St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1899-09-20
Z The Chinese Government Protests.

Washington, Sept. 19.-Chinese Min
lister WI Ting Fang has lodged with the
state department an emphatic protest
from the Chinese government against the
military order Of General Otis excluding
Chinese from the Philippines. From re-
liable quarters 1t Is learned that 1t in
sists that General Otis action Is contrary
to international law, In violation Of ex-
listing treaties, and in complete disre-
gard of the friendly relations which
have been so long maintained between
the two countries.
| Minister WI called at the state de-
partment last Friday and it Is believed
he submitted the protest in person at
that time. The matter was promptly
brought to the attention of the president,
as the protest gave the subject an inter-
| national aspect considerably beyond the
purely military questions involved.
| 1t Is stated 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 further bond and extend
the relations between the two coun-
tries, particularly in their neighboring
possessions. Furthermore, 1t Is under
stood that among the specific points Of
protest submitted by the Chinese gov
eminent Is one to the effect 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
has determined permanent condition.
The military phases of the question
have been referred to Secretary Root
Owing to his familiarity with interna-
tional law he probably will consider the
subject broadly, both in its international
as well as its military aspect General
Otis order was issued some time ago.
without direction from Washington and
apparently as a military necessity, al
though the Chinese protest urges that
there is no such military necessity, but
on the contrary that the Chinese have
rendered valuable military assistance.
General Otis order Is signed by him
self, as military governor of the Philip
pines, and by Brigader General Charles
w. Whitaker as collector of customs
having supervision Of Chinese affairs.
1t says: THE laws of the United States
which prohibit the entrance of Chinese
will be enforced here"
The decree then excerpts such Chinese
as have previously lived in the Phil
ippines, and who hold certificates show
ing this fact 1t also excerpts Chinese
officials, travellers, etc, excepted under
the treaty between the United States
and China. Provision is made for reg
istering the Chinese in the Philippines
and their deportation to China in case
of failure to register. AS very few of
the Chinese, other than those in the
Philippines, come within the exceptions,
the effect Of the decree is to make the
exclusion practically absolute.
General Otis made& report to the war
department on April / last on the ex-
ecution of the decree. He said only
Chinese in good health, who previously
resided in the Philippines, were per-
mitted to land at Manila, Cebu or Ilo-
lilo, the only three open ports in the
archipelago. He also explained the
methods of registering, fees. etc.