The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-10-12
TAFT MAY DECIDE
STATUS OF CRANE
Case of Minister to China
Remains Unsettled.
RECALL DUE TO 1NDIsCRETION
Secretary Knox POstpOnes Departure
for Valley Forge, and 1t Is be
ueved He Ia Awaiting Presidents
verdict as TO whether Crane Shall
BE Retained as Minister.

From all accounts the incident involving
the recall to washington from San Fran
cisco of Charles r. Crane, the American
Minister 10 China. is still unsettled
Secretary OF State Knox, who came 10
Washington from Valley Forge. Pa. with
the sole intention OF interviewing Mr.
Crane in regard TO certain alleged indis-
Greet actions on the part OF the latter
is remaining here, and the time OF his de-
parture is uncertain. Mr.. Crane Is also
in Washington.
''Not a word" was all that Mr.. Knox
would say in reply 10 inquiries as TO de-
vslopments IN the Crane incident. II
was understood that Mr.. Knox Intended
70 return 70 Valley Forge yesterday af-
ternoon, but that he did not do so is not
regarded as significant The prospects
are that no new move bearing on the
Crane matter viii be made by Mr.. Knox
until he has received advices from Presi-
dent Taft with whom he has doubtless
communicated since his interview with
Mr.. Crane at the Knox residence Sunday
night.
Wild Rumors Current.
One OF the stories that went the rounds
yesterday was that Mr.. Crane, instead Of
going to China as Minister, was to be
appointed Ambassador 10 st. Petersburg,
and William W. Rockhill who was pro-
NOTED recently from Minister to China
to Ambassador 10 Russia, was TO be sent
back 20 PelIin. where the American mis-
sion would DO raised to embassy rank
The story was without foundation
II is cited merely as an illustration
OF the many Wild rumors that are being
circulated here concerning the Crane IN
cldent. the Importance Of which has been
greatly exaggerated.
There IS now no reason for any further
conceaIment Of the reasons which actu-
ated Secretary Knox in directing Mr..
Crane to cancel his steamship reserva-
ton and report IN Washington without
delay. No delicate situation involving
diplomatic relations between China and
the United States was concerned IN the
matter. The diplomatic situation between
China and the United States is not deli
cate II Is true that this government has
strong objections 70 the proposed action
OF China in granting exclusive cOnces-
sions 20 the japanese government for rail-
roads In Manchuria, but that IS a cir
cumstance which Is regarded as one that
has not changed IN status since Mr. Crane
received his Instructions from the State
Department and started for the Orient.
The truth of the matter IS that Mr.
Cranes recall was due 20 a belief on the
part OF State Department officials tina
&c a
in some OF his after-dinner speeches al
10 the purpose OF his mission. and tn,
suspicion that he was responsible fol
certain exact information contained IN {
newspaper publication in regard 10 tbs
programme Of the United States in deal
ing with China's evident intention q
permit Japan 90 have the exclusive righ
10 rebuild and control the Antung- Muk
Gen Railroad
CRIME Keeping Silent.
What Mr. Crane told to Secretary Kno1
IN answer 20 the latter's request for al
explanation OF 1ir. Cranes alleged public
utterances and newspaper communica
tons has not been disclosed. Mr.. Cram
is maintaining a diplomatic retlcence, du
unquestionably TO advice from Mr.. Knox
and the latter's Not a word is all tina
the State Department is willing to utter
There is reason to believe that Mr.. Gran
was exceedingly frank in his interview
with Mr.. Knox and that from the stand
point Of frankness, at least, he made
good impression.
But whether or not Mr.. Crane IS TO b
permitted 10 go to China is not know
10 anybody except Mr.. Knox and per
haps one or two OF his closest adviser.
The best guess for the Crane incident ha
resolved itself into a good deal OF
guessing contest that until Mr.. Kno
has received advices from Presider
Taft Mr.. Cranes future official statu
viii not be determined.
Everything known Of the Crane incider
indicates that Mr.. Crane is IN an e.
ceedingly embarrassing and uncertain pC
sition. He IS maintaining himself. how
ever. with a great deal OF dignity an
discretion. which the State DepartmeT
apparently appreciates. and has write
down on the credit side OF Mr. Crane
account in its ledger.
One OF the many rImors in circulate
yesterday was that Mr.. Cranes comml.
sion as Minister TO China is TO be with
drawn. but UP to a late hour last nigf
nothing had developed TO confirm tn
surmise as the outcome OF his case.