The times., 1899-11-05

The great interest manifested BY the
United States in the encroachmenrs Of
European nations on Chinese territory has
eliminated in the formation Of definite
policy by this Government looking 70 the
continuation Of the valuable trade advaR-
tages held by America in the celestial
kingdom. 1t appears to have been de-
termined finally By the Administration that
no effort to participate in the partition Of
China shall be made. but there viii be no
receding from the intention 10 make Eu-
ropean Governments respect the interests
Of the United States in their attempt TO d.
vide up the Empire The trade advantages
possessed by this country are secured by
treaty with China. and the Government is
prepared 70 resent any interference with
conditions over there that viii make these
advantages less valuable While the Of
ficiaIs here decline to give any details of
recent exchanges between the State Depart
ment and European Governments on the
subject they frankly admit that an earnest
eudeayor TO retain American influence IN
China is being made. and viii not deny
reports that Germany. France. and Russia
have been told that they must not let their
partition plans interfere with continu-
ance Of American trade
Several months ago the United states
made an announcement in replying 20 an
enquiry from Italy which practically
amounted to declaration that this Gov
ernmeut would not allow itself TO be con
sidered as a party TO- or having voice
in Italy's desire TO seize a Chinese port as
reprisaI for the alleged insult delivered by
the TsUng-Ii-Y Yamen in rejecting certain
proposals of Italy for obtaining possession
OF Chinese territory. Italy prepared
squadron to send TO China, but before de-
spatchiug it she sought to know whether
such action would be agreeable To- the
United States The Government at Rome
got no satisfaction from this Government,
whose answer amounted % statement
that il was none OF the affair OF America,
which did not thank Italy for attempting
TO draw it into the Chinese muddle. ir IS
evident that despite this assertion which
became known to every European Govern
ment, certain OF the powers sought 10
make the United States party 20 the pro
posed dismemberment-
They did not succeed From what Is
heard here il is inferred that lu reply 20
the warning from Washington Inal AIneli-
can trade with China must not be disturbed
through the extension OF spheres Of Eu-
ropean influence in the country earnest as
surauces were given that the commercial
treaties between China and the United
States would be respected, and as a further
assurance Of good Will il was suggested
that the United States take possession ot
certain Chinese territory. and thus be-
come a party to the civilization OF the
Empire. But the United States would not
listen to this, and it is understood that
the efforts Of the Government are eng
directed at present TO securing Wh v.h
be virtually pledges from Germany nee
and Russia that whatever the quito
the partition programme may be Al lean
treaty rights in China. particular free
entry privileges. viii be preserved.
1t is d very natural suppOsitiOn that the
activity OF the negotiations between tle
Continental powers concerning emma IS
due TO the belief that Great Britain mas
her hands fun in attending to the war -n
South Africa. That the assembling OF tne
Mediterranean fleet by Great Britain is due
largely to this activity is generally be-
Iiqved in official circles here There are
some persons in high authority here wa'
% so Ear as 10 express confidence -hat
v-fth Great Britain's fleet as menace the
Continental powers viii not attempt %
.trrv ont the ACKNOWLEDGMENT scheme
without fully consulting the wishes or
Crsa+ Britain. European nations are prob
,bIv wondering also whether the United
states Government is 10 be counted on
os a factor in the China question u Great
Britain is ignored, and this TOO, VIII
doubtless have its influence in p0stponing
the partition until more propluous time