New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-30
CONSULAR ABUSES IN CHINA.
THE INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE MAY NOT
STOP AT DR.. BEDLOE, But MAY COVER
THE WHOLE QUESTION.

THE WHOLE QUESTION.
Philadelphia, Aug 20 (SpeciaD.-A Pennsyl-
yania man, who made an investigation of con-
sular methods in China under an act Of Con
gress, and whose reports were printed by that
: body, speaking of the case Of DR.. Bedloe, said
to-day TO a Tribune reporter:
"The suspension Of DR.. Bedoe, like all such
matters under the Department Of State, will be
surrounded by more or less diplomatic mystery
until the suspended official shall have an OPP
rortunity TO present his version In defence. The
. consular service in China has for years been a
difficult branch Of the service to manage. and
not unfreauently has been a public scandal. II
Secretary Hay who is trained diplomat has
in view a thorough overhauling of this service
he will greatly advance the interests Of Ameri-
can commerce and promote friendly inter-
course at the Chinese ports.
Under the Democratic Administrations pre-
cedng the complete changes in the personnel
Of the United States consular service In that
part of the globe made by President Lincoln,
the methods of United States consulates. as
rule at the five open treaty ports of China were
not only disgrace to our Government, but
, scandal to the other nationalties represented at
the same ports.
"Tbe complaints Of the Taotais to the Pekng
Government and thence through the United
States Ministers. we're constant Minister An
son Burlingame. during his presence near the
Tsung-li-Yam urged upon Secretary Seward
action against the practices Of consuls as COM
planned Of by China Mr. Burllngame even
went so far as to report the Consul General at
Shanghai by name as dispatches which will
be found in the printed documents Of the De-
partment Of the State will show. About two
nOfo rioiIa
and the impositions practised upon American
shipowners and ships in those waters grew 80
excessive that the friends Of American shipping
in Congress took the matter up oil the initiative
Of the Secretary Of the Treasury and authorized
an investigation. The Auditor Of the Treasury
had some of the most notorious accounts pho
tographed for the use of TIE investigation.
AN intimation from the Department Of State
points to the fact that a general overhauling Of
the United States consular service in China will
be made. in view Of the relations brought by
the extension Of American jurisdiction over the
Philippines and the anticipation of enlarged
commercial intercourse with China.
TIE following were few of the downright
irregularities practsed on The part Of certain
United States CONSULAR officers
The sale Of the United States flag 10 Chinese
traders engaged in local trade with the interior
IN violation OF Chinese customs regulations.
These vessels were known as lorchas. and the
price pdld tor the nag was SZOp 10 SDoO. These
not returned to the Government.
Under the sys tern of United States consular
courts In China the estates Of seamen or other
Americans dying at the port were in many
cases almost wholly absorbed in consular fees,
pccketed by the official.
AT Hong Kong the chief revenue making OPP
portuDity for the benefit OF the private purse
OF the consul was the law levying a head tax
upon Chinese emigrating to the United States.
The regulations placed tax for the benefit Of
the Government. and the Consul levied another
tax for the benefit OF himself. The Pacific Mail
people seriously objected TO this additional tax
AS the wholesale shipment of Chinese TO the
United states was stopped by act OF Congress.
this revenue was much curtaed.
AS Secretary Hay is fearless reformer the
proposed investigation will be effective. The
present movement in the case of Consul Bedoe
g. likely to be FAR reaching. He has been chosen
on account Of his alleged connection with mat
tors growing out Of the Philippine instruction.
The inves:iga however may not stop az
Consul Bedloe. but may cover the whole sys-
te.,'