Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-24
At THE WHITE HOUSE
Appeal From Portland, Ore,
Chamber of Commerce.
FEARS A BOYCOTT
LIBERAL INTERPRETATION OF
EXCLUSION LAWS DESIRED,
Appointment of Commission Sug-
gested-Instructions Issued
by the President
FEARS A BOYCOTT

The seriousness OF the threatened Chi
nese boycott against American goods il
shown in the large number of urgent
kilograms and letters which the Presi-
dent is getting from commercial bodies
all over the country. One of these reached
the White House today from the Portland.
Greg. chamber of commerce 1t was as
follows:
PORTLAND, Greg, June %, 1905.
The President, Washington:
The Portland chamber of commerce re-
spectfully urges immediate action on your
part with respect to this country's rela-
tions with China, the first consideration
being a regard for the nations honor,
which demands faithful and fair per-
formance of its treaty obligations Sec
ondly, our commercial interests are seri-
ously threatened by the severe manner in
which our present laws regulating the
admission of the Chinese into this coun-
try are executed. which seem in their
practical working to contravene treaty
obligations. We earnestly recomme nd
that a more liberal Interpretation of the
laws be enjoined upon the immigration
authorities. and meantime the announce
ment of the appointment by your excel
lency of commission to inquire into the
present exclusion laws and the method of
their enforcement, with instructions to
recommend to Congress such Legislation
as shall promote increased harmony be-
tween the two nations, would have
beneficial effect. We are advised today by
cable from Hong Kong that immediate
action is necessary by our government or
boycott of American products will fol-
low
Portland Chamber of Commerce.
By VIM. d. Wheelwright President.
May Appoint Commission.
The telegram contains some sensible su2-
| gestions, which are believed to meet she
] views of the President There would be
! no surprise. therefore, should the Presi-
| dent announce the selection of commits
| sion along the lines of the telegram, al
| though he has no specific authority for
such action at this time He could, how
| ever, appoint commission, composed of
| government officials, and they could make
the investigation in time for the session
| of Congress.
1t is generally understood that the Chi
| nese guilds have set August l the time
| for putting into effect their proposed boy
cott and II is the hope of the commercial
! interests of the country that something
| definite may be done by the administration
| 10 furnish absolute assurance to the Chi
neSe of the good intentions of this country
| in meeting some of the serious objections
made by them as to the enforcement of
| the present law. If there is nothing but
| promise it is regarded certain by those
| familiar with oriental character that The
Chinese guilds will pursue the boycott idea
! tC the bitter end, entailing the loss of mil
| lions of dollars upon American business
men, the cotton manufacturers being the
| heaviest losers
| After receiving the telegram the President
sent for Secretary Metcalf and gave some
| Instructions that will, it is believed, furnish
| some relief at present, and this will be fol-
! lowed by recommendations to Congress for
| making the exclusion law milder. 1t was
| also announced that an announcement
| would be made on Monday of action that
has been taken by the Press.cnt. 1t is in
dicated that this will not Le the appoint
ment of a commission, but, it is expected,
will do much to relieve the situation.
Solicitor Penfeld of the State Depart
ment also had a conference with the Pres
ident, and it is understood that he was in
Structed to inform the Chinese government
that this government will take such action
as will, it is hoped, remove the objections
of the Chinese merchants.
Peace at a Standstill.
The lull in the peace negotiations be-
tween Japan and Russia is seen in the al
most total cessat ation of visits by various
| amba SSadors and ministers to the White
House. Mr.. Takahira, the Japanese min
ister got back to the city yesterday, and
| last night spent some time with the Presi-
dent. He could not give any assurances
| that progress was being made toward an
armistice to prevent a big battle
and it is understood that Japan is insist
ing upon Russia giving strong proof that
she is in earnest in wishing to reach terms
of peace.
The Future of the Fern.
Representative Bede of Minnesota and
Guy A. Eaton, commander of the rival
militia at Duluth, talked with the Presi-
dent today The Navy Department some
time ago turned the Fern, which was FORM
erly used by the naval battalion of the
District, over to the Duluth naval militia,
but would not make any repairs or deliver
the vessel. These facts occasioned sur
prise, as it was thought that the navy
would at least send the vessel to Duluth.
Commander Eaton is here to arrange for
the completion of the repairs, which are be-
ing made in shfpyard at Norfolk at cost
of about 81 600, and to have the vessel taken
to Duluth, which will cost about 81 coo. 1t
is not expected that the Navy Department
will ask for the return of the vessel, and
that it will pass permanently into the hands
of the Duluth jackies.
After Consulate.
Representative Blackburn of North Caro-
lima is hunting some places for North Caro-
lima constituents, and called upon the Presi-
dent today with State Senator w. S. Pear
son of Burke county. Senator Pearson
wants a consulate somewhere in Canada,
and the President is disposed to do some
thing for him if there should be vacancy.
The North Carolina republicans are hold
ing out hope to the President that they will
be able to do something in that state in a
political way next year, and ask that the
organization be encouraged. The Virginia
republicans are also claiming to be in shape
to make successful fight. They will nomi-
nate l.. L. Lewis, United States attorney at
Richmond for governor. and make strong
campaign this year, hoping to make a good
showing.
TITLE TO F'RIARS' LANDS.
c..r.+orx, TO ~ Will Tale TN the Mat.