The Washington times., 1903-08-21
Sir Chentung Forecasts
Opening of New Treaty
Ports in Manchuria.
SITUATION WAS DELICATE
Resents Charges That China
Failed to Observe Her
Obligations.

Sir Chentung Liang -Cheng called on
Acting Secretary Adee at the State De-
partment this morning TO give official
confirmation to the dispatches from
China stating that the Chinese govern
ment has agreed to open two Manchu-
rian ports on October 8. the date for
evacuation of Manehuria by Russia.
The minister expressed himself as
much gratihed at this outcome of the
Manehurian open port question. He pro-
nounees as unjust the statements con-
tanned in recent press dispatches from
Pekin to the effect that Prince Ching
has been doing all in his power 70 get
out of signing such a pledge. Offering
one excuse after another until he was
driven into & corner
In discussing Prince Ching's attitude
Sir Chentug LANG Cheng says it was
wholly justified by the obstacles that
confronted him. The minister was an
noyed by an editorial in New York
paper. which said that China was not
noted for standing by the pledges con-
tanned in her treaties with other pow
ers-
Speak More Freely.
i am greatly grained az the happy
outcome of the negotiations between the
United States and China relative TO the
opening OF the Manchurian ports" said
Sir Chentung 10 The Times reporter this
morning. 1T is victory for the United
States and Prince Ching. and the bene-
fits that will accrue 10 China as a re-
suit will be inestimable. Now that IL
Is all over. feel that 1 can speak freely
about the difficulties of the situation.
which. 1 think. were greater than is
generally known here.
Press dispatches from Pekin have
contained severe criticism of Prince
Ching's attitude in the matter. 1t was
said that he did all he could TO get our
of signing a pledge 10 the United States
binding China 10 make treaty opening
the Manchurian ports upon Russia's
evacuation. These statements. which
have been the basis OF editorial com
ment by American papers containing
harsh criticism OF China. have annoyed
me exceedingly. because Of their in
justice.
Il took a small part in the negotia-
tions and urged my government to sigr
the pledge requested by the United
States. l have been in close touch with
the situation throughout. and l know
how delicate IL was.
"Russia's promise to evacuate Man
ehuria on October contains the pro-
viso if circumstances permit Sup
pose Prince Ching had signed treaty,
not pledge TO sign treaty.
declaring the Manchurian 9or.s
open upon the date OF Russia's
eva ,uation. That would have been a
circumstance which would doubtless
have given Russia an excuse TO stay. II
Russia failed to evacuate on October
Prince Ching would have been held
responsible by millions OF ignorant
Chinese Cor the continuance of Russia's
occupancy.
His highaess knew this. He was
pressed by America on the one side.
and by China on the other. with other
forces pressing from another quarter.
In the meantime the situation was made
known TO the United States, 10 Englsnd,
and to Japan The fact that they are
all aware OF the actual conditions viii
have a strong moral effect upon Russia.
and 1 look Cor Russian evacuation OF
ManCnUrlA OF Ine Sln o. OCtODeEs
followed Immediately by the opening
OF the two Msnchurian corts.
Defends His Government
In an editorial in New York paper
few days ago, read a warning to tbs
United States against treaty relations
with China. A statement was made TO
the effect that China was not 10 be relied
upon TO live up TO treaty obligations.
Now defy anyone 70 name an instance
when China violated a treaty obligatioa.
except the guarantee of safety TO for
eigners in China. That foreigners have
been murdered IN the rural districts is
true, but we hear frequently of mob
violence here, resulting in loss OF life
through the inability of the officers OF
the law 10 prevent it. In China the in
efficiency OF the police is responsible.
But, leaving tnis question cut. China
has always stood by her treaty obIiga-
tions. In fact. III otneF powers nad stood
by their agreements TO China as well as
China has stood by hers TO the powers,
much trouble might have been averted