The San Francisco call., 1904-02-11
SECRETARY HAYS NOTE.

~ WO incidents have occurred within the last week
which disclose the presence of high statesman
ship in the most important collaterals OF the
between Japan and Russia Just before the outbreak
hostilities WI Ting Fang advised the Empress Dow
ager to decree Manchuria open in all ports and parts
to the commerce OF all nations From what followed it
evident that this advice taken because Isl An at
promoted Wu Ministerial position with the
duty of handling all matters between China the United
States Great Britain and Japan.
1t will be observed that the action counseled by WI
a time when Chinas sovereignty of Manchuria
undsputed. Notwithstanding Russas continued
occupation of that province defiance of her repeated
promise to the Western nations to evacuate 1t, as
agreed with them the close of the Boxer she had
sovereignty there any more than the United States
had in Pekng when troops occupied and polced the
inner city
Keeping this fact of Chnas unbroken sovereignty
Manchura in view, the Importance of Secre-
tary Hays identical the European powers is dis
closed. By it he sought and it has secured
their agreement, that Japan and Russia must respect
both the neutrality and the territorial integrity of China
and that the whole of China before Japan struck
Russia Port Arthur.
According to the principles of this note it doubtful
whether Chinese territory become battle
ground between Russia and Japan, but, if such terri
tory be used for that purpose the victor take moth
ing except victory result of the action 1t is prob
able, however, that the note confines the to the
water and to Korean territory If this be distinct
advantage to Japan, that merely incident. She
has shown herself the better the water.
Denied the right to acquire Chinese territory Rus
sas exertons will be barren of results her land
forces those of Japan Korea. Port Arthur
and the Korean ports which the Gar has sought to
make Russian will be barren possession with Japan the
ruler of Pechl Bay and the Sea of Japan, she too
day Instead of realizing her selfish ambition close
AI,r,c o+lar he 1v;If
efectuay shut in in Eastern Asia she is the
Black Sea- Even her port at Vladivostok is use
less to her. and all her craft and expense will for
nothing with Japanese closing her harbors and
standing guard her railway terminal.
In the present view Secretary Hays is likely
be promoter of peace, while limiting the theater of
war If the japanese win land battle. as they may,
Russia will have the chance another
ference like that at Berlin because it will limit the
suits of victory which Japan might claim
Passing from the effect of the Secrearys note upon
the combatants and the field of combat American pride
is stimulated by his action. 1t is confident assertion
the influence Of the United States the high affairs
of the world 1t is not the tmorous protest ncon-
sequenta suggestion of nation that follows, but the
bold initiative of that leads Above ALL it is
policy that makes for trouble and injustice in the
world, but for peace, justice and tranquility. No other
nation could have taken such position. We have no
territorial ambitions in Eastern Asia Our worst enemy
cannot accuse of sinister designs in that hemisphere
We progress in China and the uplifting of her peo-
pie in line with their racial qualities and philosophy.
We want the Chinese to benefit by Japans example
without submitting to her sovereignty, and we want
Japan have the full benefit in prestige, influence and
progress, of her remarkable Transformation, which
friendship and example have been the chief factors
Europe wants peace Secretary Hays note is its
guarantee Eastern Asia justice and the note re-
spends its aspiration. The world wants trade on
equal with the millions that side of the Pa
cihc Secretary Hays note invites the nations to the
peaceful competition of commerce. which their ener-
gies and genius will be developed and will get their re-
ward.