The Washington times., 1902-01-14
CHINA MIGHT
STRIKE BACK.
Exclusion Legislation May
Cause Retaliation.
WU'S INTIMATION TO THAT EFFECT
California Delegates Disappointed
to Learn Chinese Government May
Refuse Trade Treaty Advantages
to This COuntry-State Depart.
menfs Qnandary-LegisIat May
he Modified.

II the Geary Chinese exclusion Inv in
re-enacted with the rigidity favored hv
niany Pacific Coast Senators and Rerresen-
tatives the Chinese Government p,ay
strike back by refusing to sign with this
country certain trade treaties now contem-
plated. In such event the progress Amcri-
can business interests are now making in
the land of the Yellow Dragon will be
summarily arrested.
Through Minister WI Ting fang the
Chinese Government is making a deter
l'ined diplomatic fight against the rc-
enactment of the exclusion Law. Their. is
reason to believe that it has made certain
suggestions to the State Department which
have brought discomfort to til. minds of
the delegation sent here from California
TO worK Id sentiment In favor OF 4 strin-
gent new Measure against Chinese immi-
grafton.
DeIeEatfOn Gets Unpleasant News.
When the delegation called on Secre-
tary Hay last Friday it learned some
thing that was not pleasant, but the dele
gates were sworn to secrecy and would
not tell what 1t was that made them un.
happy. One thing that they were told was
that an international aspect had devel-
oped with regard to the proposed re-
enactment Of the exclusion law which re-
quired serious consideration. The dele,
CATION was told also that the department
expected developments within a week or
ten days.
Exclusion an Anront to China.
Careful enquiry yesterday in Official
quarters resulted in bringing out that
China has intimated that the re-enact-
ment OF the Geary act would be regarded
as an anront which would require re-
taiiation, and it is understood that the
imperial authorities at Peking contem-
plate declining to grant most-favored-na-
ton treatment to the United States in
the commercial treaties which are to be
negotiated by China with this country.
The rapid development of American
trade in the Flowery Kingdom has given
reason to this Government to hope that
with liberal concessions in the new COM
mercial treaties, the United States will
The Chinese.
California is vitality interested in the
Chinese market, and the question of cur
failing its lucrative dealings with the
Orient. is naturally regarded with concern
oy the delegation which is working for
new exclusion l-w.
Would Affect American Trade.
1t is the expectation Of officials here
hat many existing trade barriers will be
destroyed by the proposed new treaties,
hus enabling American manufacturers
nd shippers to send their goods into the
Interior of the country, where great
1arket awaits them. Should other ma
ions. however. secure tariff advantages
'hich the American will not possess,
here will, of course, be a considerable
urtailment of trade with this country.
Possible Concessions in Law.
The State Department is endeavoring to
urmouEt the difficulty, but with what
ope of success is not disclosed. 1t is
eiieved among men interested in the
latter that China will be willing to COM
romise on the basis of certain modihca-
ons in the exclusion law.