New-York tribune., 1902-02-15
CHINA'S OPEN DOOR.
CANNOT BE SHUT WITH OUR
SHIP AT NEW CHWANG.
IMPORTANT PART PLAYED BY THE
VICKSBURG AT ONLY TREATY
PORT IN MANCHURIA.
rRY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNE. !

Washington, Feb. 14.-The abandonment by
Russia, temporarily, at least. of the attempt
10 Coerce China's signature 20 the secret agree
ment relative to the Russo-Chinese Bank,
against which the United States has been ex-
ertng its influence for months at Peking and
st. Petersburg. is the first tangible result OF
the Anglo-Japanese treaty. and with this OBJ
jectionable project set aside. the proposed CON
vention between Russia and China establishing
procedure for the evacuation of Manchuria may
be concluded at any moment.
Whether the terms of the latter convention are
10 be speedily carried out or not is a ques-
tion, however upon which the greatest di-
vergency OF belief is expressed in Washington.
The secret agreement, pressed upon Ii
Hung Chang shortly before his death. In effect
bound China, in consideration OF Russias sup
port against foreign encroachments TO grant no
railway, mining or other concessions in Man
churia except to Chinese and Russians with
the stipulation that any Chinese concession
aires requiring financial backing should be per
mitted TO obtain loans only from the Russo
Chinese Bank When Minister Conger returned
10 Peking several months ago he found the
agents OF the Russo Chinese Bank pressing for
the execution of this agreement, though the
Russian Government apparently avoided active
participation in the negotiations.
RUSSIA BACKED THE BANK
on the other hand. the Russian Government
declined to arrange for the evacuation of Man
Churia by open treaty until the banks status
guaranteed by the Chinese Government
The two matters were so inseparably interviewer
and nterdependent that Mr.. Conger devoted his
efforts to preventing the Chinese from APPROX
ing either He vigorously supported by the
British and Japanese Ministers. but there Is rea-
son to believe that upon the return of the En-
t1 fayU Ike 4
became evident that she going to approve
the bank agreement, and that ordinary diplO-
matte representations the subject could no.
longer postpone the closing of the open door
upon the richest province Of the Chinese Empire
Thereupon England and Japan became allied to
maintain Chinese territorial integrity. with the
result that Russia has withdrawn It's govern
mental support from the demands of the Russo
Chinese Bank agents.
An interesting and significant side light is
thrown on the Manchurian question to-day by
one OF the highest officials Of the navy, in con
nection with the mission Of the gunboat Vicks-
burg now frozen in at New-Chwang. Russia
seized New-Chwang the only open treaty port
of Manchuria when the Peking legations We're
besieged. but. according 10 the Russian official
assurances to the powers at the time interna-
tionaI interests there would remain inviolabe.
THE VICKSBURG AT NEW -CHwANG.
The Russian troops were the first to leave
Peking after the siege, and, anticipating that
New-Chwang would be promptly evacuated,
the United States hurried the Vicksbufs there
10 nreserve order and TO protect American in
terests from the moment Russia withdrew
No other nation sent a ship, and, as disorder
might be expected if no warship was present
when the Chinese resumed control. orief Visit
from an American naval vessel was UNDERSTOOD
to be not displeasng TO Russia. Almost as soon
as she arrived the Vicksburg was frozen in for
the winter with no chance of escape before next
April
This was longer stay than the Russian au-
thorities the local administrators OF New
Chwang, were disposed to welcome ana the
officers and men of the United States ship have
had anything but an enjoyable winter from the
social point of view. Recently some indication
o4 This condition came in cable dispatches tell
ing Of fights between the American sailors and
Russian soldiers and letters which LETT the
Vicksburg soon after she reached New-CnWans
told how, as a precautionary measure heF guns
were kept loaded, spare ammunition was kept
close at hand. and the watches were under war
time discipline. 1t now develops that the Nlcks,
burg's presence at New-ChWang mas preNthteu
a nernnanent closing of the port to foreign shlps.
Russia recognizes that the United states mas
esta blished rights to continuous representation
at New -Chwang, and that an American national
vessel must OF necessity relieve the NicKspuFs
in the course Of few months and remain there
as long as the United States wishes Thus the
mort 1closed temporarily for necessary mill
tarv safety has been opened and must remain
oran as long as this government chooses 10
Keen a ship there. and if Russia had other de-
signs they have been defeated
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