Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-25

even their encouragement to fellow
countrymen who happened to be seeking
contracts or concessions. When Mr.. Oh
ney was Secretary of State he issued
prohfbtory order. All members of the
diplomatic corps and consular representa-
tives of the United States were forbidden
to do more than Introduce and identity
American business men who were seek
ing trade and business opportunities in
foreign countries.
About that time the Chinese government
was placing a very large contract and
representatives from England. Germany
Belgium and other countries were in Pc
king with the urgent support of the min
listers from their countries There was
one solitary American bidder, and the
Chinese officials were not only ready but
anxious to give him the contract if they
could be assured that it would be re-
garded as a friendly act by the Depart
ment of State at Washington. Col. Den
by, our minister at Picking at the time,
was very much embarrassed Because OF
Secretary Olney's order he was not per
mitted to say word or do thing IN
support of the American bidder.
He explained to the tsung vi yamen
the policy of our government and showed
his instructions. which limited him to the
introduction and Identification of the
American, but the mandarins demanded
something more definite. They wanted to
know whether the government of the
United States would be pleased to have
the contract awarded to one of its cit1-
zens, and Col DENLY wired to Washing
to for permission to answer in the ah.rm-
alive. Secretary Olney sent him sharp
reply, calling his attention to the general
order on that subject and ntimating That
1T was presumptuouS for him to discuss
the subject further.
The contract was given to Belgian
firm because the Chinese officials became
convinced that there was something
. nrio r11-
ment would not have refused to ndorse
him.
OF late however, we have changed our
tactics. We now demand share i'll
whatever is doing over there although
the much boosted American enterprise
has not yet become conspicuous in the
great industrial and commercial evolu-
ton that is going on in China.
Openings in Turkey.
The same may be said of Turkey. Al
though legislative and administrative con-
ditions in that country are still unsatis-
factory owing to the inexperience OF the
new officials and members of parliament
and to the difficulty OF discarding Gus
toms and traditions that have prevailed
for centuries, the commercial situation
and the outlook for industries of every
kind are exceedingly favorable. Modern
improvements are being introduced every
where throughout the Ottoman empire,
and American manufacturers and con-
tractors will be given the preference in
the granting of concessions, franchises
and contracts. This is due to the neu-
trality of the United States in the politi-
cal situation. The Turkish government
realizes that We have no desire to con-
troll it's policy Or interfere in it's affairs.
It's officials distrust the motives of Eu-
ropean syndicates and have learned from
experience that their governments will
make trouble unless their demands are
satisfied. Hence the sublime porte is de-
srous of seeing American capital in
vested in Turkey to neutralize the in
fluence of European capital.
d uring the next few years there will
be great boom in public works through
out the Turkish empire. Large contracts
and other improvements necessary for
the development of the country. Rep. e.
sentatives of syndicates and capitalists
from every European country are now in
Constantinople clamorng for franch SEES
and concessions, but no Americans are
there. Special Agent Julian L. Brode of
the bureau of manufactures, writes:
Needs of Constantinople.
"ConstantinOple, city of nearly mil
lion inhabitants, has neither an electric
light plant, an electric tram, nor a tee-
phone system. 1t has very inadequate
water works, a poor ice plant, and lacks
many other things to bring it up to the
standard of modern cities. The first
concession to be given is for telephone
system. The prospectus for an electric
light plant will soon be prepared The
present antiquated horse car system of
the city has a franchise which will be
in effect for long time, but the company
is willing to sell it, and the company
which is willing to change the system
to an electric one will make money. The
minister of public works has extensive
plans for opening ports. road construction.
building new bridges and embankments.
dredging rivers to make them navigable,
hydraulic agriculture and irrigation and
public works to be started in Mesopotamia.
The minister of public works is anxious
that this work be started as soon as pos
sible. and contracts will be let as fast as
feasible.
1.-The mineral wealth of Turkey, and
especially Of Asia Minor, Is known to be
very great Mr.. Brode continues. AT
present few mines are being worked. ow-
ing to the difficulty of transportation and
the difficulty encountered in the past in
getting concessions on favorable terms.
The new government is now encouraging
foreigners to come in and aid in the de-
velopment of this mineral wealth. An
American firm is petitioning for a con-
cession to build nearly 1850 miles Of rail-
way through the mineral district of Asia
Minor connecting them with the Mediter
ranean Sea. II the concession is granted
as 1T is thought it will be, the aspect of
this country will be greatly changed and
rich mining property can be worked on a
large and practical scale.
According to the constitution. the gov
eminent has the right to control the i'm
portation and sale of various articles. and
monopolies are to be let to private socie-
ties or syndicates on certain terms. 1t is
thought that American syndcates could
obtain some of them on very favorable
conditions The monopoly for tobacco has
already been granted. 1t is understood
that the monopoly to control the importa-