Omaha daily bee., 1899-03-11
orr ATTITUDE TOWARD CHINA.

OCE ATTITUDE TOWdRD CHINA.
The Chinese minister at Washington
has in an interview expressed his graft.
fcation at the decision Of this govern
ment to maintain an attitude of ncu-
trality in respect to China. The de-
clared policy of the United States not to
follow the example of European nations
in acquiring Chinese territory the minis
ter said would be regarded by his gov
eminent as strong evidence of good Will
and is not only another bond between
the two countries, but has a special sig
nificance at this time, as contrasting
with the spirit of rapacity prevailing
among the old world powers. We have
said to the nations of Europe that we
have no desire for the acquisition of
Chinese territory and that we will not
he drawn into any project that involves
the partitioning Of that territory. In
taking this position we inform the world
that this nation has a just regard for
the autonomy of the Chinese empire
and will engage in no efforts aimed at
its ACKNOWLEDGMENT. If European ma
tons go on seeking ports and territory
in China we shall not interfere, only
demanding that whatever interests and
rights we have there shall be respected.
This is the wise and safe position. 1t
Is consistent with our traditional policy.
1t should be strictly adhered to. But
the question arises whether, as the re-
suit of the expansion policy in the far
east, the time may not come when 1t
will be deemed %expedient to acquire
Chinese territory. The expansionists
urge that we need the Philippines in the
interest Of trade with China. We re-
quire those islands, it is said, in order
to develop our III in that quarter
Of the world and especially with China,
where 1t Is already, according to Lord
Beresford, growing by leaps and bounds.
If the European powers continue to pur.
sue the policy of which the demand of
Italy is the latest manifestation it is
possible that after n time we shall have
to consider whether the protection of
our Chinese m does not require
the acquisition of Chinese territory. In
the opinion of some this is the logical
outcome of the expansion policy. A
writer in one of the magazines on the
dissolution of the Chinese empire says
that the American conquest of the Phil.
ippines Is only the first step; that the
possession Of the islands will not merely
%entitle, but will even oblige the Amer
leans to participate actively in the set.
Element of Chinese affairs. European
students of the far eastern situation
generally take this view, particularly
those who believe that the dissolution
of China is inevitable.
How long will it be before this view
may find acceptance here? A year age
not a score of intelligent American citi
zens would have given a moments con
sideration to a suggestion that the
United States should acquire territory
in the far east, even to the extent of q
coaling station. Why may it not rea
sonably be ap%prehended that within q
year or two, or when the Philippine
problem shall have been disposed of
the spirit of expansion will reach ou'
for Chinese territory, on the grounC
of commercial necessity? This is 6
danger Of the situation that has becl
too little thought of. No n can fore
see with certainty where the policy tina
has been entered upon will end. N
one can say what future complications
difficulties and dangers this policy viii
bring the country.
The present attitude of the govern
ment in respect to China is wise. on
immediate duty and interest is to oh
serve strict neutrality. But there i
no assurance that in the not rcmot
future, if the spirit of expansion is no
checked, we shall not take an activ
part in the settlement of Chinese al
fairs.