The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-11-05
WE TAKE A STAND IN CHINA
A DEFINITE POLICY ANNOUNCED BY
THIS GOVERNMENT.
1t VIII Take No Part in the Dismember-
mcnt of China, but W III Firmly Insist That
the Trade Advantages It Has Secured
by Treaty Shall Not lie Disturbed.

by Treaty Shall Not lie Disturbed.
WAsHINGToS. Nov. 4.-The great interest
manifested 10y the United States In the en-
croachments Of European nations on Chinese
territory has eliminated in the formation 81
definite rolicy by this Government looking to
the continuation OF tho valuable trade advan-
tages held by America In China. II appears to
have been determined finally by the Admins
tration that no effort to participate in the
partition OF China shall he made. but there
will he no recedng from the intention to make
European Governments respect the interests
Of tho United States in their attempt to divide
up the Empire. The trade advantages
possessed BY this country are secured
by treaty with China. AMI the Government
is prepared to resent any interference with
conditions over there hat will make these adj
vantages less valuable While tho officials
here decline to give any details OF recent eX-
changes between the stats Department and
European Governments on the subject, they
frankly admit that an earnest endeavOr 10 re-
tain American influence in China IL being
made and will not deny rep1r that Germany.
France and Russia have been told that they
must not lei thor partition plans interfere
with continuance Of American trade.
Several months ago tn" United States made
an announcement. in replying to M Inquiry
declaration that this Government would not
allow itself to be considered as a party to or
having n voice in ltays de4ire to se!Ze
Chinese mort as n rcprisn 'or the alleged insult
delivered by the Tsung Ii Ynmen in rejecting
certain proposals o! ltay for obtaining pos
session Of Chinese territory.
l. Ia evident thai. despite this announce
ment which became known to every Euronean
Government certain % tho power sought To
make the United States party to III" rutposed
smemherment Of China. Thcv did no. sue
coed From what il heard here. II il inferred
that in reply 10 the warning from Washington
that American trade with China must not DO
disturbed through the extension Of the
spheres OF European influence n the country
earnest assurances were given that tho
commercial treaties between China and
the United States would Re respected.
and "a n further a-aurano' ~ good Will IL Was
suggested that tn" United states tax" posses
sion OF certain Chimes" territory and thus he-
come party to the civilization o! the Empire.
But the tnitei States would have non" 81 IT..
and II Is understood that the efforts Of the gov
eminent are being directed NJ present 70 s"cur-
ing what will be virtually pledges from Ger
many. France and Russia that whatever the
outcome Of the PARTITION programme. American
treaty rights in China. PARTICULARLY Tree entry
privileges, will be- preserved.
II is n very natural suprosltIon that the
activity OF the negotiations between continent
tai powers concerning China is due to the be-
lief that Great Britain has her han Dis full IN the
war in South Africa. That the assembling OF
| the Mediterranean Fleet by Great Britain Is
| due largely tn this activity IL generally be-
| lIeyed In Official circles here. There are some
persons in high authority here who go so far
! sto express confidence that with Great Brit
aims feet "a menace. the continental powers
will not attempt e. carry out the dismcmh'r-
! ment scheme without fully consulting tho
wishes Of Great Britain. European nations are
! probably won Icrlng. also. whether the United
! states Government is 10 be counted on az a
! factor in the Chinese question II Great Britain
il ignored and this, too. wiIldnuhticS- have It's
! influence In pos'pnning the partition unit! a
more propltous time.