The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-25
Circulation Statement
vbnt Shall we Do in China.


thority, the work Of the campaign has been
definitely laid out for its three Leading
characters. Mr. Mckinley is to SIT on fne
front porch of his humble Canton cottage
and talk prosperity to visitors ard the
neighbors. Governor Roosevelt is to array
himself in khaki, and, escorted by his old
Rough Riders. charge from stump to stump,
beginning as soon after the Fourth oil Jely
as circumstances will permit. Mr.. Hanna
is to rest for month In Cleveland. whe:e
the safety deposit facilities are excellent
and to which place all trust and mcnofo
donations should be promptly forwarded.
These are the plans: but it is not irnpcssi-
bic that circumstances may intervene to
spoil the combined bucolic and patriotic
programme.
II is not certain, but it is at least prab-
able. tina. Mr.. Mckinley may be compelled
to spend more tine in Washington this
summer than he had intended. and that he
may have to cali Congress in extraordinary
session for the purpose CT providing means
and authority for the prosecution OF war
against China The terrible Chinese crisis
eliminates at a very inconvenient time
for Mr.. Mckinley and his political aseo-
ciates. This proposition is true in senses,
some of which are Obvious, ard others lot
SO clear as yet TO the general public.
The imperative necessity for vigorous
action in China. and the probability that
1t will involve the organization. transpor-
tation, and maintenance of an expedition
airy army for the protection Of American
citizens and interests il the Empire, and
fo- punitive purposes, furnishes an IN
welcome preoccupation for MIR. Mckinley
and several OF his ablest lieutenants dur
ing weeks or months that they have count
Cd upon as certain to be free from cares,
other than those incidental to the affairs
of domestic politics. AS the situation now
appears. the heads of the State, War,
Navy. and Treasury Departments will be
kept anxious and busy with matters per
tanning to the Chinese war; and the army OF
efficient chiefs, clerks, messengers, and
laborers, who. under normal conditions
could be scattered ever the country TO per-
form missionary labor among the voters,
or employed ct their desks to prepare and
serd out campaign literature will be need
ed in the transaction of pressing routine
departmental business. The centre of in
terest il would seem is to be in Pekin
rather than in Canton, and that is not a
happy thought for Republican politicians
in connection with the immediate outlook.
1t is not alone the compulsory attention
V-k oh he civ fasv lt,4r-s
AZ il appears today and concerning which
there is neither question nor disagreement,
that is causing disquiet in the Administra-
tioa inner circle. Now that the country
has been heard from and Mr.. Mckinley
knows that he will be supported in resort
ing to the most drastic measures TO en-
force respect for our rights and flag in
China. he is not afraid to send few troops
from the Philippines. He even wishes ne
had done so three weeks ago and escaped
current criticism for his hesitation and
delay. But there is a much more serious
consideration contacted with the Chinese
situation and it is worrying the President
and Cabinet g-ievcusly, because It is con-
nccted with an eventuality which may be
closely impending and which might exert
a more or less serious effect upon the
fortunes of the Republican ticket in No.
yember
The Administration is thoroughly con-
WINGED that the breakup of the Chinese
Empire and its partition among the lead
ing world powers is closely at hand. It
may come within few weeks, or as soon
as Pekin has been occupied and the Chinese
army whipped. 1t may be postponed a
month or two longer. or until Russia and
Japan have fought out their old quarrel.
But that it is coming and coming quickly
no intelligent observer of events appears
10 doubt.
When the collapse shall occur how will
the United States stand in the matter Of
its present treaty rights and commercial
privileges in China? Even the State De-
efficacy in the alleged open door" agree
ments with the powers. They are adj
mitted to have been worthless. The par
tition Of China were we TO keep hands
of and remain In the attitude OF silent
spectator, would leave this country COM
ple,e!y out in the cold, with a series of
Russian, British. French, German, Aug
trian. Italian. and Japanese tariffs con-
fronting US on every mile OF the coast
from vladivostock to Siam. President Nc
Kinley's Cabinet ministers are talking
air1ly TO the press about a Joint agreement
which the United States is at once to
demand from the powers, and which, If
conceded by them, would give US all the
trading and proseiyting privileges we now
enjoy in China But everybody with the
smallest claim to knowledge OF the sub
Zee. Is fully aware that all such talk is
nonsense, and that It is only a subterfuge
to tide over the actual issue until after
the Presidential election.
In no circumstances will the powers In
terested In the division. or any OF them.
accede to such a demand. and it will not
b. made Although the Interchange of
views between this and other Govern
ments may not have reached its final
stage. IT liz perfectly we'll known that the
information has been clearly conveyed to
President Mckinley. that, IL the United
China, il must Join with tina other States
as q party to the partition. and accept it's
share OF coast and territory. What the
Administration il praying for is that tho
necessity for This step may not arise In
time to make Il q campaign question. But