New-York tribune., 1900-04-22
TSST4 AND JAPAN.
THE INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES IN
PRESERVING PEACE IN THE ORIENT.

- A--'>
To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: Referring TO article in your journal OF
to-day's issue. entitled Russia Watching Japan
make bold 10 crave your indulgence emphasize
in your columns the views expressed by Mr. Fas-
sett
At the present time the lands which bound the
North Pacific Ocean approaching an era of
extraordinary commercial development. In spite
Of the representations of political economists that
the exports from China had reached their maxi
mum, and that consequently no increase in I'M
ports was TO be expected, both imports and exports
advanced last year by leaps and bounds to the
highest figures yet recorded. Japan's trade with
China has increased in seven years over 800 per
cent reaching last year the respectable total OF
s26 COO 900 while regards Japanese vessels entered
and cleared In Chinese ports the increase IN ton
mage during the last three years amounts to over
800 per cent Already Japan has begun to import
American flour, and as her riches and powers Oh
purchasing increase so will the demand Tor houi
and other commodities from this side OF the ocean
augment.
The far seeing are already taking steps to meet
this trade and Canada is about to have a second
outlet on the Pacific Ocean, at Port Simpson, the
United States Great Northern Railway will shortly
be linked to Vancouver, and new ships are being
built to carry the steadily increasing trade with
the Far East. Russia has at last realized her
Just aspiration of an ce-free port on the facHc'
ard is now straining every nerve TO complete that
mighty enterprise which will bring Central Europe
centre China. Truly the trade of the Norm
Pacific is in its infancy; it is robust and healthy
infant but an infant only. whose growth during
the next twenty years will probably exceed the es-
timation of the most sanguine.
l frequently accounts of distinguished visit
ors to your shores being asked by journalists what
has impressed them the most during their visit.
Were qualified TO undergo that ordeal should
unhesitatingly reply the vast number of news
papers. The economical traveller has no need to
purchase them; they may be found IN profusion IN IN
and Elevators. in short wherever there is a seat
there is generally newspaper within reach: but Bet
Enrane he USUALLY seeks in vain This is not
natura: the deyeopment Of a vast country is
than sufficient to engross the energy OF me iloSn %
a change must come. Hour by hour the interests
of the United states In China ana Japan al h are m
of Clarence Cary, d large sum of American money
of the - Ha2k6w9 Canton Trunk Railway. This will
give the United States direct interest In f
of that region which cannot be evaded. Then there
Chinese e5G fee Labor Is capabe of beng made one of
richest on earth. Time and peace are alone re-
o by Russa to- consodate her
distant possessons and complete @ & tne a ans se
fit by tine general prosperity Of the Far East; and
The III Tpited 5nit states of Amerca occupy unique
position among the great Powers Of the world world
Though courted by all. their geographical position
and foreign policy have kept the country, speaking
generally free from the eaousy with which the
Providence has placed in the hands Of the e rulers
of this great country. Mr.. Fassett has done no
more than justice to President McKinley's admins
tration in creditng it with a distinct diplomatic
success in furthering the policy OF the open door
in China. But important this work is 1t will
fade into insignifcance If the Government OF the the
United States by its good offices avert the
threatened war There is yet time For reasons
into which ! need enter, ii Is iGaproDa Die
that peace will be broken in the Far East for a
year or two, but that it will occur in the near
future If no steps taken to avert II is clear
to those who have given but cursory attention
to the general trend Of affairs in the Ear East;
A BRITISH OFFICER.
Nen-Ynrk Anril L 1900