Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-09-19
EXCLUSION OF THE CHINESE
Protest Against Their Being Barred From
the Philippines.
Decree of Gen. Otis Was Endorsed by
the Administration at the
Time 1t Was Issued.

The imperial Chinese government
| through its minister here, Mr.. WI Ting.
Fang. has lodged with the State Depart
ment an emphatic protest against the or
der of General Otis excluding Chinese from
the Philippines The Chinese minister in
sists that General Otis action Is contrary
to international law, in violation Of existing
treaties, and in complete disregard of the
friendly relations which have been so long
maintained between the two countries.
The matter was promptly brought to the
attention of the President as the protest
was of such character to give the sub
ject an International aspect, considerably
beyond the purely military questions In
volved. 1t is said that China points out
that she has welcomed the recent advent OF
the United States into the affairs of the
far east, and has hoped that this step
would prove a further bond and would ex-
tend the relations between the two coun-
tries. particularly in their neighboring
possessions
Furthermore, it Is understood that among
the specific points of protest submitted by
the Chinese government Is one to the eff
feet that such an order Is departure from
the announced purpose of the President OF
the United States to maintain the present
status of affairs In the Philippines until
Congress had determined permanent con-
dition.
General Otis order was issued some time
ago. and apparently a military necessity,
although the Chinese protest urges that
there Is no such military necessity, but on
the contrary that the Chinese have rem
dered valuable military assistance.
General Otis order is signed by himself
as military governor of the Philippines,
and says:
The laws of the United States which
prohibit the entrance of Chinese will be
enforced here
The decree then excepfS s11cb Chinese oo
nave previously lived in the Philippines
and who hold certificates showing this fact.
1t also excerpts Chinese officials, travellers,
etc, excepted under the treaty between the
United States and China Provision is
made for registering the Chinese in the
philippines, and their deportation to China
In case of failure to register. AS very few
Chinese, other than those now in the
Philippines. come within the exceptions, the
effect of the decree Is to make the exclu-
sion practically absolute.
General Otis made a report to the War
Department on April 1 last on the exc
Chinese in good health. who had previously
resided in the Philippines, were permitted
to land at Manila, Cebu or Iloilo, the only
three open ports in the archipelago. He
fees, etc.
1t is understood that the Chinese govern
ment regards the outcome of this protest
with much apprehension. 1t Is pointed out
that the Chinese have been long established
in the Philippines, and that a considerable
branch of industry of the islands is con-
Quoted by them and that this complete ter
mination of long established communica-
ton between China and the Philippines in
jures these people both personally and ma
terialy.
General Otis action In this matter was
Endorsed by the administration at the time
it was taken some months ago. and present
orders will continue in operation unless the
President directs their revocation.