The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-13
The Open Door in China.

Even the admissions of the Administra-
ton would show the perturbation into
which 1t has been thrown by the situation
in China; but they do not sufficiently ex-
plain the reasons for it. We are allowed
to understand that political considerations
would render it dangerous for Mr.. Nc
Kinley to take stand in China that would
seem to expose the existence OF an al
lance. either express or implied. with
Great Britain; even though such a stand
might be necessary to save the lives of
our Minister, Consuls. and citizens. We
may infer, also. though that is not the in
tention, that the Administration is afraid
to withdraw troops from the Philippines,
for use in China, for fear Of exposing the
real conditions in the archipelago, which
are privately reported to be other than as
Otis represents them. But anxiety to
conceal understandings with the British
Foreign Office and to avoid disclosure Of
the real conditions in the Philippines does
not cover the full measure of official de-
sire to cloud the Chinese situation to the
eye of the country.
The real dilemma of the Administration
will be recognized when it is realized that
it cannot refrain from taking part in any
proposed international solution Of the Chi
nese question at large without practically
abandoning the interests OF the United
States in China 1t has been a fayorite
Republican theory of late that, whatever
might happen in the Celestial Empire,
even to the extent OF its ACKNOWLEDGMENT
and partition among the European powers,
the splendid diplomacy" of Mr.. Hay had
definitiyely and finally secured the open
door" to the United States. Were that
true it might be possible for the Admins
tration to leave the settlement In China
to the other world powers, with a calm
conviction that, in any case. all Of them
would give equal commercial privileges to
this country, no matter what restrictions
they might impose upon each other in the
segregated territories or spheres of in
fuence"
Unfortunately. 1t is not true. The open
door, which it is claimed we have Sc
cured. under terms and conditions good
in international law. is a myth. as will be
seen upon analysis of the negotiations al
legged TO have SO resulted. When Mr.. Hay
asked the European powers to guarantee
to the United States the perpetuation of
the privileges and concessions enjoyed by
itself and its citizens under treaties with
China. notwithstanding any political or
commercial changes which might be
wrought by the powers acting jointly or
singly. several Of the Governments ad-
dressed acceded to the request, provided,
however. that all the nations interested
should take like action. The Russian Min
lister Of Foreign Affairs, Count Muravieff,
land and Germany. His reply ignored the
positive proposition, and consisted merely
Of the statement that Russia had already
demonstrated its firm intention to follow |
the policy Of the open door, by creating |
Talienwan a free port. But be added |
that. if at some future time the rolt should |
be separated by customs limit from other |
portions Of the territory leased by Rus
STA. the customs duties would be levied |
in the zone subject to the tariff upon all |
foreign merchants, without distinction as
10 nationality.
1t is not difficult to see that this Russian
can only be held binding while
Russia chooses to consider Talienwan an
open port. Should it cease to be one, the
It. Petersburg Government is absolyed
rom any open door" engagement TO the
United States. And with that explanation
he whole ''open door" secured by the
splendid diplomacy Of Mr. Hay, drops
rom its hinges; because the door was
hinged upon the concurrent action of all
he powers. No enc or group OF them
Undertook to be bound unless all were.
Russia was not and is not
,ound. Then none of them is.
In view OF the foregoing considerations,
he position of the United States in and
With reference TO China must be deli
ate one. The open door," as far as we
re concerned. is wisp Of Hay. II there
, TO be partition OF the Empire and we
o not take q strong hand in 1t, we shall
nd ourselves completely shut out of the ,
anne and from the results of IT, We can .
OF pursue policy Of abstenton with
ut submitting to result Of exclusion, and ,
lie consequence Of exclusion would be the ,
ss TO our industry and commerce of all
Iture markets In the Chinese area Of ,
sia. &
These are things that have been carefully r
iplained TO Mr.. Mckinley and Mr.. Hay by n