The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1900-01-11
Oriental Trade Relations of Great
Advantage to the West.
GROWING COLONIAL POLICY
Special Washington Correspondence to Signal.

Special Washington Correspondence to Signal.
The widely heralded statement that
all the European powers had guaran-
teed the ''open door" to the United
States in China was somewhat pre-
mature when printed, but has since
substantially been made good
England, Germany and Russia have
signed the guarantee and only Italy
remains to be considered The
agreement is not binding on any one
of the signers until all have signed,
SO that it cannot yet be said that the
question is settled. But there is no
reason to doubt that Italy will join
with the rest. The story as printed
also gave the impression that uniform
guarantees had been given by each
of the powers. This is mistake;
no two being alike. When all are
received it is probable that a new one
will be drafted, containing only the
points upon which all are agreed and
will be sent to the powers anew for
signature. This is desirable in order
that no dispute as to the extent of
the agreement may hereafter arise
Briefly, the guarantee will be that
the United States merchants and
manufacturers shall enjoy, in those
parts of China under control of
European powers, similar trade adj
vantages to those enjoyed by the
merchants and manufacturers of the
power itself This is the greatest
diplomatic success the United States
has achieved for a generation and
its importance cannot be over esti-
mated. 1t undoubtedly is due to
the recent acquisition of territory in
the Orient.
Despite all statements to the con
trary it may be positively asserted
that no official proposition for the
sale of her West India islands to the
United States has been made by
Denmark. Three unofficial PROPOSE
tions have been made, two of them
by commercial houses and third by
Danish citizen without credentials.
All were told that this government
would not treat except through
properly authorized person. prefer
ably the Danish minister to the
United States. This method of ap-
proach is SO unusual that the au-
thorities do not know what to think
of it, but the general impression is
that Denmark is willing to sell. but
would rather receive an offer than
make one. There seems to be pretty
good reason why she should so pre-
fer. Twice before the United States
has been on the point of buying the
islands and each time has thrown up
the bargain at the last moment.
In Secretary Stewards time Denmark
even held an election in the islands
to ascertain whether the peple were
willing to be annexed, and yet had
the humiliation of having the treaty
for their sale fail Of confirmation by
the senate Naturally she does not
care to expose herself to this again
if she can help it. 1t is quite true
that the German ambassador recently
asked the state department how the
United States would regard the pur-
chase of the ISLANDS by Germany.
Secretary Hay gave him to under
stand that the administration was
not disposed to relax any of the pro-
visions of the Monroe doctrine, and
the matter was dropped. 1t is GER
tain that it will not be pressed by
Germany.
The impression is growing that the
reciprocity treaty with France will