Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1900-07-20

events in China, the United States oc-
cupies a very peculiar position. It
has moi, like Russia or Great Britain,
or other European nations, any inter-
est to subserve through the partition
of the Chinese empire or the acquisi-
ton of Chinese territory. Its interest
in the events now in progress is die
tated solely by it's position rs one of
the members Of the international con-
cert of nations and it's duty as the de-
fender of the rights of it's citizens ev-
erywhere. There is no other nation
concerned whose action will give rise
to so little jealousy and none whose
suggestions will be so readily received
by reason of its freedom from the bias
of self-seeking. 1t is, therefore, of
high interest to learn just what has
been the policy outlined by the United
States in relation to the occurrences
in the Celestial Empire, and the state
department has determined wisely in
concluding to make public the identi-
cal note, setting forth Its policy, lately
delivered by it to the representatives
of the great powers. At the outset it
is promised that the government Of
the United States adheres to the policy
initiated by it in 1857 of peace with the
Chinese nation, of furtherance of law
full commerce, and of protection of the
lives and property of it's citizens by all
means guaranteed under extra-terri-
torial treaty rights and by the law of
nations. If wrong be done to the cit
liens of the United States it is declared
that the responsible authors thereof
will be held to the uttermost accounta-
bility. The condition of affairs at
Picking is regarded as one of virtual
anarchy, whereby power and p
slbility are practically developed upon
the local provincial authorities, and so
long as these authorities are not in
overt collision with rebellion and use
their power to protect foreign life and
property, they are regarded by this
government as representing the Chin
csc people, with whom the people of
the United States desire to remain in
peace and friendship. Touching the
immediate duty resting upon the pow
ers, it is declared that the purpose of
the president is to act concurrently
with the other powers, first, in opening
up communication with Picking and
rescuing the American officials, mis-
%sionaries and other Americans who are
in danger; secondly, in affording all
possible protection everywhere in
China to American life and property;
thirdly, in guarding and protecting all
legitimate American interests, and,
fourthly, in aiding to prevent a spread
OF the disorders to the other provinces
OF the empire and to prevent a recur-
renee of such disorders. AS regards
the means of attaining this last result
it is recognized that it is as yet too
early to indulge in any forecast. At
the same time, occasion is taken to de-
clare the general policy of the United
States government, which is to seek a
solution that may bring about perma-
nent safety and peace to China, pre-
serve Chinese territorial and admins
trative entity, protect all rights guar
anteed to friendly powers by treaty
and international law, and safeguard
for the world the principle of equal and
impartial trade with all parts of the
Chinese empire. This declaration is
one worthy of the traditions of the
state department. 1t is one which
cannot but commend itself to those
powers whose Intervention is suggested
by the dictates of humanity.