Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-07

In one OF the Chinese-Japanese con-
ventions of Sept. 4 of this year there
was a provision which caused consid-
cradle public apprehension in that
upon its face 1t was believed in some
quarters to seek to establish a monop-
oily of mining privileges along the
South Manchurian and Antung-Aful,-
den railroads and thus to exclude
Americans from a wide field of enter
prise. to take part in which they were
by treaty with China entitled. After
n thorough examination Of the conven-
lions and Of the several contextual
documents the secretary Of state reach
ed the conclusion that no such monop-
DIV was intended or accomplished.
However, in view Of the WIDESPREAD
discussion of this question, TO confirm
the view it had reached this govern
ment made inquiry of the imperial
Chinese and japanese governments
and received from each official assur.
ance that the provision had no purpose
inconsistent with the policy Of equality
of opportunity to which the sigma
tories. in common with the United
States, are pledged.
Relations With Japan.
Our traditional relations with the
japanese empire continue cordial, as
usual. AS the representative Of japan
his imperial highness Prince Kuni
visited the Hudson-Fulton celebration.
The recent visit Of a delegation Of
prominent business men as guests OF
the chambers of commerce OF the Pa.
cif1c slope, whose representatives had
been so agreeabiy received in japan,
will doubtless contribute to the grow.
ing trade across the Pacific, AZ well as
to that mutual understanding which
leads to mutual appreciation The ar
rangement Of 1908 for a cooperative
control of the coming of laborers TO
the United States has proved to work
satisfactorily The matter of a reVi-
sion of the existing treaty between the
United States and Japan which is ter
mInable In 1912 is already receiving
the study of both countries.
The department of state is consider /
ing the revision In whole or In part Of
the existing treaty with Siam, which
was concluded I'm 1856 and il now, N
respect to many of its proyistons, out
Of date.
The Department OF etste.
I earnestly recommend to the favor
able action of the congress the est
mates submitted by the department Of
state and most especially the legisla-
ton suggested IN the secretary Of
states letter OF this date whereby It
will be possible to develop and make
permanent the reorganization OF the
hon a rfrnapf uroT, vvzOdar-, Ifpaa IN n
manner to make It a thoroughly ef-
dcient instrument In the furtherance
Of our foreign trade and of American
interests abroad. The plan to have
divisions of Latin American and Ear
eastern affairs and to institute a GER
tain specialization In business with
Europe and the near east will at once
itself. These politlco-geo-
graphical divisions and the detail from
he diplomatic or consular service to
the department of a number of men
who bring to the study of complicated
problems in different parts of the world
practical knowledge recently gained on
he spot clearly is OF the greatest adj
vantage to the secretary OF state in
foreseeing conditions likely to arise
md in conducting the great variety OF
and negotiation. II
should be remembered that such facil-
ties exist in the foreign offices of all
he leading commercial nations and
hat to deny them to the secretary OF
state would be to place this govern
nent at a great disadvantage In the
.ivalry Of commercial competition.
Improved Consular Service.
The consular service has been great
Y improved under the law Of April 5.
1906. and the executive order Of June
y, 1906, and l commend TO your con-
;ideration the question of embodying
n statute the principles Of the pres
mt executive order upon which the
efficiency of our consular service is
wholly dependent.
In modern times political and com
nercial interests are interrelated, and
n the negotiation of commercial trea-
les, conventions and tariff agreements.
he keeping open of opportunities and
he proper support of American enter
,rises our diplomatic service is quite
is important as the consular service to
he business interests OF the country.
impressed with this idea and con-
TluCeu ludI SeIeCtlOn a1leI LlBOAoho ca
animation, promotion for merit solely
ind the experience only TO be gained
through the continuity Of an organized
service are indispensable to high de-
,ree of efficiency in the diplomatic
service. 1 have signed an executive or
Ter as the first step toward this very
result. Its effect should be
o place all secretaries in the diplo-
matte service in much the same posi-
ion as consular officers are now placed
md to tend to the promotion Of the
most efficient to the grade of minister
generally leaving for outside appoint
nent such posts of the grade Of am
or minister as it may be ex-
,edient to fill from without the serv-
ce. 1t is proposed also TO continue
he practice instituted last summer OF
giving to all newly appointed secre-
aries at least one months thorough
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