New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-10-05
THE POWERS IN CHINA.
FREDERICK w. SEWARD SAYS THEY ARE
NOT SEEKING QUARRELS WITH
ONE ANOTHER.
To the Editor OF The tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Everybody wants to know what the Vest
ern Powers trying to do with China and what
China is trying to do with the Western Powers II
is the function Of the press 10 enghten the public
both points. and for the most part the press IS
endeavoring to perform that duty. But there are
many readers who prefer sensations 70 facts.
and many writer's who are ready TO supply them
with what they prefer. that the average reader Is
in danger Of acquiring "a vast and varied
fund OF misinformRton-"
One things Il Is well TO bear In mind:
First. the Powers are not seeking quarrels with
one another China. They are not holding aloof
with jealous hostile intent. TO thwart one an
others manoeuvres- On the contrary. there has
seldom been time in diplomatic history when
there was such frequent, frank and rapid inter-
change Of views between the Cabinets at London.
Paris Berlin St. Petersburg and washington The
interviews. notes dispatches and kilograms that
are daily passing between them and their Min
listers show that they seeking to find out upon
what they can agree and upon what they must
agree to differ Agree they must on those points
where they have interests in common; differ they
must upon points where their interests are DIFF
ferent They had difficulty in uniting to send
ships and troops to rescue their imperiled lega-
tons. They are agreed in the purpose OF demand
ing reparaton and indemnity for injuries received
They will agree in the determination 70 have their
citizens subjects henceforth protected from dan
ger OF massacre.
But as to some other matters where their in
terests differ. their purposes and action will vary
The Russians would like additional territory at the
North to help the development OF their harbors
and railway enterprises The French have similar
views about territory at the South and
they would improve its condition The Germans
confident that the extension OF the colonies
they have already planted would be beneficial 10
those regions as well as to Germany The Japan
csc believe that they could work such regenera-
ton in China as they have already in their own
country. The British know that the control Of
river and railway traffic would enable them to
build UP great commerce, which they could man
age more wisely than the Chinese. or perhaps any
other Power. The Americans want no territory,
but only the "open door for peace and trade
Viewed from the standpoint OF the respective Gov
ernments each Of these desires seems commend
able. But no one of the Governments is
strenuous in its purpose as 10 wish to antagOnizs
the others In these matters where they are 20 act
severaly jointly. the chief sOlictude is TO ind
how their several desires may be attained without
too much friction against one another.
SeeOnd-The China with whom the Powers
dealing is not gigantic. blOOdthtrsty ogre, seek
ing to devour all foreigners. Such a personidca-
ton thrills the popular Imagination But China IS
not personality nor person. 1t is four hundred
million persons. of infinite variety OF disposition
and character Judging by our Western ideas, the
Chinese constitute rather than nation.
That intense patriotism which leads Englishmen,
Frenchmen, Germans and Americans 10 rally
round their flag and march forth 70 die for their
fatherland has counterpart in China unless il
he that extreme conservatism which leads them
adhere 10 ancient customs. usages. rules. preiu-
dices and sUperstitons, not as belonging 10 their
country. but belonging to themselves or their
ancestors
1t is true that imperial persOnages eminent man
darins and many officials, civil and military. have
cherished deep and bitter resentment the loss OF
ports and provinces and the cUrtaiment OF their
power: but there millions OF Chinese to
whom such questions OF less Importance than
dread OF further foreign encroachments led the
dominant minds at the imperial capital to
20 medieval misunderstanding edcts for the expuI-
sion determination OF foreign devils" and rely
ing upon the passions and the superstttions OF the
ignorant TO carry them into effect But 1t often
happens when a Government acts from frantic
dread or fear. The Chinese rulers brought on the
very danger they were trying to avert Instead oe
scattering their adversaries they united them In
stead Of keeping the foreign devils out they
brought them in. even to the sacred precincts OK
the inner palace.
There have been and still are sagacious Chiness
statesmen capable Of realizing that the Only way
to maintain the strength and integrity OF the En-
pire is to take part in the general march OF tha
worlds progress. But they have seldom long held
place power China's great opportunity came.
thirty or more years ago. when Wan Slang sought
to introduce gradually modern methods of govern
mont. But he was overruled and his cOUnsels wers
forgotten. China's dangers from
within than from withOut-from her own rulers
rather than from united foreign armies. Her gov
ernmental system is supposed to be like a great
autOmaton, moved by a central. secret impulse.
1t is rather like huge loose jointed doll. whOss
members will not act in harmony. Such a govern
ment may fall to pieces through it's own weight and
weakness The events OF the last summer illus
trate that weakness. II could not exterminate thu
handful of foreigners in the legations when IL
wanted to. 1t has four hundred millions beck
and call. and yet is hiding away from an army OF
only forty thousand.
Our own Government IS pursuing a course con-
sistent with its past record and einently wise for
all concerned We shall cooperate with the other
Powers far may be needed 70 make surs
that Minister at Picking shall have the same
freedom and safety that Minister Wa has ar
Washington and that Americans In China may
hereafter pursue their peaceful avocations with ths
same degree OF safety that Cinnamon do in Amer
lea. But we want no territory, share in China's
government. in her Acknowledgement Amer
lea has been China's best friend. ana would
willingly again lend her a helping hand 70 main
tain her place among nations But even Americas
friendship cannot save her from the consequences
Of Grass stupidity and folly in her rulers
FREDERICK w SEWARD
Montrose-on-t e-Hudson, Oct / 1900
HOW is 1T RIDICULOUS?