The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-02-20
The Big Puzzle of the Nations.

bers of commerce of Great Britain, is
in this country for the avowed purpose
of stirring up American public opinion
to point where it will sanction a
great commercial alliance between
Great Britain, Germany, Japan and the
United states for the control Of the
trade Of China. What he has to say on
this important subject is well worthy
Of a hearing. We quote from an inter-
view published in the Chicago Record:
Conditions in China are ripe for the
formation Of a commercial alliance for
the control Of its almost incalculable
trade by the nations of the world which
are most entitled to it, viz, Great Brit
ain, the United states, Germany and
Japan. China is now simply drifting.
It is in an unsettled condition. Several
serious Instructions even now men
ace its stability. 1t has no army or
navy and it's drift is toward inevitable
dissolution. should this not be check.
ed there will be a general scramble
for control by the great nations of the
earth when the final collapse comes,
determined not in proportion to the
commercial interests of the countries
Of the world but by the strategic posi-
tions they hold. This is recognized by
Russia, which. with small trade rela-
tions is preparing TO dominate all north
China. once in control and heavy
rapport tariff established, the CONNER
cial world VIII be forced to pay tribute
TO Russia Ii it wishes TO extend its
trade into The great Nianchurian dis
trict. 1t is to the interest of Great
Britain, Germany Japan and especial
ly the United States to have China pre-
served intact, to have the present
treaties maintained and to continue the
policy of open ports
This means the continuation OF the
growth of trade which is now setting
strongly in favor Of the United States.
During the last four years the trade OF
the United States with China in cotton
has increased III per cert in quantity
and SO per cent. in value. Our British
trade with China in cotton has gone
down in the same time Is per cent. in
quantity and 81 per cent. in value.
These conditions are true in "a more
limited measure in regard to machin-
cry ore, flour, etc. The advantage of
shorter distance is with the United
States. There H. no jealousy on our
part because Of your growth, FOR even
if your present population is trcbled
there is still plenty Of room for both
of US
Asked if an alliance as suggested
would not precipitate war Lord Charlca
said: 1T would make war impossible.
I 1t would be an alliance twenty times
stronger than the triple alliance which
/ has preserved the peace Of Europe
Russia and France cannot be blamed
/ for looking after their own interests in
| China, but their interests are not COM
! mercial, and IL established will tend
/ to check if not crush the commercial
! growth in the east of the countries
/ have named which now have COM
mercial footing in China and must
maintain it. None of these nations de-
sires the acquisition of territory. Their
armies and navies are not maintained
to secure colonies or additional terri
tory, but are simply the insurers and
protectors of commerce"
In reply to the question, What def
mite plan will you propose for accom-
plishng this trade alliance between
Great Britain, Germany, japan and the
United States?' Lord Charles said
AN international commission should
be selected by these nations to discuss
the matter in all its bearings and for
mulate details for carrying a CONNER
cal alliance into effect. Russia and
France should not be included because
they have little trade in China. Nor
is it their disposition to secure trade.
The trans Siberian railroad is not be-
ing built to extend Russia's commerce
but to give her a strategic position
which contemplateS the control of
north China, where she already has
$4,000 soldiers. The great nations
|. which should form this alliance should
reorganize and officer the Chinese
, army. At present it is but provin-
cial organization, with no uniformity
of equipment or armament. The army
should be maintained TO protect the
commercial interest of all, ard with
its organization stability would return
in China, and the unsettled conditions
which have prevailed since the wal
with Japan would change to those o.
: permanent prosperity The plan vii
| ,,,oct with tho assent nf tho intolliooni
men of China. talked with MANY
mandarlns of high rank and heard NJ
word of dissent from this Influential
class. German commercial organiza
tions favor it. In Japan, where
stopped for q fortnight on my way
from China, my mission received un,
qualified approval. At Hankow repre-
sentatives OF the business interests o.
all the great nations which have ex
tensive trade relations with China wei
coined my plans with enthusiasm.
; may be possible that the great benefits
TO be derived by the United States from
, this Alliance will be overlooked by tn
: people at large, but am certain the,
win not be by the commercial organi
cations of the country.
THE resources and possibilities o
! China are vast. The country is rich II
minerals-gold, silver, iron, copper, pet
; roleum. etc.-ali awaiting development
which will follow the introduction 0
American machinery, As railroads ar
built into the interior an unlimited fiel,
: Is opened for the introduction of al