Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1900-07-18
AMERICAS Position.
This Government VIII Seek 0n,, the Pro-
lection OF Its Citizens and Treaty
Rights in China.


meut has finally decided 20 make public
the identical note which was recently de-
liycred 10 the powers rs defining the posi-.
tIon Of the United STAT rep citing the
circular ui instructions VAS drawn up on
June 80 aud Transmitted to Canton for
the approval OF the president, and com
inundated 10 tho powers concerned on
July 3. 1t embodies the views to which
this government has strictly adhered from
the very beginning OF the prrsent troubles,
and which the different powers have one by
oLe taken into favorable consideration.
The view announced at the START by the
president that he did not consider our.
selves at war with the Chinese nation, and
our efforts should be directed to localizing
the disturbances in the province OF Chi Ii
and keeping them from spreading through.
out the empire by enlisting or the side Of
peace the powerful v~iceroys OF central and
southern China, has now apparently be n
adopted by all the powers. 1t is too soon
to prophecy the ultimate result OF this
policy. but thus far indications are all IA.
vorable. II will be seen that no answers
from the different overs are required or
expected to the circular OF July 3, but it is
understood it has been everywhere favor.
ably received, and that no objections have
been made TO il in any quarter.
1t is not true that there has been any for.
nation OF groups or combination OF pow
ers OF any sort whatever. 1t may be posi-.
lively asserted, for instance, that the CO.
operation OF France and the United States
has been most constant and cordial.
The circular, which was sent to our for.
eicn representatives. is as follows:
Department Of State, Washington, July
/, 19OO.-In this critical posture OF affairs
in China it is deemed appropriate to de-
fine the attitude OF the United States, as
far as present circumstances permit this to
he done.
We adhere to the policy initiated by the
United States in 1857 of peace with the
Chinese nation, o! iurtheranc Of lawful
commerce, and Of protection Of lives and
property OF our citizens by ali means guar.
anteed under extra territorial treaty rights
and by the law Of nations. II wrong DO
done to our citizens, we propose to hold
the responsible authorities to the utmost
accountability. We regard the condition
at Pskin az one Of virtual anarchy, where.
by power and responsibility is practically
deyolved upon thelocal provincial author
tiles. SO long as these are not in overt
collision with the rebellion and use their
power to protect foreign life and property,
we regard them as representa-, the Chinese
people, with whom We seek to remain in
peace and friendship.
The purpose Of the president is, as it has
been herstofore, TO act concurrently with
the other powers. First, in opening up
communication with Pekin and r~escuing
the American officials, missionaries and
other Americans who are in danger; sec.
ond. in nffording all possible protection,
everywhere in China, to American life and
property; thirdly, in guarding nad protect.
ing all Legitimate American interests; and,
ionrthly, in aiding to prevent a spread OF
the disorders TO the other province. Of the
empire and a recurrence OF such disasters.
1t is, OF course, too early to I re ast the
means Of attaining this last result, hut the
policy OF the government ot the United
States is TO seek a solution which may
bring about permanent safety and peace
to China. preserve Cuina's territorial and
nd administrative entity, protect all rights
guaranteed to friendly powers by treaty
aad International law, and safeguard for
the world the principle oi equal and impair.
tial trade with all parts OF the Chinese en-.
bire.
Yon will communicate the purport OF
this instruction TO the minister for foreign
affairs. HAY, Secretary.