Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-21
AMERICAN DIPLOMACY
Its Most Difficult Problem Presented
i in the China Settlement.
ADVAH7AGEoF OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
This Government pnly Seeks to
Enlarge IL Commerce.
BACKGROUND SHADOW

The problem for American diplomacy pre-
| scented by the Chinese situation threatens
to prove the most difficult that has been en-
countered in the history of this govern
ment. Every step taken In 1t must be con-
sidered with the realization that 1t may in
volve another. 1t Is almost impossible to
see far enough ahead to foretell what may
ultimately be led to. AS In the case Of the
Spanish war the Philippine problem was
not foreseen. SO in this case 1t is difficult to
foresee the obligations which may devolve
upon the United States through it's forced
participation In Chinese affairs. The Pres
ident and all his advisers contemplate the
future with much anxiety, though there is
firm purpose to do whatever duty de-
mands. The administration has shown an
interest in China since almost at the be-
ginning of McKinley's term, and this inter-
est was greatly increased by the acquisi-
ton of the Philippine Islands On Mr..
Hays going to the head OF the State De-
partment the Chinese question began to oc-
cupy the most serious attention Of all inter-
national questions.
From a Commercial Point of View.
1t has always been contemplated, how
ever, from the point of view of commerce,
with no thought of acquiring territory or
sphere of influence. The greatest advantage
hoped to be derived from the acquisition of
the Philippines was in the direction of the
development Of trade with China and 1t has
been the ambition Of the administration to
make conspicuous strides. In the develop
ment of trade and commerce in the orient,
which has seemed to offer the greatest op-
portunity in that direction. To the accom-
plishment of this the preservation of the
integrity of the Chinese empire has
a hnn cd
tial. Secretary Hays negotiation of the
open door, which he conducted with
unanticipated success, had in view the
commercial interests of the United States,
and its bearing upon the present sit
uation was far from contemplation. 1t Is
felt now. however. that the agreement of
the powers to the open door policy Is likely
to have an important influence upon the
future treatment of the Chinese problem,
as now presented.
Cause of Anti-FOrefgn Outbreak I'm
certain.
The cause and the true in~ardness of
the Chinese anti-foreign outbreak not
yet known, nor is II known how far the gov
eminent of China has BEEN disorganized by
it. If the trouble has been brought about
by the politics of foreign powers contriv-
ing secretly In the domestic affairs of China
each to strengthen. the influence of the
Chinese party most friepdly TO some par
ticular foreign interest the situation, 1t Is
foreseell, will be more difficult for this
government. But, however that may BE-.
Ii falls out most fortunately that the gem
eral policy of the United States toward the
Eastern question" was publicly declared
far in advance of the present trouble. ana
that the formal acauiescence in 1t by the
powers was secured at that time. Another
important factor is that Japan opposes the
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF China and that Great
Britain pronounced In favor Of the open
door before we did and her public men So
licted the Cooperation of the United States
To maintain that policy. In '9s while ex-
pressing British sympathy with the United
States in the trouble with Spain. British
statesmen and the British press associated
this sympathy with the community or IN
terests in China which the United States
and Great Britain must have. The St
James Gazette at that time, speaking of the
moral support given the United States IN
States in China, said that in China our in
terests were Identical; that both asked for
the open door and nothing else
1t is felt that il Great Britain maintains
this policy, which is original with her. ana
the other powers respect the obligations of
their written committas in response to Sec
retary's Hays open door proposition. 1t will
greatly simplify the present settlement
from the point of view OF this government.
The Shadow in the Background
dark shadow which may be seen in the
background with more or less distinctness
however, is cast by the event which in
'9S led to the curtailment of the power of
the emperor and placed the empress dow
ager in supreme control of the government
This was heralded the world over at the
time as a victory of Russia over Great
Britain, those surrounding the emperor be-
ing OF pro- British sympathy, and those
associated with the empress dowager being
pro- Russian. If as has been limited at the
present trouble in China has at it's bottom
the meddling of British agencies in the do
nestle policies of China, with the view of
restoring to power the emperor and the
pro-British party, and the outbreak against
foreigners is a result of the policy of resist
ance first introduced through Russian in
fuences, 1t Is foreseen that the position of
the United States in the final settlement
with China for the outrages perpetrated
will be extremely delicate. If not critical.
The Great Question of the Future.
The question of indemnity and PREPARATION
for the outrages upon our legation and
American citizens is but temporary one,
and in it's settlement the larger question of
the future will be kept In view. The great
economic question of the future Is the one
involving greatest difficulties, and that may
be far reaching in its effects upon American
interests. The question of indemnity out of
the way. the great Object or the United
States will be to have order and RESPONSE
biity of government re-esta bfShed In China
and to preserve the commercial interests of
this country in all parts of the empire. The
dismemberment of China is inconsistent
with this. and the separation into spheres
of influence, even If participated In by this
government, would restrict our advantages
Of trade and commerce within certain de-
fined boundaries Our policy Is opposed to
either dismemberment or spheres OF in
fiuence.
The conquest OF China by the allied forces
is not thing in contemplation by this gov
eminent. 1t is appafent,Aeven with no more
information as to the situation at Pekin
than is now POSSESSED, sstiaat the military
forces will have to be retained in China for
an indefinite time. to restore order and pro-
tect foreign interests. but 1t is not believed
that the forces OF hesgnfted States will
ever form part of an army under the
command OF Field Marshal Count Won Wal
dersee for the conquestlGf China, nor will
this government permit without protest .
violation of China q territorial and admins
tIative integrity. sef tst
pin -
Alleged Horse fThfeSes Arrested.
Gus Jones and Rufus Lee. alias William
| Jones. two young scolered men. were ar
| roctod today on 11fhs street near outsia n n