Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-06
Diplomatic Significance of the Opening
of Shantung Ports.

Chinanfu, the capital of the province of
Shantung, and one Of the largest and most
enterprising cities of north China, has just
been formally opened to international set
Element and trade This opening is worthy
of more than ordinary attention, as it is In
directly one of the results of the recent
war; and this being the first interna-
tional commercial settlement opened by
China herself-that is, without being COM
PEELED to do so-the event marks an epoch
in the history of the country. In his ad-
dress at the opening Gov. Yang laid en-
phasis upon this voluntary action; never
theless, any one who has been watching
the trend of affairs in Shantung the last
few years cannot help but feel that the
opening OF Chinanfu Ito be followed soon
by the opening of two more important
marts) was really q shrewd move on the
part of the Chinese government to head Off
the predominating control Germany was
seeking to establish for herself In the
province
No doubt the chief credit of this counter
move is due to Viceroy Yuan Shikai who
has not lost his interest and influence in
this province since he gave up the gov
ernorShip and became viceroy of Chill. He
and his successor, Gov. Choufu. and after
him the present popular Gov, Yang-all en-
deavored to check Germany in her design
to obtain supreme political and CONNER
cial control In the province. Only about d
year ago the Chinese authorities requested
the German government to remove its
troops and barracks situated not far from
the German port. Tsingtau, but really In
Chinese territory. This request was re-
fused at the time, but with the defeat of
Russia in Manchuria and the fall of Port
Arthur change took place In the situa-
ton. Not only have the German troops
been withdrawn and the barracks sold to
China, but, also, the concessions the Ger
mans sought In order to extend their rail-
way north and south of Chinanfu were re-
fused, and the German military instruct
ors employed by Gov. Yang did not have
their contracts renewed when their terms
expired recently.
BY throwing open these important marts
for international trade, Germany was
thwarted and put on the level of other
countries seeking trade in the province.
The astuteness of the Chinese government s
diplomatic move Is still more clearly shown
when one considers the circumstances re-
lating to this concession. If the govern
ment had waited until the foreign govern
ments had demanded the opening of these
ports certain privileges would have had to
be granted, but by volunteering to do 1t
the whole matter rested in China's own
hands. and she could stipuiate the condi-
lions. These are such that the advan-
tages are greatly on the side of the gov
eminent Land In the international set
Element can only be leased for a term of
thirty years, at which time the govern
ment can buy out the interests of the
holder at a value fixed by a commission.
The land must be built on in three years,
and plans must be submitted to the local
board of public works. All the postal, tele-
graph, lighting and water services and
policing are exclusively in the hands Of
the Chinese.
The ceremonies attending the opening of
the international settlement were very Inn
posing. Over two hundred guests We're in