The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-12-01
THE OPEN DOOR POLICY.



AS a World Power.
PARIS. Nov 1S-President Mckin-
ley mas sent instructions to all Amer
lean Ambassadors accredited TO the
Great Powers to sound the govern
ments regarding the united declara-
ton by Europe and American in favor
Of an open-door policy in Asia. The
United States does not wish to disturb
the status quo in the East, but in view
of the impending breakup and parti-
tioning Of the Chinese empire, Presi-
dent Mckinley wishes to protect our
new interests in Asia by securing a
just pledge of the principal nations,
uhat no ports will be closed 10 trade in
any new Asiatic territory acquired in
the future. Great Britain and France
have already indicated their willing
ness to join in the declaration propos-
ed by America. but Germany and Rus
sia seem to be reluctant.
This is the first evidence Europe has
had that the United SJa.es Government
regards itself as a world power, COM
peIent to take the initiative in all in
ternational questions and formulate
policies for other nations. Our Am
bassadOrS have been directed to make
it plain to each Of the Great Powers
that America does not intend to sub
nit to a continuation OF European ag
granGizement in Asia to the injury of
American trade unless pledges are Civ
en- that no further closing of ports
shall occur
The United States will vigorously
Ioppose territorial expansion of Europe
in China. This is the most important
and significant diplomatic step taken
| by the American Government since
| CIeVeland's Venezuela message. It in
| dicates the important part to be play
| ed by America in international affairs,
as sovereign of the Philippines. 1t is
believed the new departure in our for
eign policy is due to the growing pow
| er of British influence in Washington.
| Great Britain would have herself pro-
| posed the international declaration
suggested by the United States, but for
the fact she would have aroused sus-
picion and jealousy among other Eu-
| Ys1ncan Powers, and would have pro-
| 4daed the certain hostility of Russia.
| Salisbury therefore preferred to have
President Mckinley take the initiative,
particularly because of the excellent
| and cordial relations existing between
Russian and America.
Manchuria is today practically a
| Russian province. That fact is gen.
orally conceded in Europe. Russia is
more likely to cling to policy of clos
| ed doors than any other nation, be-
cause she has infinitely more at stake,
| and her vast new Siberian railway SyS-
tenn will enable her to absorb the car
rying trade Of Asia all the easier if
she can cripple the maritime competi-
ton of England and other rivals.
| Russia has been favOring Americans
openly in the East, and it is thOught
that the Czar's Government will be less
| likely to oppose the policy of an open
door if proposed by the United States
than if suggested by the British.
| This is the Anglo-American plan,
the first joint movement in diplomacy
undertaken by these two Governments,
with the exception of the abOrtive in
ternatiOnal peace conference.
BRITAIN EXPECTS AID.
BERLIN, Nov 19.-The Post" re-
produces from American papers state
ments that the strengthening of the
| United States naval resources at Ma
Mia is intended for the purpose of sup
| porting Great Britain in the far East.
The Post" asserts that the statements
are trustworthy and says that the re-
cent denials of Administration speak
ers in the West are not worthy of con-
| sideration.
The papers also claim that Germa-
ny must have more colonies and say
| it is nonsense to maintain that the
earth is divided up, as a new division
| is impending in colonial possessions.
| The Netherlands colonies are pointed
to as among those that cannot much
| longer be kept from a new division,
the papers saying that the candidates
| for these rich colonies are Great Brit
ian and Germany, adding that the lat
ter has the better chance. The 'Deut-
sche Zeitung" thinks the inheritance is
ripe, as the Netherlands is unable TO
fructify its colonies.