New-York tribune., 1900-01-04
OPEN AND CLOSED DOORS.
THE DEBT GREAT BRITAIN OWES TO
AMERICA-CONTRASTE POLICIES IN
THE NEAR AND THE FAR EAST.
copyright; 1900: By The New-York Tribunel

copyright; 1900: By The New-York Trfbune.I
IBT CABLE TO THE rRIBUNE.l
London, Jan. a. 1 a. m.-The open door prin-
ciple the foundation or British policy in
China during the protracted negotiations which
followed German and Russian acquisition of
harbors and territories on the Chinese coast.
Nothing came of It, and the British Government
ended by taking possession of harbor opposite
Port Arthur. When the Spanish war came on
England was anxious to have the Americans re-
tain the Philippine Islands and cooperate with
her in the maintenance of the open door principle
in the Far East. The first object was secured
when the Treaty of Peace was negotiated in
Paris and the second has been accomplished by
the diplomacy OF the Cabinet at Washington.
The vigiIant Washington correspondents of THE
Daily Chronicle" and 1.-The Manchester Guard
ian" have announced the success of the McKin-
ley Government in securing pledges from Great
Britain. Germany. France Japan and Russia to
a guarantee that America shall have equality of
treatment in all portions of China under foreign
influence with the exception of purely naval sta
tions. The assent of Italy alone is lacking to
render this collective guarantee Of the open door
principle operative.
TWO POLICIES CONTRASTED.
What England was unable to bring about the
United States Government has virtually done,
and the British press is slowly awakening to
sense of England's obligations to America. Ger
tainly, if the Americans were under obligation
TO England for friendly services during the war
with Spain the favor has been fully returned
and in a characteristic American way. While
the State Department has been working out the
solution OF the open door problem in the Far
East British cruisers have been attempting to
close a neutral port in South Africa against
American breadstuffs and establish fatal prece-
dent against England in event of war with any
great European Power. The contrast between
these two policies requires comment. The
London press to-day is filed with contradictory
dispatches from New-York and Berlin respect
ing the disposition to be made Of this question,
but il is confidently assumed in diplomatic
circles here that compensation will be made for
the seizures and that foodstuffs will not be
classed as contraband of British difficult
ties multiplying at Delagoa Bay, where
Krupp and Creusot guns are put on shore in
piano cases and where a regular liner like the
Bundesrath is now described as carrying fifty
tons of shells. five big guns seven thousand
army saddles and $50 trained artillerymen. But
there is likely to be an open door for American
-four in the future.
The War Office confirmed yesterday the news
that Pitchers cavalry raid was not an isolated
movement from Belmont but was supported by
a preconcerted reconnaissance by mounted
force from Modder River conducted by General
Darlington Colonel Pitchers flying column,
having gone sixty miles from Belmont to Doug
las was still in touch with Methuen's cavalry.
The object OF this movement was not explained,
but military writer's are hoping that 1t was
something more practical than the temporary
occupation OF a town where the loyalist feeling
has been overawed by Free Staters and force
recruited from Dutch rebels. Spirited as was
the scene when the Australian and Toronto
troops entered the town. order could not be re-
stored in a disaffected district by flying visit
from colonial forces Imperial loyalty. however.
put local disloyalty TO the blush Pitcher and
Darlington were in a position where they could
combine forces and operate on General Cron5es
flank west Of Kimberley. This would be
manouvre Of great tactical Importance for the
relief of Kimberley. The Beers are creeping up
steaIthily upon Modder River and digging
trenches close TO the Guards.
FRENCH STILL FIGHTING.
General Frenchs position is officially reported
az unchanged, and General Walker explains that
with relnforcements the enemy could be dis
lodged from Coiesb"-g. General French himself
NEW OpT y hNg euOPT LINE