New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-03-07
NOT INTERPRETING IN CHINA.
POLICY OF "HANDS OFF" ANNOUNCED
BY THIS GOVERNMENT.
AN OFFICIAL DISCLAIMER OF ANY PUR-
POSE TO ACQUIRE TERRITORY
ISSUED IN WASHINGTON.

Washington March 6--The Government has
remained absolutely passive throughout the exc
cuton Of the Italian project TO secure an open
door on the Chinese coast through the ac-
QUESTION Of San-Moon Bay and outlying islands.
Some days ago Minister Conger. at Peking ac-
quainted the state Department with the fact
that Italy had preferred a request to China for
a lease OF the spot selected. hut he has made no
report since and it is not known officially
whether or not the Italian officers have been
landed at San-Moon. one of the highest au-
thorities said to-day
The Government of the United States will
not take any steps in regard to the Italian de-
mand for the cession OF Chinese territory"
In other words. this Government resisting
from motives OF broad policy anurlng intima-
tons from other Powers to the effect that the
time is ripe for a raid by the United States Oh
some part Of the Chinese coast line. has definitely
determined 10 keep hands off. Only one motive
could induce the Government to change this
policy, and that would he desire 10 protect its
enormously valuable commerce with China from
the danger OF being completely cut off through
the gradual extension Of the leaseholds Of Euro
pean nations over the whole Chinese seacoast
So long as American trade is let alone or at
least allowed fair opportunity for development
and is not made the subject of discrimination
long will the United states Government
refrain from any interference in Chinese affairs
There is a mass Of information hand in
both the Navy and State departments relative
TO the encroachment OF foreign Powers on the
Chinese coast. but IT is in such shape that
concise statement Of the situation is difficult 70
obtain. The fact is, however that the occu-
patton of available ports along the coast has
gone TO such a length that the majority Of the
Icfr. dc
and for communication with the interior are -n
the hands Of foreign governments. With Eng
land IN possession Of Wei-Hai-Wei the Rus
SLAMS at Port Arthur. the French at AMMAN and
Tonquin the Germans holding Kiao-Chau. and
with the ports Of Hong Kong and Singapore In
the hands OF England. there is little left in the
way Of desirable ports on the Chinese coast
Shanghai is nominally in control Of the Chinese
Government. but really is controlled by the
various treaty nations all Of which have ad-
vantaces I'm their occupation over the Chinese
Government itself At Shanghai the United
States has its only direct interest in Chinese
holding. being one Of the treaty Powers, and
having distinctively American concession. OF
the larger ports remaining there are only
Svatov F0r-ChoW and NinCpO which are
really in control of the Chinese GoNernnent
There is a large and desirable area In the cur
Of Pe-Chi-Ii. ON the northern coast, IN Whl'H
recent dispatches intimate tudt liie i4ttu 1eA'N
NAV have an interest il the dismemberment OF
China Is ultimately effected. This IS andlocked'
however and its narrow entrance IS Wholly
commanded Ay Port Arthur on tha one side' ahl
b1 Wei Hal We on the other. The authorized
disclaimer given out to-day. however OF any
,aIIose on the part Of the United states 10 ac-
Gtlire arv territory In that or any other portion
of China makes this consideration OF htt'e
moment. r,,, 49,,
Nr Conger has reported that Pekne has
~, unusually ouiet during the last winter lie
does not undertake u say whether or not the
presence Of marine guards al the United states
Legation and at other embassies ana legalons
81 Petirg had ANYTHING 10 90 with repressing
disorder. but his statement bears the affirmative
interpretation
The Chinese Minister called al the state De-
partrnent to-day and had a conference with Sec
retary Hay