New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-05-17
CONGER AND AMENT SPEAK
GUESTS AT ASIATIC ASSOCIATION
DINNER.

Edwin H. Conger. United States Minister to
China. was the guest of honor at the third an
nual dinner OF the American Asiatic Association
at Delmonco's last evening and spoke freely
about the prospects for American trade and mis-
sionary effort in China. He said that "notwith-
standing the unparalleled barbarism of last sum-
mer, the present situation has still most aIlur-
ing promises for commercial and philanthropic
work in the Orient" While declaring that
American trade in China has been practically
paralyzed for the present. he said that some
thing may, can and must be done TO regain the
situation and restore former conditions"
Previous to the dinner Mr.. Conger said he did
not expect to be candidate for the Governor
ship OF Iowa this fall. Some OF my friends"
he said TO Tribune reporter. have mentioned
me a possible candidate and have said that
If nomination for Governor of my State came
10 me unsolicited would accept II, but do not
expect that the nomination will come to me.
expect TO leave this country again in July. and
to be back at my post in China before the State
conventions meet in Iowa"
The Rev. Dr. William s Ament. of the Ameri-
can Board OF Commissioners for Foreign Mis-
sions. guest at the dinner. and responded
10 the toast. American Missionaries in the
Siege of the legations" He referred to attacks
which had been made upon missionaries by
writers, but did not speak directly OF Mark
Twain's personal attack upon him. To a Trib-
une reporter. previous TO the dinner. Or. Ament
said that he did not wish 10 continue any dis
cussion With Mark Twain -----r
About hundred and twenty-five men at
tended the dinner. Samuel D. Brewster the act
ing president OF the association. was in the
chair. and among others at the guests table
Mr.. Conger. DR.. Ament. Kogoro Takahira,
the japanese Minister; James NJ. Beck. As
sistant Attorney General OF the United States;
William E. Dodge. George II. Daniels. J. Ed
ward Simmons. John D. Crimmins Samuel
Thomas and Joseph c. Hendrix. Mr.. Beck re-
sponded to the first toast Of the evening. The
President of the United States" and toward the
close of his speech he said:
In foreign countries the President can only
through his accredited ministers. And It is Of the
utmost Importance TO this country that Chief
MAGISTRATE should be worthy represented in every
the consular and diplomatic service should cease
to be the mere football OF politics and perquisites
OF politicians. Such position should be given
our most eminent men and their tenure OF Of
fee should be independent OF politics. Indeed
service than to develop the idea advanced BY Sen
Point Annapolis whore talented young
diplomatic service but also for the great work
which lies before us Of wisely administering the
God have been placed in our keeping.
Mr. Conger was the second speaker. After re-
ferring to the effect produced by the war with
Spain in increasing American prestige in the
East. he said:
This all gave encouragement 70 merchant and
more hopeful results. particularly in the great en-
ample measure their high hopes. and. notwith-
standing the unparalleled barbarisms Of last sum-
mer the present situation has still most alluring
promises for commercial and philanthropic work In
the Orient Great trade possiottes y are Sun Exist, exist
triously and tudiclorsly taken advantage Of both
by government and by individuals great profits are
beg you TO understand that disclaim all sym
pathy with Endorsement Of the Colonel Sellers
sort OF commercialism, which has been so con
s;antly promulgated in public speech and public
press ali over the land.
Later in his speech Mr.. Conger said:
The unfortunate ard inexcusable happenings Of
last summer have obliterated trade in North China
and sadly interfered with IT'S progress all the
vast empire At New-Chwang. through whose door
opening into Manchuria our trade trade IN lsSS and 1893
row practically paralyzed; and at TierTsn, except
NAV can and must he done to regain the situation
and restore the former conditions This can be ac-
assurance secured by Secretary Hay in his open
the policy suggested by President Mckinley in his
circular OF July 2. 1902 -. -.
One great trouble with our foreign trade is that
merchants and manufacturers have never
teken hold OF it as serious and permanent 6I, &
a surplus of products and only then. they have
@ possibie' regaTdiess Of profit or future transac-
tioDs and then abandoned the neid untl the accu-
HluIaN4oH VI "iioNHSi 4'' --' 'N' -
again
In the mean time their European competitors
have been on the ground all the time studying the
wants OF the people. familiarinZing themselves
with the conditions and methods OF trade acquiring
the language or the country, accommodating them
selves 10 the situations and establishing ntellieent
nermanent agencies-plants which may not be
at once profitable. but from which hountifu har-
vests may be reasonably expected In the future
Americans must. II they hope for success go and
10 likewise. The present is most ausDicious time
for general expansion OF American trade.
Japan the Promise and Pledge OF Oriental
Progress" was the toas: 10 which the japanese
Minister responded. and he was followed by
William f. Dodge. who spoke 10 the toast. For
eign Trade and Diplomacy"
DR. Ament was the last speaker at the dinner,
and in reference to the missionaries in China he
said:
Now as TO the missionaries. OF whom am proud
10 be one. They represent the only class of Amer-
can citizens I'm China whose position and whose
who have not had the benefit OF the average Amer
lean. love OF open field and fair play.
Scores OF writers followed the army, exploited
tts every move. For the missionary who has tried
10 be faithful, be loyal American citizen
and Christian seeking the highest good Of peo-
gin for there has been depreciation by the men
On the field. never preceded by personal inquiry
A word, a phrase IS twisted from its setting and
another Interpretation placed. and monster OF
dread form Is made out
The persistency of work like this only justify
the feeling that the root OF this un-American war
fare Is due not SO much TO what is seen OF known