New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-03-08
CHINESE MINISTER'S VIEWS.
GRATIFIED BY THIS COUNTRY'S AN
NOUNCEMENT OF POLICY
ITALYs RECENT ACTION AND LORD
CHARLES BERESFORD'S MISSION DIS
CUSSED BY WI TING FANG.

Washngton March THE Chinese Minister.
Mr.. Wu Ting Fang, expresses himself as highly
Rratihed by the definite determination Of the
United States 70 keep lts hands of China and
to resist intmations Of other Powers that the
time s ripe for this country to take for itself
a port on the coast line.
Il am sure the Chinese Government and peo-
pie will not fall to observe this strong evidence
Of goodwill said Mr.. WI to-day. 1T is not
only another bond between the two countries,
but II has special significance just now.
While the old World Powers seemed moved by
a spirit Of rapacity. the United States takes
that lofty position OF equity. Justice and hu-
manity which has characterized her dealings
with other international questions Of late, and
instead Of Joining in encroachments on China
ASSUMES an attitude OF strict neutrality"
The Minister had long conference yesterday
with Secretary Hay in regard to the situation
in China. While he viii not discuss the con-
ference he undoubtedly learned officially what
was made known 20 the public later in the day
and communicated the information to Peking.
II IS expected tha: the position OF the United
States in refusing to seize any territory VIII
have an important effect on affairs In China
strengthening the hands OF those in authority
Speaking Of Italys action in seeking an open
door" on the Chinese coast by the acquisition
Of San-Moon Bay Mr.. WI says he was much
surprised at this move. as italy has practically
no trade with China. He said that he has
never seen more than two or three Italians In
China There are no Italian commercial houses
that he recalls and no Italian colonies Under
such circumstances. the Minister is inclined to
believe that Italy would not have acted until
some Of the other Powers had been sounded
Whether China VIII accept or reject the Italian
claims. Mr.. WI has not been advised officially.
He says. however. that the reports that the
Tsung-li-Yamen has returned the Italian re
quest should not be construed to mean that
any summary course has been adopted. All
his information indicates that the return Of the
request was in no offensive spirit but was
merely TO explain the difficulties Of complying
with such a request
MI WI points out that China continues 20
have a great stretch OF coast with a number
Of large ports. including Canton and some
twenty-five treaty ports through which the
commerce Of the world can low uninterrupted
w. The Russian port al Port Arthur. and that
of the British AT Wei-Iai-We, are more par
ticularly naval and military ports. Kao-Chau,
the German port, rs better adapted for com
mcrce a9 well as naval uses. although Nj Wa
saws his understanding ie that the "open-door
policy is to be maintained by the Germans at
kIdu-Lhdu, So mat al countries N'ulu 0lfll y
alike I'm It's advantages. In any event, n says
the free entry of goods would relate only 10
Kiao-Chau and its hintcrland, and when these
goods passed into China, the Chinese customs
would be levied
The recent visit Of Lord Charles Beresford
afforded an opportunity FOR an exchange or
views between him and Count Casslni the Rus
sian Ambassador and Mr.. WI, all Of whom are
Intimately familiar with the large questions
cngrosslng China. LORD Charles had conferred
with officials % the Tsung-i-Yamen and with
The Viccroy and the leaders. The result Of all
his study of the Chinese question was summed
10 IN the belief openly announced, that Great
Britain. Germany. the United States and Japan.
having the bulk Of commerce and interests In
China. should unite To protect these Interests
by assuring 10 China stable government free
from the constant harassment Of movements
from without for territorial acquisition Mr. Nu
does not commit himself I'm regard 10 the Wis
dom OF Lord Charlcs's plan OF solving the chi
nesc problem. hut h. Is inclined 10 believe that
his mission which thus far Is unofficial and in
behalf of The Chamber r Commerce Of Eng
land. will have important results