The times., 1901-03-11
CircuIation statement.
Our PoIicy in China.


practically dropped the allies and estab-
Iished an independent base for herself in
Manchuria the American Government
lately has syerved around to the side of
Great Britain and. in turn, has en-
deavored to undo the former triumph Of
our splendid amateur diplomacy. by
aiding Lord Salisbury in little quiet in
vcstigation Of Auscovite plans and pur-
poses. In the innocent role of an indie
pendent seeker after truth, the Admins
tration has asked the Chinese Emperor
some questions concerning his alleged ac-
tion in entering into territorial engage
rnents with Individual States and has in
formed him that the time is inopportune
for such diversions. But this action, as
we are assured through semi-Official ut
terances has not been intended in any
sense as indicating the slightest doubt
that Russian assurances promising the
evacuation of Manchuria. and its restora-
ton to the Chinese Empire. are insincere
It is given out with much point and force
that such suspicion would be impossible,
in view of the fact that within the past
few weeks. the Government Of the Gar
has assured the United States of its in
tention TO act in accord with the wishes
OF all the Powers in regard to the acquisi-
ton Of territorial rights. To act as if
this country entertained a doubt of the
bona fdes Of this declaration. it is ex-
plained in official circles probably would
expose us TO Russian enmity, and might
be construed as insulting TO the Russian
Government. This. il may be observed, is
very diplomatic and smooth. The wonder
is tnat the same prudential considerations
did not occur to the Administration when
il permitted Secretary Gage to ignore the
equally positive declaration Of the Rus
sian Minister Of Finance. that Russia does
not pay a bounty to producers of sugar
intended for export: and on trust repre-
sentati0ns TO decide arbitrarily that a
bounty is paid. To as il would seem
almost As affrontive TO withhold belief
from NJ de Witte, as from Count Lams-
dorff But then the Sugar Trust probably
has no special interest in discrediting the
latter.
Were It possible TO arrive at all Of the
inside facts Of the situation. most likely
il would appear that the failure Of the
State Department to secure categorical
statement from Russia, fixing an ap-
propriate time for the restoration of the
status quo ante in Nanchuria is something
in the nature Of a diplomatic defeat, from
the effects Of which retirement to cover
for season is the cheapest remedy. Rus
sia has neither been surprised nor cajoled
into making any definite promises. She
cheerfully pledges herself to get out and
abandon the great viceroyalty, with its
wide stretch Of territory, its shores, ports
and harb0rs, as soon as China shall be
able 10 furnish satisfactory guarantees
that order and peace are TO prevail on the
Russo o-Chinese frontier. and that Russian
railway interests and 50 on viii be safe
guarded. No doubt the temporary occu-
patton" must reasonably be conceded also
to cover the period necessary for China
10 pull herself together and discharge
whatever cash indemnity may be found
due 10 the occupant" There is nothing
definite about this voluntary enga cement, (
and that fact worries Washington equally
with London. Should the temporary oc-
cUpatIOu last for century OF TWO, for in
stance and Nieu Chwang be made Rus
sian tariff port. the eutrepot for a val
Uabie American trade in oil and cotton
goods would be cut of. Little as senti-
meut is expected 10 cut any figure in such
matters il would really seem ungrateful
on the part Of Russia 10 treat US that
Ray. after our helpfuluess in the sudden
and sensational RUSSO American cut and
seattle from Pekin. without notice to the
Other allies.
Altogether. the prevailing conditions in
Chin, are not apparently favorable 10 the
interests of the United States. Russia
has successfully placed herself in a posi-
tion % force the hand of the Powers. II
Is now for them. OF amy of them, to say
whether or not they viii openly refuse to
believe the pledges of the St Petersburg
Government. and proceed upon the as
sumption that possession Of AIanchuria is
INTENDED u Do, permanent all deuials TO
The contrary Russia has only 10 wait I
and watch the DRIFT OF events. II is not .
ikeIy that her ruling men are much per I
tur1eJ over the matter. AS far as We
Can Judge from appearance. and from 4
-l Information as the press can com (
IT, "reas,-aat Britain and the United
state III isolated ia Their desire 70 in I
terci the MDsegrite programme. .
8posIg il o. be one af pernssu1ucg
D. 's altogether probable that a coudi- /
tiou uf affairs iu Mongolia as well as .
1arohaGie. alleged to exist by q special .
correspondent of The Berlin "TagebIaat." .
who has spent year iu travel over those
Te-lYus. had been previously brought 10
the attention of the leading Cabinets OF
Western tuTals. This German correspou-
delt asserts that there is uo doubt a Rus
sian pIotaetorata has been established
Over Mongolia. the northern grand df,-i-
sion of the Chimes, Empire. and a coun-
trg ai imperial area stretching from Man
Ci.ltia 20 TaIsestaa. Throughout AIguro-
lia, he says. th, Egssian flag has been
ev.rEwhore raised districts organized.
and laX collection offices and branches
OF the Russg-Chiarse Bank established.
W.tH Russian officials invariably in |
charge
Wore "t ta assume the truth Of thIs
nsta H.aa STORY aua afsn tIlat The Brit
i-h r..0 ai tna Nanchurlaa occupation is
wei grounded, t1eu it would appear that
Russia bad succeeded lu advancing her
Siberian frontier south almost 10 ID !in,
Crt1H across the heart of China from the
Ga. ol Joao Tons oa the east 20 Kaehear
oH tha west If such a vast enterprise
81 territorial ACKNOWLEDGMENT has been
carried to the point where Russia is in
actual possession. and has been able TO
Introduce such au army Of occupation as
would bc likely ia the circumstances. il
MAJ well occur 70 the Governments Of
Germany, austria, and Italy that the
time for useful opposition is past They,
a. well as Japan, may decide that the sit
nation is no longer in the grasp Of the
Concert, and that nothing is left to be
SoHc save 10 edopt tho policy OF sauve .