The San Francisco call., 1899-08-19
CONSUL HO VOW
CREATES MUCH
CONSERVATION
Gives Voice to Pro-
American Ideas.
DIPLOMATS CRITICIZE HIM
THE CHINESE OFFICIAL ISSUES
A STRIKING CIRCULAR.
He Fearlessly Expresses Anti-Euro-
pean Sentiments and Makes Sug-
gestions to American Capital
lists Regarding His Country.

Ho Vow, the local Chinese Consul Cen
eral, has just issued a printed appeal to
American capitalists imploring them to
organize a gigantic corporation to take
advantage of the splendid commercial ad-
vantages offered in China. The docu-
ment, which Ho Vow now asserts was
not issued by him in an official capacity,
has created considerable comment in
diplomatic circles In fact, many ex-
perienced diplomats go so far as to critl-
cize the Chinese Consul for uttering in
his appeal what they term anti European
sentiments The Consul openly refers
them to the friendly feelings his people
hold for the United States, and intimates
that the Government he represents has
little love for the European powers.
The following passages from Ho Vows
remarkable document serves to illustrate
the unequivocal pro-American and anti
European sentiments which the Consul
General has had the courage to express
European nations have not been slow to
recognize the trade opportunities offered In
China and have sought to obtain territorial
concessions. The United States Government
has always maintained passive attitude,
and has in consequence, a material ad-
vantage that other nations lack. One who
follows the daily trend of events and is
conversant with the aggressive and grasp
ing policy of Europe can readily realize the
advantages that may accrue to the citi-
of the United States through the lib-
eral non-interference OF their Government.
Pushing American industry is bound to
be felt, he continues. and the new era in
China will meet 1t more than half way A
union of forces is bound to be productive
OF great results. corporation with the
capital that could be commanded by a
made veritable Golconda. We can, with
American energy and push and the friendii-
ness OF the chinese Government to"ard tnls
country, obtain permanent and financial
advantage.
Hitherto the Chinese doing business at
treaty ports have dealt almost entirely
with English and German firms. The feel
ing against these nations at present is such
that II American capital should now step
in a strong combination could be made in
favor of the proposed company. and It's
agencies could be developed into valuable
source Of revenue, particularly through the
influence of its Chinese connections.
When interviewed on the matter, Con-
sui General Ho Vow did not attempt to
weaken or qualify the sentiments he so
fearlessly uttered in his appeal He
stated, however, that he wished 1t plain
ly understood that he issued the docu-
ment as an individual, not as Consul
General of the Chinese Government.
while l am authorized to use all legit-
innate means to promote the welfare of
my country as Consul General of China =
he said, and while this circular. which
l have written might be construed as an
official declaration, it is not such. 1t is
q declaration Of my individual sentiments
and ideas. and the Chinese Government
is not responsible for it. My apprecia-
ton of the new conditions created by the
United States recent territorial acces-
sfons coupled with a desire to advance
the interests of my own country together
with those of the Pacific Coast, prompted
me to issue the circular. Commercial
and territorial expansion are parallel
propositions. l have no pecuniary in
terests at stake. If I had l would not
have attempted to suggest the opportun-
tiles offered in China"
Ho Vow is man Of fine mental at
tainments He speaks the English Ian
guage quite f1uently and can discourse on
almost any subject.