New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-04
THE OPEN DOOR IN CHINA
TREA7TE. SOON TO BE LAID
BEFORE THE SENATE.
THE PRESIDENTS PLANS FOR REAPING
THE FRUITS OF THE STATE De
PARTMENTS NEGOTIATIONS
LEY TELEGRAPH TO THR rRIBuNE.l


Washington, Feb 3.-The results attained by
the negotiations of the State Department TO
maintain an open door for American products in
China, which were won in the face of popular
belief that European nations would not consent
to surrender any OF the exclusive privileges they
had extorted at Peking will be incorporated in
formal treaties for ratification by the Senate
before the end of this month and the time will
be ripe for taking practical steps to utilize the
great commercial benefits secured.
The Navy Department in anticipation OF the
preliminary work OF creating markets, and con-
fident that trade follows the flag" has already
ordered Admiral Watson. at Manila, to with
draw some of his gunboats from police duty in
Philippine waters as soon as they can be spared,
and to hold them in readiness for commercial
cruises along the Chinese coast and up the riv
ers of the Celestial Empire. One of his ships is
to be sent to Shanghai as soon as possible. and
another is to ascend the Yang tse- -Kiang to the
head of navigation. Admiral Watson has for
this service the light draught gunboats
Wheeling. Helena and Marietta, which were
built especially for this service in Chinese
waters. but they were withdrawn from that ser
vice almost as commissioned for more
urgent service in the Philippines. The Prince
ton, the Petrol the Manila and several small
vessels 1t is believed take care of the
Philippines in cooperation with the large deep
WORK FOR COMMISSION LAID OUT
Quickly following this display of the flag in
Chinese waters, it is the Presidents desire to
have Government commission of commercial
experts undertake systematic study of condi-
tions in China in order to advise American pro-
ducers precisely what opportunities for trade
exist and by what methods the needs of China
can best be met In his annual Message to
Congress in 1895 the President made an ur-
gent request for appropriation for a COM
mission TO study the commercial and Industrial
conditions in the Chinese Empire, and report
to the opportunities for and obstacles TO the
enlargement of markets in China for the raw
products and manufactures of the United
States" Congress failed to consider the matter
Notwithstanding its Importance and ttmeIiness.
! The President in his last Message said:
now renew this recommendation, as the i'm
portance Of the subject has steadily grown since
ii first submitted TO you, and no time
should be lost in studying for ourselves the re-
sources Of this great field for American trade
and enterprise.
It was understood TO be the Presidents pur-
pose to put the head of the commission w.
( ". Rockhill, whose official career in China and
intimacy with the language and customs of the
! people and whose experience with thes work CT
market extension as chief Of the Bureau Of
American Republics made him the very man
to direct the work.
BILLS INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS.
The matter has again been brought before
Congress by bill introduced by Representative
Spal6ing. of North Dakota, which was to-day
referred to the Committee on Interstate and
! Foreign Commerce. 1t provides that a Commits
sion consisting of five persons be appointed by
the President. whose duty it shall be to in
Yestigate the commercial and industrial condi-
tions in the Empire of China, with the view Of
/ enlargngNthe export trade Of the United states
with that country. to inquire into the matter Of
preparing and packing goods for shipment with
! respect TO the demands of the trade, with the
view of facilitating the use and consumption
OF articles of American export; to investigate
and study the dietary conditions and customs Of
the Chinese and the feasibility and best method
of introducing American -four and farm products
and securing their consumption as a substitute
for the foods now in general use in China. An
appropriation of $4,000 is made for compensa-
ton of Commissioners and for expenses.
Mr.. Spalding introduced a similar bill for a
commission to japan with the same end in view,
and carrying appropriation of $4,000.