New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-28
The OPEN DOOR IN CHINA
rs DEFINITION AND HOW IT WAS sF-
CURED.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO TIE rR1BuxEl


washington. Feb. 2T.-The European Powers
snd Japan have finally acquiesced in the declar
s-ton OF Secretary Hay that existing treaties
between the United States and China could NOT
he modified by the temporary leases by other
nations Of Chinese territory. This admission OF
8 great principle has been secured in every case
-reluctantly in some, enthusiastically in others
and according TO q high authority OF the
state Department the open door" is now es
rsbIished beyond further quibble The full sig
1lhcance Of Secretary Hays achievement is ex-
planned with authority in this statement:
Following, the war with Japan which demon
sITated ChlEas weakness and the likelihood Of
the empires disintegration, Great Britain, Rus
siz. Germany ana france obtained leases from
rhe Feksng Government Of naval bases on the
Chinese coast, ana Japan procured the practical
naturalization Of the shore lire facing Formosa
t. obtain . field Tor the commercial and in
6ustriaI activity of their nations and remove
a the same time, probable causes OF interna-
ri0ral comPliCs tons between the competing ma
lions. wei as FOR strategical and other pur-
poses. tho Powers then proceeded 70 divide
China into areas OF interest or influence within
T-hish meg Sne ihelr people were 10 enjoy GER
zsr as tet III defined privileges, more especially
q reads railways and mining.
This transformation was still N progress when
n tlf Treaty OF Paris We came into possession
Ct IT. Philippine Islands and from having pure
= c-ululeTclal interests IN the Far East we be-
csre Eastern Power and an active partfcf-
Fster n Asiatie politics The maintenance Of the
balsnee II power III Asia in which the integ-
rftv II the Chinese Empire was of paramount
importance acquired sudden And greaI interest
for rs and thar the logical policy Of the United
once became evident
TIE United states. realizing the danger which
:llra-d IN me area Of influence" arrangements
= or VAST ana growing interests in China and
me uass HiiltE of The sphere Of influence OF to
day being converted into an area Of absolute
control l9-lOrroW- seeing IN them g menace TO
cur vested interests. possible discriminate in
faxes lE or goods preferential railroad rates
granted competitors and other contingencies
@ ma int and
probable complications arising between the for
egn Powers interested in the trade and develop
our mercantile community, and incidentally
10 NJ commerce Of the world. all the advantages
which il has until now enjoyed under the exist
1IE treaties with China.
THE ADVANTAGES SECURED
Last fall. therefore. Secretary Hay informed
the great European Powers and Japan that the
United States Government considered Il adyisa-
bic that they should make q declaration con
corning the commercial policy they proposed
pursuing within their so-caIled areas Of in
Terest and give formal written expression 70 the
Oft repeated assurances they had made US OF
their determination 70 follow in its broadcast
sense the policy Of the open door OF the recog-
milton OF the Untram1elled exercise by all Of the
rights insured g existing treaties with China.
This request has now been complied with IN
such manner that the most serious If not all OF
the Dangers most 10 be feared from the creation
Of spheres Of interest or influence have disap-
pesred.
FUrtheruo-e the advantage gained by the
Peking Government IS warned that, while there
s 10 menace 10 the integrity Of the empire IN
The present percelling out Of its surface into
spheres OF interest, the Powers IN their deter
minaTiou TO extend their commerce through
China must and VIII require OF IL the faithful
performance OF 3ts obligations under treaties
with them To make China able 70 perform
these duties. the treaty Powers will give aid
and counsel IN strengthening the Imperial Gov
eminent Of Picking, for weakness in that quarter
means inevitable disruption OF the empire and
consequent ruin 70 foreign interests; but in re-
turn II has the right 70 expect OF l. straightfor-
ward and honest discharge OF all the obligations
3 has assumed toward foreign nations by
treaties concluded with them.
WINE bad government and bad faith in China
.night not involve in ruin the empire for al
Western nations have and still do declare that
The Independence and integrity OF China is a
principle OF their policy IN Asia the retguing
dynasty might fall under the fnevita bic interna
rebellion which lis shortsightedness and rnaIad-
mtnistreticu must bring about.
The Government OF China VIII never move il
the way Of progress unless constrained TO by
external pressure With the achievement OF
Secretary Hay before Il, IL viii give more heed
10 the representations made 10 II il the interest
q progress, good government and fidelity 10
treaty obligations