The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1899-07-31
AMERICA In THE PACIFIC
JOHN BARRETT DISCUSSES ITS
INTERESTS IN CHINA.
Danger I'm "Spheres of Inhuence''-Need
of the Nicaragua Canal and "a Pacific
Cabie-OPportumttics Of Trade.

go" So hh 5PhcicS u
of the Nicaragua Canal and u Pacif,
Cable Opportunities of Trade.
The North American Review has an
important article on 1.-THE Paramount
Power of the Pacific" by John Barrett,
formerly United States minister to
Siam, He says in part:
The most remarkable result of the
: late war with Spain is one we never an
tlcipated; it has made the United
states the paramount Power of the Pa
enc. We unexpectedly assumed this
responsibility ON May /, 1898. When
Admiral Dewey destroyed the fleet and
sovereignty of Spain, he built up in one
brief day the influence and prestige of
the United States Throughout all the
Pacific seas. He accomplished in a few
hours what otherwise might not have
been realized in half a century-or pos
sibly never.
The effect of the war was magical
Only those residing in the Orient could
1 appreciate it. The first signs Of this
| renaissance of American influence were
seen when Dewey made Hong Kong the
rendezvous of his squadron in March,
1898, Then the battle was fought 1t
was followed by a rising wave of Amer
lean prestige that swept up and down
the coast like the rush of a tidal cur
rent, gradually returning to it's natural
strength but leaving everywhere it's
distinct impression After Manila fell,
| and the long, sad period of inactivity
1 followed, there was a reaction. Doubt
existed as to whether America would
realize her splendid opportunity, not
only in the Philippines, but throughout
the entire east. Then, finally came the
unfortunate delay in treaty confrma-
tion-responsible in degree for the
present conflict and bloodshed. But
when ratification triumphed diploma
lists and business men Immediately be-
gan to reconsider their policies and
lines of action, on the basis of Ameri-
cas- becoming the paramount power of
the Pacific.
There is imminent danger that in the
attention We are giving the Philippine
question, we will forget our growing in
terests in China The latter are too
important In comparison with the for
mer, to be overlooked. I indulge in no
exaggeration when I say there is
grave peril confronting our interests in
the Middle Kingdom 1t is most diff
cult, | admit, to name a specific act
that is contrary to the treaties in their
diplomatic Interpretation, but those of
us who have Travelled through Manchu-
ria and Shanttung on the north, and
Kwangsi and Yunnan on the south,
have seen conditions and influences
that are having seen conditions and in
tluences that are having the same NOR
al effect as actual closure
There are certain terms employed in
reference to China which are of suffl-
cient Importance to warrant brief spec
ial mention in consideration of the main
subject The "open door" as the
phrase is commonly used, means moth
ing more than the maintenance without
limitations of the treaty rights of
trade throughout the empire, with all
nations on an equal footing 1t does not
imply that there is no duty or tariff.
but simply that all lands must pay the
same duty or tariff as agreed upon in
the original Tien-Tsin treaties, !
Spheres of influence" in their techni-
cal sense. mean sections of country |
where the nation exercising the influ-
ence contends that no other nation shall /
ever acquire sovereignty or secure priv
ieged concessions, but. as far as China |
is concerned. it is a sugar-coated dlplo-
matte phrase which is practically |
equal to areas of absolute sovereign
ty, and that is the condition into which
they will inevitably evolve unless some
T., I'D H.,
mas government in the very near flu
ture
1t is possible to have the open door
and spheres of influence" at one and the
"a me time, and that is the policy which
the United States must insist upon if
The integrity of the empire is not pre-
served otherwise our great and grow
ne markets will be entirely lost to us.
While we should do everything in our
oower to prevent the disintegration of
China, at the same time, in realization
If the fact that we cannot go to war in
support of such a policy, if we see that
he break up is inevitable, we must
cave no stone unturned to preserve our
I'D treaty rights in a new form with
he powers in control. If this Is accom-
1lish2d it may come to pass that our
rade and commerce in the country that
vas once China will be greater than
yer otherwise possible, ] doubt how
Yer, as do most authorities on China,
f such a fortunate result would ever
ttend our efforts, but we must take
very eventuality into consideration and
,e prepared for any turn whatsoever in
he tide.
The far east, particularly China, af-
ords markets which should arouse the
interests of all sections of the United
states, and make the country stand s
for a firm policy. The
vest and east, and the north and south,
re equally concerned in maintaining {
he freedom of trade and preserving our !
reaty rights throughout China. Were
merely a sectional issue. there might
@ a grave uestion as to the advisa- |
ility of taking a strong position as to t
he future Of the empire. China and t
Their Asiatic countries want all the {
our and timber, and a goOdly portion t
f other kinds of food and raw products, 7
hich California, Oregon Washington 1
nd neighboring western states can I
apply; they want the manufactured @
,tton and raw cotton of the south in t
lcreasing quantities, and the time may a
Dme when this Pacifc-Asiatic demand /
III take up the surplus supply of the t