Omaha daily bee., 1899-03-11

orr ATTITUDE TOWARD CHINA.
The Chinese minister at Washington
has in an interview expressed his graft
fication at the decision Of this govern
ment 10 maintain an attitude OF ucu-
trality in respect 10 China. The de-
clared policy Of the United states not 20
follow the example # European nations
in acquiring Chinese territory the minis
ter said would be regarded by his gov
eminent as strong evidence Of good viii
and is not only another bond between
the two countries. but has a special sig
nifcance at this time, as contrasting
with the spirit OF rapaclty prevailing
among the old world powers. We have
said to the nations Of Europe that we
have no desire for the acquisition Of
Chinese territory and hat we Will not
be drawn into any project that involves
the partitioning Of that territory. In
taking this position we inform the world
that this nation has a just regard for
the autonomy OF the Chinese empire
and Will engage In no efforts aimed at
It's ACKNOWLEDGMENT. II European ma
lions go on seeking ports and territory
in China we shall not interfere. only
demanding that whatever interests and
rights we have there shall be respected.
This Is the wise and safe position. 1T
Is consistent with our traditional policy.
II should be strictly adhered 10. But
the question arises whether, as the re-
Hnlt OF thn OWN Ilgf,f tNpft,, Il, a.. g,.
east, the time may not come when It
VIII be deemed expedlent to acquire
Chinese territory. The expansionists
urge that we need the Philippines in the
interest OF trade with China. We re-
quire those islands. II is said. in order
to develop our commerce in that quarter
or the world and especially with China.
where 1t is already, according to Lord
Beresford, growing by leaps and bounds.
III the European powers continue to pur.
sue the policy Of which the demand of
Italy Is the latest manifestation IL is
possible that after a time we shall have
to consider whether the protection of
our Chinese commerce does not require
the acquisition of Chinese territory. In
the opinion Of some this Is the logical
of the expansion policy. A
writer in one of the magazines on the
dissolution Of the Chinese empire saws
the American conquest of the Phil
is only the first step; that the
possession Of the islands will not merely
.entitle, but will even oblige the Amer
leans to participate actively in the set
Element Of Chinese affairs. European
Of the far eastern situation
generally take this view, particularly
Of China is inevitable.
How long will it be before this view
may find acceptance here? A year ago
a score of intelligent American citi-
would have given a moments con
Sideration to a suggestion that the
United States should acquire territory
In the far east, even to the extent of a
coaling station. Why may it not rea-
Sonably be a~pprehended that within a
year or two, or when the Philippine
problem shall have been disposed Of.
he spirit of expansion will reach out
Chinese territory, on the ground
OF commercial necessity? This is a
danger OF the situation that has been
too little thought Of. No one can fore
see with certainty where the policy that
has been entered upon will end. No
one can say what future complications,
.1ificulties and dangers this policy will
bring the country.
The present attitude of the govern
nent in respect to China is wise. Our
immediate duty and interest is to OBJ
strict neutrality. But there is
assurance that in the not remote
if the spirit of expansion is not
checked, we shall not take an active
in the settlement of Chinese af-