. the Minister reviewed the con-
cessions obtained by other nations and
said Frances share had been inferior to
Great Britain's. He continued:
I'VE took what we thought 10 be the
most convenient spot But we must hus-
band our resources, for efforts in our vital
interests may render IL necessary. Our
immense empire and frontier in China
ought TO keep US from impatient enter
priSeS which might cost us dearly. The
partition of China is not imminent. Rus
sia has reached Pechili because she has
not met with great resistance. Our zone
of influence lies beyond TonQuin. The point
In dispute is in poor province. but what
Is important TO us IS that China has un-
dertaken not TO yield the neighboring
provinces TO the influence of any one
power.
I'VE must seek TO maintain the open
door"
Referring to the Transvaal. the Foreign
Minister said he favored mediation, but
did not deem IL opportune 10 take the ini-
tiative. as the powers had not yet signed
The Hague protocol.
Touching upon, lingering newspaper
structures as to the Fashoda settlement,
the Minister remarked:
Some papers make II n business OF
dwelling on national humiliation. The
Government took a decision which IL was
quite justified in doing. and a subsequent
treaty gave France vast territory and
consolidated our African empire.
The Governments adversaries wish
sist that she ought 10 intervene every
where. They increasingly demand terri
t9rlaI ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, as II we did not
already have an immense colonial empire
TO develop. We shall consult the coun-
try's interest and not seek doubtful pop
ularity. When the Government considers
where our vital interests lie and the fact
that the population OF France increases
but little, IL comes to the conclusion that
IL ought rather 10 devote its efforts to
maintain what is acquired rather than
seek ACKNOWLEDGMENT"
The speaker then denounced those un-
scrupulous politicians who exploit the
noble sentiments of the country in order
10 excite public opinion against the Gov
ernment." He recalled the fact that Ger
many. on the morrow OF her victories.
was obliged to seek an alliance. and said:
THE Franco Russian alliance. opposed
to the Dreibund, has been drawn closer,
and this alliance, which guarantees peace
at present. admits OF far-reaching projects
in the future and ought TO encourage us
TO persevere in the existing line of policy"
Abiding 10 the commercial agreement
with the United States. NJ. Del Casse said:
We have concluded with the United
States a commercial agreement. and when
little difficulty In showing that we have
scrupulously safeguarded the interests OF
our agriculture. This agreement will give
fresh impetus 10 the commerce of the two
peoples, who are united by history and
similarity Of political institutions and can
never cease to be So save by a misunder-
standing of their evident interests
1T Is by endeavoring to smooth difficult
ties, by conciliating interests and by sup
pressing as far as possible the sources OF
ship OF some and certainly the esteem of
all.
II am aware that some journals urge
an opposite policy-the policy Of shaking
the fist at all the world, a policy which
implies stupefying ignorance or the
tments. Who does not see what risks
To dignity and safety our country would
run by such an attitude? But you will
never tolerate such a policy. Bluster does
not mean strength"
The general opinion in the Hobbies was
that the speech of NJ. Del Casse would
produce an excellent impression at home
and abroad. The entire Chamber, except
the Nationalists and Anti-Semites, ap-
plauded. The Foreign Minister was very
careful 10 avoid saying anything calculat-
ed TO wound the susceptibility OF any
country. An explanation of his allusion
To the dual alliance is found I'm his recent
conference with the Russian Foreign Min
ister. Count Muraveiff, in Paris and St
Petersburg.