The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-12
Circulation statement.
America and the Powers.

1t would be useless to attempt denial
or evasion of the plain fact that the Ad-
ministration has received direct and
very complete snub at the hands of the
western European Governments constitu-
ting what is left of the Concert of Pow
ers in China. Mr.. Hays proposition that
after the Chinese peace ENJOYS should
sign the preliminary peace terms, the va
rious States should withdraw their troops
from the Empire, and join in an inter
national conference TO be held in Wash
ington or some other capital. for the cen
sideration of the indemnity and other
questions, has been not only received with
disfavor at the several chanceller.es. but
actually treated as an impertinence. The
proposition has been hastily withdrawn;
but that act does not save our face, which
is very much shamed in the premises
1t almost passes understanding that a
man of Mr. Hays diplomatic experience
should lay his Government open to a slight
which he had every reason 10 believe was
inevitable. as a result of antecedent cir
cumstances He knew or ought to have
known. that every cabinet n Western Eu-
rope holds the United States responsible
for breaking the Concert. and for encour-
aging the Chinese TO resistance. by its ac-
tion in entering into a sudden agreement
with Russia to evaeuate Pekin, without no.
tice TO the other allies. Beyond this. in
designating the brigade of American troops,
reluctantly left at the Chinese capital as a
concession to popular sentiment, a 'le-
CATION guard" and placing it exclusively
under the orders of our Minister, there
was every appearance Of a snub TO Ger
many, as this action was taken upon the
eve of the arrival of Field Marshal Count
Won Waidersee to assume chief military
command of the allied forces.
For these mistakes in diplomacy We
never have blamed either Mr. Hay or our
trained and able Assistant Secretary OF
State, DR.. Hill. Both of these gentle
men we're absent from the department
when they were committed by Cabinet
committee, unhappily innocent of inter
national usage or courtesy. But, the
mischief having been done. it behooved
the Secretary. of State to consider him
self on notice that there would be re-
prisals when the first opportunity should
present itself.
AT the time, We yentured to warn the
Administration that the precipitate and |
unexpected cut and seuttle" would be
regarded by Great Britain, the Triple |
Alliance, and Japan. as tantamount to
our withdrawal from the Concert, and |
that It would result Immediately in the |
total loss of whatever prestige this coun-
try had gained through its earlier and |
brilliant military cooperation with the |
other Powers. Events have proved the !
accuracy OF these predictions.
Europe is unable TO understand the |
splendid diplomacy of nation which |
assumes TO lead the world in formulating |
policies. which 1t declares in advance it |
will not support by arms. The United |
States has placed itself II a dependent
position in China. Outside Of our lesati n
guard in Pekin there is no American force
to protect national interests or citizens.
We're hostilities TO be resumed today, we
should have to look to the allied troops |
for such protection. Yet, up to the pres
emit time, our State Department has acted
as if this Government were the prime
factor in China, military. civil, and diplo-
matte. Such an attitude, considering all
the circumstances, could net well result |
In anything but serious rebuff, which, as
We see. has been vigorously administered.
Probably 1t may do US good; but the med
icine is certainly triie bitter.