New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-09
GUARDING TRADE TN CHIN A
DEFINITE ASSURANCES ASKED FROM
EUROPEAN POWERS.
ACTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO Pko-
TECT ITS RIGHTS-THE PRESIDENT
EXPECTED TO SEND SPECIAL

MESSAGE TO CONGRESS-
washington Nov S-Oflcials here are at a
loss to know what is meant by the following
| announcement made by The Morning Post" OF
London
Negotiations In London have resulted In an
| agreement between Great Britain. China ana
the United States TO maintain the open doo'
in China which Powers Will undertake 10 "
velop both British and American trade. II -
understood that Germany. and propaply rus
STA will give the United States written asSu' -.
ances as To the maintenance Of the open door'
1t is said by officials here that there is MOTH
ing of a sensational character under consldera-
ton in this line at present between Great BIT
ain and the United States. This Government
is not averse to having It known that II mas
been steadily engaged for months in negotiations
looking to the maintenance of whatever trade
rights Americans now enjoy in Chinese ports.
officials do not care to go into details while the
negotia tons still in progress, but II Is eX-
pected that the subject will be made the basis
Of special message to Congress by the fresl-
dent
1t is understood that this Government Is not
likely to encounter anv serious opposition 10
what II regards as its perfectly reasonable effort
to secure from the European Powers Interested
formal assurances in confirmation OF Verhal
statements already made that the way for
American trade in China will ne kept open In
the event Of retention Of the existing conces-
siors and leaseholds. Nothing has been heard
from France on this subject yet. though 1t Is
assumed that the returning Ambassador NJ
Cambon will bear some instructions on the
subject.
REPLY TO THE CHINESE MINISTER.
The Chinese Government. through Minister
81 n
the recent developments Within the last few
DAYS he saw Secretary Hay with a view OF
learning TO what extent the United States had
acted The response Of the Secretary or state
is understood to have been full and frank and
10 the effect that at the request Of the Pres-
dent American Ambassadors and Ministers
abroad had been asked 10 secure definite as
surances that there should be no interruption
TO the access OF American trade and commerce
TO the interior Of China through the treaty
ports Such assurances had been given from
time TO time in a somewhat informal manner
q parts Of the manifestoes, by which foreign
Powers assumed control Of ports on the Chinese
coast but the purpose Of this request was 10
have the assurances take definite. tanglple'
written form, 10 leave no room for DOUBT
that the commerce Of the United States in the
Orient would meet no unforeseen barriers.
II can be said positively that the recent move
Of the United States not the result OF any
understanding or agreement with the chinese
Minister and, so far Is known here, the
Chinese authorities were not consulted. Whether
it would be regarded favorably by China de-
ponds in the judgment Of Minister WI, on later
developments.
Throughout diplomatic circles keen interest
is manifested in the American move and IN
the replies which likely to be received to the
injuries made abroad The view prevails that
while there will be no difficulty in securing
general assurances Of favorable character 1t
is not so certain that a definite statement in
writing or other tangible form will be given
Those best acquainted with the subject hold
that Great Britain. Germany and Russia will
coincide with the American view. and that If
any objection comes it is likely TO arise in
France as the French policy in Madagascar
and Cochin China IS to give preferential rates
to French goods and make Determinations
against foreign goods From this it IS implied
that France will not give a definite assurance
that American commerce Will be on equal terms
in those parts Of China where French spheres
Of influence prevail.