The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1909-11-19

opinion Of New York men Of means,
investments are safe. This does not
include the more revolutionary coun-
tries. where good government has been
making little progress.
Behind the scenes there have been
many movements from the state de-
partment to encourage the investments
of American capital because 1t leads
TO commercial relations with the Uni
ted States and in the long run develops
trade and international friendship. But
public officials, who recognize the finan-
ciers engaged upon such campaigns run
risks of complications and apparently
that is what may have happened with
reference to China Whenever rival in
terests get into the field they fight one
another with great energy and rival
interests seem to be looking over into
Manchuria as a sort of promised land.
Hand of japan.
Many American firms have dealings
with Russia, Japan, and other Asiatie
countries. AS Japan is intent upon
exploiting Manchuria, her diplomats are
watching carefully the inclinations and
associations of Americans, designated
for places of influence in China. They
do not want any Americans with Rus
sian propensities and this is said to
have played some part to the disadvan-
tage of Mr.. Crane. The Chicago firm,
with which Mr.. Crane is identified, has
large business interests in Russia, in
Guiding an elevator factory.
This came to the knowledge of AS
sistant Secretary of State Huntington
Wilson. He is pro.Japanese. AS the
story goes Mr.. Wilson was not at all
friendly to Mr.. Crane on that account
and helped him to the foot of the hill.
So much TODD has already been made
and the agitation continues so aggres'
sively that il has embarrassed the adj
ministration in its oriental program of
building up trade and amicable rela-
tons. This is one of President Taft IS
cherished plans, as has often been point
ed out. While there is nothing inner
emily discreditable in the dismissal of
q minister to China, it encourages crit
ical conversation that lends itself to
the plans of opponents. They can turn
and twist such things to their advan-
tage.
Knox Keeps Mum.
Secretary Knox has been mostly at
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, since he
talked with Mr.. Crane and decided to
accept his resignation. He has been in
Washington but once since and then
only for few hours. He has alb
stained absolutely from comment about
the case and has insisted upon regard
ing it as a closed incident. Neverthe-
less the secretary is far from pleased,
at the trend and force of the agitation.
There will be conferences about it when
President Taft returns. Secretary Knox
did not act solely upon his own respons-
ibility, for he consulted with the Presi-
dent at every stage of the proceedings.
But he and the President are now aware
that they are to be the targets of
organized attacks from the Chicago
coterie of prominent Republicans and,
not impropably, will feel compelled
sooner or later to meet those attacks.
There will be congressman to take no
tice of the agitation. 1t has reached
such head that orators will utilize
it in general remarks on appropriation
bills. Democrats will regard it as good
campaign material and will seek to de-
velop it in debates and by official in
quiries. Mr.. Crane smarting with re-
sentiment. seems willing now to lend his
cause to such political explorations