New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-30
WHY NOT CHINA?

Tho Russian reulv TO Japan's latest-and
nrobablv last-note is not yet disclosed. But
There are various rumors concerning ii, from
various independent sources, which agree IN
forecaSting il as pacific in tone ana cm.hent-
ly courteous. They say it inheXlhly persists
in excluding all reference to China from the
settlement. Japan proposes that Russia and
herself shall mutually agree to respect the
integrity and Independence Of China ana
Corea" Russia insists upon striking out the
words China and" leaving it pledge con-
corning Corea alone, and leaving Russia's hands
entirely free TO do as pleases her in China
Now, if that is true 1t Is difficult to perceive
justification of Russia's exclusion of China
from the negotiations japan has as much
right to be interested in the disposition of
China as Russia has in that of Corea. II
Russia says her relations with China are some
thing which concern only herself and China.
and are none Of Japan's business. Japan may
say the same OF her relations with COrea. that
they are none of Russia's business. If Russia
says China is an Independent power. that needs
no guarantee from Japan. Japan may say the
same OF Corea. Simple equity would seem to
prescribe that sauce for COrea is sauce for
China. and that Russia should herself submit
to the same conditions in China that she seeks
to impose upon Japan in Corea.
Moreover, the ground that Russian relations
with China concern Russia and China alone
and are the business Of no other powers does
not seem TO be teuable For many years China
has been regarded by all the great powers
a country in which all have q legitimate In
terest and in which each SHOULD have respect
for the interests OF the others. II is on that
principle that treaties have been made ana
that general relations with China have been
cultivated. To be more specific, II was on
that ground that the United States proposed
the international adoption of the "open door
policy for the maintenance OF China's teprl-
torial integrity and political Independence, and
for the maintenance, too of the equal rights
OF all nations in business and intercourse with
China. 1t will be remembered that Russia
formally, explicitly and repeatedly gave her
assent and adherence TO that "open door"
doctrine BY so doing she practically conceded
that beyond n certain limit her own dealings
with China would be the legitimate business
Of other powers.
The question seems. therefore. to be perti.
nent Why not include China in the settlement
between japan and Russia? There are in
timations that that is the one crucial point
upon which the issue of peace or war depends
IL would be most deplorable thing to have
the Eastern world plunged into war lust he
cause Russia would not recognize that tbe
japanese Interest In China vas as great rs
the Russian in Corea or Just because RUSSIA
would not practically recognize the "open door,
principle TO which she gave her assent and
support long ago. If Russia means-as we
should assume-to keep her pledges in rsgord
to Manchuria, and to fulfil her "onan door"
promises made TO the United States whr
should she be reluctant now to reaffirm tbem7