Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-03

When John Foord, secretary OF the
American Asiatic Society, was asked his
opinion of the selection OF Mr.. Fairbanks
for the Chinese mission, he replied
promptly:
cit would be an ideal appointment. 1t
would satisfy everybody. 1t would be a
solution of every problem involved in the
present situation.
Mr.. Fairbanks combines all the re-
uuirements which thus far seem to have
been impossible to find in any other per-
son. He Is q shrewd, level-headed busI-
ness man; he is an able and learned Jur-
list; he has had wide experience In han
ding important affairs and knowledge
of men and methods that would make
him competent to deal with the many
perplexing questions that are likely to
appear in our future relations with
China
"He has had large experience in pub
lie life: is familiar with international law.
and with all the legislation and diplo-
matte intercourse relating to Chinese az
fairs that has occurred In this country
during the last ten or twelve years. He
is entirely competent to meet on even
terms the exceedingly able and sagacious
statesmen who are now in charge OF the
administration Of the Chinese govern
ment.
..He is known to everybody. both in this
country and in China. His name would
inspire. confidence among all nations.
And China would consider 1t an honor to
have such a man selected for the Amer
lean minister or ambassador.
IT hope sincerely that the appointment
will be rendered him and that he will
have the patriotism to accept it. l be-
lieye that every person who Is interested
in our relations with China will feel the
same way.
Mr.. and Mrs. Fairbanks are now in
Burrnah on their way around the world
They spent two or three months In the
Philippines. and sailed westward from
Hongkong about ten days ago.
They expect to spend the winter In In
dia and Egypt. and will not return to the
United States until next fall.
Self-Government In China.
a dispatch from China to the Sunday
papers announced that the government
at Picking has published its plan for the
election OF an imperial assembly. and
that the sessions Of several OF the pro-
vincial assemblies VIII be continued for q
month. Their deliberations indicate gen.
eral opposition to the governments plan.
for taxation and arrangements for for.
eien loans"
This is not quite ineligible to people
who are not familiar with the situation
in China.
Two years ago by an edict from the
empress dowager the Chinese government
adopted a plan for a series Of legtsla'
tive bodies to make laws for the
municipalities. the provinces and the en-
pire. respectively: that 10. to create q
legislative branch Of the government con.
s'sting Of deliberative bodies elected by
the people, with powers and jurisdiction
similar to those Of the common councils
the state legislatures and the Congress.
of the United States.
This was the recommendation OF
commission. headed by Duke Tse which
was sent around the world to study con.
| stitutional government and legislative as
semblies. It visited the United States
among other countries.
The edict OF the empress dowager pro
vided for a progressive plan, covering q
period OF ten years; was . sradua
| OF the people. They were TO be allowed
to have preliminary experience In law