The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-10-19
THURSDAY. OCTOBER 10. 1899.
THE SOUTH AND EXPANSION.

one of the most interesting questions
that has arisen in connection with the
Philippine problem comes out OF the stats
., South Carolina. 1t is clearly busi-
ness question. and Is raised by the cotton
manufacturers OF that state They ad-
dress an open letter to South Carolina
representatives IN Congress with reference
10 the attitude OF that State towards the
Asistic trade. They say that South Caro-
lima is now the foremost State in the
South I'm the manufacture OF cotton. and
that she will soon be next TO Massachu-
setts in the number Of spindles employed
the second State In the Union in the
conversion of raw cotton into finished
products. That the mills Of Soutl Caro-
lima consume about one-third Of the en-
tire cotton crop Of the State. and that
II the present ratio in the increase of
splndles continues It will not be many
years before the requirements of the mills
will reach the total cotton crop.
II is further stated and II is a most
interesting statement. too. that large
number Of the mills In South Carolina
are making goods for the trade Of China.
IT is pointed out that a little while ago
n freight train left Spartanburg with
10000 worth Of cotton fabrics bound for
the Chinese markets. Therefore, say the
cotton manufacturers. If by any chance
this trade should be cut OF, the mills OF
South Carolina would be compelled to
shut down. or so into competition with
the other mills of the State which are
making goods for home consumption. IN
other words they point out that the
South Carolina mills are building up
magnificent trade In foreign markets. and
that II is a matter Of supreme importance
that this trade shall not he interfered
with.
This brings them TO a discussion Of the
Eastern question. They point out that
% per cent of all the cotton goods ex-
ported from the United States to China
ind distributing market at the three
northern treaty ports OF Newchwang,
Chefoo and Tientsin. And they add:
up 10 this time we are informed that
pressure brought by the governments OF
Great Britain and the United states has
led Russia to declare its purpose TO adj
nit the merchandise Of other nations into
Manchura on terms Of equality with its
OWL, but 10 Is impossible 10 say how soon
that policy may be changed. IL is alleged
that i'm the importation Of railroad and
other material Russia entirely disregards
the imperial Chinese customs Of New
chwang. regarding the port as n il were
already I'm Russian possession; and IL
NAV be that Russia, for the protection OF
SIS own trade. may sec az "a carry this
discrimination 20 the point Of imposing
her own custom duties on American cot
ton goods In such an event. our trade
with Manchuria would he seriously ham
dcapped and might. conceivaby. cease
~ exist as did our trade under the cir
cumstances with Madagascar.
In view OF these things they urge upon
their representatives in Congress to sup
port any line Of policy Of the Federal
government based upon the strict observ-
ance Of our treaty rights IN China: or
which. in other words. insists that no part
of that empire shall be subjected 20 the
influence Of any government without Civ
ing 10 tho United states equal CONNER
cisl rates and privileges with the most
favored nation. In short. they insist
upon the "opcn hoor" policy.
Senator McIaurin replies al length 20
this letter and tells the cotton manufac-
turers that II they want the open door"
the United States now holds the key.
"The Archipelago OF the Philippines"
says he. "lics along the coast OF Asia for
eight hundred miles and commands It.
Manila is the point In the east which is
the center OF ocean trafic. II is the only
point where foreign nations could have
attained commercial stations without a
struggle" And he goes on:
.'In the yicissitude and good fortune OF
n war with Spain. and without any in
tention OF doing 50. the United states has
ACQUIRED the possession Of the Philippines.
which gives 10 her paramount political
and commercial advantages.
my judgment IL that the control Of
Asn, or az least some portions. is the
..,.-, safeguard for our trade interests In
~. east The abandonment OF them
means the dismemberment OF China. It's
uastitien among the European powers.