The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-08-16
PROF. sCHURMAN ON CHINA.

Eeace Commissioner Schurman does full
Justice to his discernment when he de-
clares that China, not the Philippines, is
future of China is the overshadowing
question among the commercial nations Of
the world. 1t is one in which the United
States is as deeply interested as is any
nation whatever No policy pursued by
any nation in China which closes the
doors of the great Middle Kingdom to the
trade of the world will pass unchallenged
by the United States.
Whether so intended by him or not the
words of Prof. Schurman will be con-
st1ued generally as meaning that in his
opinion our true policy in the Orient is to
declare for or against some one or more
of the great powers now struggling for
paramount influence in the Chinese en-
pire. But, whether or not this is the in
tent Of Prof Schurman's Oriental views,
the policy, the true and the only policy,
for the United States . pursue is to hold
ourselves free from all entanglements in
regard to Chinese affairs.
Already it is seen that the Chinese re-
gard American interests with more favor
than those of any European nation. They
recognize that we have no designs on
their territory. What rights we have in
the Orient are rights acquired through
treaty. These neither Russia nor Eng
land nor Japan will undertake to infringe
on, without being held to account. We
have really nothing to look for from any
one any more than another of these ma
tons. They are in China to advance
their own commercial and territorial in
forests. The policy Of one is the policy
of all. What Russia has accomplished
in Manchurfa is not as Prof. Schurman 9
repC rted words indicate, done in infringe
ment Of any privilege Of outside nations
Manchuria was virtually Russian terri
tory long before any question came up as
to the possible ACKNOWLEDGMENT of China.
The sphere Of influence policy in now the
policy alike of England and Russia. An
agreement of concurrence in that policy
has been entered into between the two
nations. It's terms have been published;
and 1t places both the Russian and the
British empires in precisely the same atti-
tudc with reference to China.
The highest official and diplomatic au-
thorities in Russia have repeatedly de-
clared their purpose to recognize fully the
treaty rights Of the United States with
China. The Russian attitude has been one
Of unquestionable friendliness towards us
in China So, also, has been that of Eng
land. How foolish then would it be for
Us to take sides in sustainment Of any
one against any other of the contending
European governments. 1t will surely be
time enough for US to insist on our treaty
rights when there is any disposition
shown in any direction to interfere with
them.
The great Middle Kingdom, the seat of
Chinese wealth and commerce, is still in
act. There is no disposition shown to in
teriere with any concessionary or other
rights which any of our citizens have
secured in China. The reports of our
consular representatives in China all
point to the abundant growth Of our
commerce. What we are infinitely more
interested in is in securing such en-
enlargement from the general govern
ment for the enterprise of our citizens,
seeking to engage successfully in Chinese
commerce, as is extended by every other
nation to its subjects engaged in cor
responding pursuit. When we have Sc
cured this much we can rest secure in
the faith that the United States will be
in possession of all our people seek with
reference to the future of China.