Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-19
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cHlNA'S EMPHATIC PROTEST
Aaarst Gen. Cts Order Excluding Chinese
from the Philippines.

Washington. Sept 1S.-The imperial
Chinese government, through its minis
Ter here. Mr.. WI Ting Fang, has lodg-
ed with the state department and en-
phatic protest against the military or
der of Gen. Otis excluding Chinese
from the Philippines. Neither the
state department nor the Chinese lega-
lion will give any information concern
ing the protest. but from reliable quar-
ters it is learned that it insists that
Cen. OTIS action is contrary to inter-
national law. in violation of existing
treaties. and in complete disregard of
tho friendly relations which have been
50 long maintained between the two
countries. Minister WI called at the
state department. last Friday. and it is
believed he submitted the protest in
nerson at that time.
The matter was promptly brought to
the attention of the President. as the
protest gave the subject an interna-
tional aspect considerably beyond the
nurely military questions involved. 1t
is stated that China points out that she
has welcomed the recent advent of the
United States inc he affairs of the Far
East and has hoped that this step
would prove a further bond and extend
the relations between the two coun-
tries. particularly in their neighboring
possessions. Furthermore. ii 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 a departure from thean-
nounced purpose of the President of
the United States to maintain the pres
ent status of affairs in the Philippines
until Congress has determined per
manent condition.
The military phases of the question
have been referred to Secretary Root.
owing to his familiarity with interna o
tional law. he will probably consider the
subject broadly. both in its international
as well as its military aspect. Gen. Otis
order was issued some time ago. without
direction from Washington ana appar
emily as a military necessity. although
no such military necessity, but on the
contrary that the Chinese have rendered
valuable military assistance.
Gen. Otis order is signed by himself :
military governor of the Philippines. and
by Brig. Gen. Charles \. Whitaker as
collector Of customs having supervision of
Chinese affairs. 1t SAYS: The laws of
the United States which prohibit the en-
trance of Chinese will be enforced here.
The decree then excerpts such Chinese as
have previously lived in the Philippines
and who hold certificates showing this
fact. 1t also excerpts Chinese officials
travellers. etc. excepted under the treaty
between the United States and China.
Provision is made for registering the Chi
nese in the Philippines and their deporta
ton to China in case of failure to regis
ter. Very few of the Chinese other than
those in the Philippines come within the
exceptions. and the effect of the decree IS
to make the exclusion practically abso-
lutte.
Gen. Otis made a report to the war de
partment. April l. on the execution of the
decree. He said only Chinese in good
health. who previously resided in the
Philippines. were permitted to land at
Manila, Cebu or Iloilo. the only three
open ports in the archipelago. He also
explained the methods of registering fees
etc.
Ii is understood that the Chinese gov
eminent regards the outcome OF this pro
test with much apprehension. 1t is point
ed out that the Chinese have been long
established in the Philippines. and that 4
considerable branch Of the industry of the
islands is conducted by them. and that
this complete termination of long eStab
lished communication between China ant
the Philippines both personally and ma
terially injuries these people. The Chinese
protest Is said to be couched in most dig
nitied and courteous terms but to be s.
pointed that no doubt is left to the
deep umbrage the Chinese government
feels over this order of Gen. Otis.