New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-05-21
OPEN DOOR DIPLOMACY.
Practical differences from the Man
chugian Furry.

free rivalry OF all the forces of Western civiliZa
ton in the Far East is a policy to which Russia
is specifically pledged and Europe, America
and Japan are alike committed. Equality Of
privilege in foreign trade at Chinese ports is
summed up in the well worn phrase the open
DOOR and while there has been evidence Of a
disposition on the part of the Russian Foreign
Office 10 construe its promises with characters
tic subtlety and duplicity. there has been
open reputation OF the agreement made with
the United States Government at the close of
1899. With renewal of Russian engagements
respecting the evacuation of Manchuria, and
with another formal remuneration of measures
tending TO exclude foreign consuls or TO OBJ
struct commerce and the use of ports, the
phrase If not the principle of the open door is
sanctioned Meanwhile. the facts are
unaltered, and the phrase is reduced to a con-
ventional diplomatic formula. The Russian Gov
eminent has constructed railway through
Manchuria. and secured a treaty right to pro-
tect # with military guards; and branches of
the Russo-Chinese Bank have been established
in ports and important towns as centres of COM
rnercia influence, If not of local administration.
With the railway system and these banking
agencies Russia remains in fun occupation of
Manchuria. and cannot be turned out. There
may be equality of treatment for foreign trade
at the coast. but the distribution of imports in
land is under Russian control by means OF rail-
way tariffs. and the revenues. whether collected
by natives foreigners, are paid into the Russo
Chinese Bank, and the military guards massed
81 convenient points along the railway imply
permanent occupation well protection OF
a sphere of interest recognized and sanctioned
by Great Britain Germany and other powers
The phrases can be revised, shuff1ed and
evaded: but the facts are irreversible. Rus
STA is in possession OF Manchuria, and cannot be
dislodged without war, in which her troops
would have all the advantages of defensive posi-
tions and internal communications. The British
press, which with one voice few years ago
vas calling upon the United States to retain
the Philippines and 10 take up the principle OF
the open door in China, shows signs Of
vacillation and weakness. The Times" with
its vigilant correspondent in Picking steadily on
guard. has not changed its attitude, but does full
justice 70 Secretary Hays diplomacy. and warns
the Russian Foreign Office that self-respecting
nations are not used to have their conventional
rights interpreted and explained away. Other
journals. which once warmly commended the &C
ton OF the American government in obtaining
from Muravieff a pledge that Russia had no
intention Of claiming privileges at Chinese ports
70 the exclusion of foreigners. are fright
ened by courageous and consistent champion
ship OF the open door principle. The specta-
tor cynically reminds Americans that they need
4 more exact comprehension of the position Of
Russia an Asiatic power, which must be
judged by acts without reference TO words"
The Westminster Gazette bluntly remarks:
1T would be an embarrassment TO especially
II through any incautious action of the Amer
lean Government were placed in the posi-
ton Of having either 10 refuse our backing to a
jealous friend or 70 take upon ourselves
conflict which is not required by our interests
or our policy"
This candid utterance j preceded by en-
phatic declaration that whether Russia annexes.
leases. occupies or protects Manchuria she lis
there TO stay" and that England in the long
viii get advantages for its trade only by coming
70 terms with her in regard TO the freights on
her railway.
These frank expressions Of British opision,
which might be multiplied, are quoted not
evidence Of unfriendy feeling toward America,
OF which, fortunately, there is none, but rather
Of new point OF view respecting Russian pol
icy. When Admiral Dewey destroyed the Span
ish feet in the South Seas Englishmen with one
consent were eager TO have the United States
enter upon a career of expansion and enthu-
siastic in forecasting the possibility Of a COM
mon basis Of action in the Far East for Great
Britain and America. They have. however, an
fuveterate habit of seeing what is directly IN
front Of them, and what stares them in the
face is Russianized Manchuria, with railways,
bands and local administration controlled by
the great northern power. The relative value
Spectators" significant description of Russia
as an Asiatic power whose acts rather than its
words are TO be seriously considered especially
when the Indian Government has 10 model its
conduct on that principle in a dozen kingdoms
every week" and the same moral is enforced
by The Westminster Gazette" in the incisive
question: why should England be called upon
10 take the chestnuts out of the fire for the bene-
Fl of Europe with the probable result that
British goods viii hereafter be 'penalized on the
Manchurian and Siberian railways? Theoret-
icaIIy John Bull is as enthusiastic now as he was
after the battle Of Manila in favor Of the CO.
operation Of the two branches Of the Anglo
Saxon race in working out hand in hand their
destiny as the chief and foremost force Of mod
ern civilization: but he is convinced that II
must not be a sentimental journey in quest OF
phrases and platitudes. but a businesslke ex-
cursion in which the plain facts Of the situation
are seen in their true light
The diplomatic point of view has also shifted-
This has occurred not only since Admiral Dew
ev,s victory but ever since Lord Transformers
greatest achievement in diplomacy-the Anglo
japanese treaty. That was a decisive stroke
after tangled and ineffective skein OF BRUSH
diplomacy. II was q vigorous countercheck 10
the Franco Russian alliance. and involved
readjustnent Of forces in the Paclhc LOT INC
maintenance Of existing order. Russia was Pi"-
hibited from subjecting Japan TO the pfeSsuie
Of the Dual Alliance by a direct menace Of war
between Great Britain and France Inc o0iiui
tons however. have been rapidly transformed
since the Anglo-Japanese alliance was hesoH-
ated. The Dual Continental Alliance still stands
h,,t there is less enthusiasm for II in France
than there was; and there is a strong dlspo-
t...- - -. ,,.-+ oF tho Paris government TO