The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1909-10-22

Japan-China Pact Subject OF In
quiry-Sew Minister Magnifies
And Divulges Fact Which
Reaches Nippon-He Offered To
Step Aside-Secretary Thereupon
Concluded To Accept.
| Washington. D. C. Especially AT
the request of Secretary Knox,
Charles r. Crane, United States
minister to China. has resigned and
his resignation has been acce oted.
Mr.. knox announced MIR. Cranes
withdrawal, and in a statement ex-
plains his reasons for separating the
Chicago man from the service.
PRESIDENT Taft has been informed of
Mr.. Knox's action.
In his statement Mr.. Knox says:
Il have reluctantly reached the
conclusion that the good O. the serv-
Ice demands that l should inform
Mr.. Crane that his resignation will
De accepted and l have done so'
The reasons for the action of the
department are the newspaper
stories recently printed concerning
AFFAIRS of the Orient. The Secretary
says of this in his announcement:
The Department of State has
been engaged for sometime in MAX
Ing study of the recent agreement
between China and Japan in rela-
ton to Manchuria from such data
bearing upon the situation as it was
able to secure with view of de-
termining whether there is anything
in the agreement adversely affect
ing American interests or in conflict
with the principle of equal oppor-
tunity to which the powers are
pledged; study not yet concluded
and in respect to which no, decision
has been reached.
While this investigation was
proceeding Mr.. Crane, the minister
to China, came to the department,
and while there was informed by
one of the clerks that such an ex-
animation was being made. With
out consultation with the acting sec.
rotary or any other responsible Off
Ger of the department, and without
the knowledge or authority of any
one connected with the department,
Mr. Crane gave out a newspaper
story to the effect that this govern
ment was preparing to protest
ment, and that the PRONUNCIATION of
the protest only awaited the return
of an official who was to formulate
it.
''The story appeared in Western
newspaper, and at the same time or
day later in the Japanese press.
lished. Such were the representa-
10 20 Nv he
responsible officers of the State De-
statements that they had sufficient
Whereupon l sent Mr.. Crane at San
Francisco the following telegram
dated October 8. 1909:
"'You have been charged with
the responsibility for the canards re-
Gently appearing in the japanese and
American press to the effect that the
United States is preparing to pro-
test against the Chinese-Japanese
are responsible for this is of such a
character as warrants me in direct
ing you to come to Washington and
meet it. If you are not responsible,
as hope you are not, matters re-
lating to Oriental affairs have de-
veloped since you left Washington
that make it advisable for me to
communicate with you personally
and in the utmost confidence in rela-
ton thereto
cat a conference with Mr.. Crane
Sunday evening he admitted having
an indiscreet talk with reporter
which resulted in the publications
referred to and assuming RESPONSE
bility. He stated that If the indis-
erection was grave enough to shake
my confidence in his usefulness he
would willingly resign. I have re-
luctantly reached the conclusion that
the good of the service demands that
I should inform Mr.. Crane that his
resignation will be accepted, and !
have done So"
Accepts Cranes Resignation.
Washington, D. C. Especially -
President. Taft has accepted the re-
signation of Charles R. Crane, min
lister to China, and has unequivocal-
ly Endorsed the action taken by Sec
rotary Knox. The following tele-
gram from the President was made
public at the White House:
Prescott, Ariz., October Is, 1909.
Erred w. Carpenter, Secretary to
the President, Washington, d.
c.:
Convey to Mr.. Crane the follow
ing: I concur in the letter under
date of October ~ which. the Sec
rotary of State has addressed to you
and / greatly regret that the cir
found to exist by him
make is necessary for me to ac-
cept your resignation
(Signed) Taft"
MRS. GRIDLEY DEAD.