New-York tribune., 1901-02-09
CRI7TCLShE THE PRESIDENT
MINISTER WI IN A SOMEWHAT ENIBAR-
RAISING SITUATION.
NO OFFICIAL NOTICE LIKELY TO BE TAKEN
OF HIS ATTACK ON GENERAL OTIS
HIS EXPLANATIONS.
IRY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.


Washington Feb. S-Wu Ting-fang, the Chi
nese Minister, found himself in a rather embar-
RAISING position to-day for diplomat Of estab-
lished reputation. Trusting too confidently. per-
haps that one indiscretion would not beget an
other. he unpleasantly surprised to discover
this morning that unguarded letter he had
written TO the officers OF the Society Of the Cen
esee in New-York. had been made public at
dinner given in honor Of Major-General Elwell
S. Otis at the Waldorf-Astoria- Minister Wa
had frankly explained TO the Genesee Society
that he could not be present ar the dinner and
make address. because he disapproved GER
tain features Of General Otis's military admin
istration IN the Philippines Supposing, per-
haps. that the explanation would be considered
personal and confidential. he failed 10 picture
with diplomatic foresight the awkward conse-
quences of such mishap gave the public his
uncensored views OF a policy which. whether
acceptable TO Chinese opinion not the
direct consequence of orders sent by the Gov
ernment OF the United States 10 its military
representatives in the Philippines. Mr.. Wu's
criticism OF General Otis. it is agreed by diplo-
mats and Government officials here. was In fact
a criticism OF the President and the Secretary
OF War. who. through General Otis. were carry
ing into effect within American territory policy
laid down by Congress-; and only the fact that
the utterance was a presumably private and
personal one exculpate the Chinese Minister
from the charge of grave official indiscretion.
He could logically and as pertinently have
refused TO dine with the President on the
grounds given for his refusal to sit at table with
General Otis
Under the circumstances, of course, actual
notice is likely to be taken Of Mr.. wu's lapse Of
judgment. General Otis the person directly at
tackled on the score OF ''egregious error and in
justice" Is not expected TO feel seriously enough
offended 10 complain to the War Department.
and If he makes complaint the State Depart
Will be strongly inclined to let the Chinese
Minister off without renonstrance. Mr.. Wus
course during the Chinese war commended him
strongly TO the Administration and the Ameri-
can public as a diplomat of force character and
integrity. and American opinion Will cheerfully
pardon the slight error into which he was
drawn by too great confidence in the privacy OF
his written utterances. In the future, however,
the Chinese Minister Will probably prefer to
carry on his correspondence with dinner giving /
societies through the long distance telephone /
Mr.. Wu's offence resembles in some particulars /
perhaps, that Of Captain Coghlan who delivered I
the famous "Ioch der KAISER" ode at a New |
York dinner The President and Secretary Long /
concluded that such a dinner must be regarded /
a private and official affair. that /
Captain Coghlan escaped court martial, al /
though he did receive a letter OF admonitiOn /
from Secretary Long
No OFFENCE INTENDED.
When Minister wu was seen tonight by a |
Tribune correspondent he said
The newspapers are trying to make a mountain |
out of a mclehill. and are eXaggerating the |
meaning Of my letter. which was intended to be /
private. / did not expect that a prvateeletter |
would be published. was it my intention /
that ii should be read at the banquet
After reading newspaper clipping containing |
an extract from his letter declining the invita-
tion to the dinner. the Minister said
There is nothing here that General otis could |
take objection 10. is there? / did not wish To /
condemn him. do ] want 10 condemn any |
In fact, / went out Of my way to com |
pliment him, and ! admire him a command |
er and a man. My views in regard TO the eX- |
clusion of the Chinese from the Philippines are |
well known In accordance with instructions |
from my Government. prepared a correspond |
this subject, which was read I'm the |
United States Senate and published about two |
months ago. to give every one a chance To |
the position OF my country concerning the !
extension Of Chinese exclusion laws TO the phil |
ippines When General Otis had full control of |
the administration OF affairs in the Philippines |
and acted in opposition TO the welfare of my |
countrymen. how could honestly accept an in
VitatiOn to dinner in his honor where that |
subject to be spoken Of? Having had no |
engagement for the evening Of the dinner, / |
simply declined, giving honest reason for |
doing so. / should be glad to hear from Gen
eral Otis at any time, and would always be
glad TO see him in my house. The papers do
not say that he is offended. and did not in
tend 10 offend him. He does not occupy the
Office OF Military Governor Of the Philippines
at present, and whatever I said in my letter
was about that which happened in the past,
and that would not certainly affect him now
Mr.. WI asked to discuss the letter fur-
ther. but repeated that the papers were trying
10 make mountain out Of molehin."