The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-11-09
VERY MYSTERIOUS
LONDON DISPATCH
Washington Officials Are at Loss
to Know Its Meaning.
REGARDING CHINESE TREATY
Anglo-American Relations of Sensa-
tional Character Said to Be Pend
ing-The Government Denies
Authenticity of Statement
REGARDING CHINESE TREATY

Washington, November 8.-Officials here
are at loss to know what was meant by
the mysterious London dispatch relating to
Anglo-American-C Chinese relations of such
startling character that the news could not
be published. 1t is stated that there is
nothing under consideration in this line at
present between the United States and
Great Britain that can be said to be of
sensational character. The government Is
not averse to having it known broadly that
1t has been steadily engaged for months In
negotiations looking to the maintenance of
what ever trade rights we now enjoy in
Chinese ports officials don't care to 90
into details while the negotiations are still
In progress, but 1t is expected that the sub
ject will be made the basis of special
message to congress by the president. 1t Is
gathered that our government is not likely
to encounter any serious opposition to what
it regards as its perfectly reasonable effort
to secure from the European powers inter-
ested formal assurance in confirma ton OF
verbal statements already made that the
war for American trade in China will be
kept open in the event of a retention or
the existing concessions and lease holds
Nothing has been heard from France on
this subject as yet, though it is assumed
that the returning ambassador, NJ Cambon,
will bear some instructions on the subject.
The Chinese government, through Minis
ter WI Ting Fang Is keeping a watchful
eye on the recent development relating TO
China. Within the last few days ne saw
Secretary Hay with a view to learning
to what extent the United States had
acted The response of the secretary OF
state is understood to have been quite fuil
and frank and to the effect that at the
request of the president our ambassador
and ministers abroad had been asked TO
secure definite assurances that there should
he no interruption to the access of Ameri-
can trade and commerce to the interior or
China through the treaty ports. Such as
surances had been given from time to time
in a somewhat informal manner as parS OF
the manifestos by which foreign powers as
sumed control of ports on the China coast
but the purpose of this request was to have
the assurances take definite, tangible
written form, so as to leave no room 1or
doubt that the future commerce OF the
United States in the Orient would meet no
unforeseen barrier.
1t can be stated positively that the re-
cent move of the United States was not
the result of any understanding or agree
nient with the Chinese minister, and so Tar
as is known here the Chinese authorizes
regarded favorably by China depends IN,
the Judgment Of Minister WI on subsequent
developments.
Throughout diplomatic circles keen inter
est is manifested in the American move and
in the replies which are likely to be ELECTED
from the American inquiry abroad. The
view prevails that while there will be no
difficulty in securing general assurance OF
a favorable character it is not so certain
that definite statement in tangible form
will be given. Those best acquainted with
the subject hold that Great Britain, Ger
many and Russia will coincide with the
American view, and that If any objection
comes 1t is likely ito arise in France, the
French policy in Madagascar and in China
is ito give preferential rates to French
goods and make Determinations against
foreign goods. From this 1t is implied that
France will not give definite assurance
that American commerce will be on equal
terms in those parts of China where French
spheres of influence prevail