Omaha daily bee., 1909-10-11
Paper Prints Confidential Matter Re-
garding Position of Government.
TO COME FROM CRANE
Conference with Secretary Knox Will
Settle His Status.
MINISTER IS NoNCoMM1TTAL
On Arrival at washing gtOn states He
Does Not Know why He Was
Summoned to the
Capital.

WASHINGTON, oct. 10.-Charles r.
Cranes sudden, unexpected and hitherto
mysterious recall TO Washington by Secre-
tary Of State Knox. as he was at the point
of sailing from San Francisco to assume
his duties as minister OF the United States
to China was occasioned by developments
involving the question of Mr.. Cranes fit
ness for that post. This much is known
tonight in we'll informed quarters in Wash
ngton. Unless Mr.. Crane is able to clear
himself in the eyes of Secretary Knox of
an accusation Of a serious breach of what
the State department regards as the first
principle of diplomatic discretion. the con-
ference with his official chief may result
in the abrupt termination of Mr.. Cranes
connection with the diplomatic service.
Minister Crane arrived in Washington
late this afternoon from his hurried journey
across the continent, reiterating his declar-
alton of Ignorance as to the occasion for
his rather dramatic call from the waters
edge of the Pacific, and declined to discuss
the matter in any of its aspects beyond
saying that while he expected to be here
several days, he had reserved new accom-
modatons for the transpacific voyage on
the steamer sailing from San Francisco on
October 20, a week from next Wednesday.
The State department has I'm hand, II Is
said what 1t regards as more or less con-
viHcing evidence that Minister Crane, on
the eve of his departure for the far east,
became responsible for the publication in
Chicago newspaper of what the depart
ment views as a most indiscreet discussion
of the attitude of the United States toward
the two treaties recently negotiated be-
tween China and Japan. This the depart
ment holds to have been the more serious
because that attitude is still under con-
fldential consideration, no decision having
been arrived at
what Trouble Ia About.
While the speeches delivered by Mr.
Crane before the American Asiatic asso-
citation and at a dinner given In his honor
at Chicago, are viewed at the State de-
partment as having been at best. unwise
end undiplomatic, they had been carefully
considered after their delivery and before
Mr.. Crane started for San Francisco, and
although deprecated were not regarded
as justifying any change in his plans.
The Chicago publication falls, however
I'm the eyes Of the department, into a cate
CORY very different and far more serious
China and Japan early last month en-
tered into treaties which contained pro-
visions regarded by the State department
as very surprising and possibly objection
able to this government. BY these treaties
japan would secure rights in Manchuria
which are held by some diplomats to be in
direct violation Of both the letter and
spirit of the Portsmouth treaty. China has
agreed in the treaties now under considera-
alton, that before extending the present
railway system in Manchuria, 1t shall con-
suit Japan, and, presumably, obtain its
consent thereto. This provision is regarded
as inharmonlous with the declaration Of
japan i'm the treaty Of Portsmouth that II
will not obstruct any measures taken by
China for the development of its empire.
Violates Open Door.
Another provision relating to the opera
tion Of coal mines on both sides of the
Antung Mukden and South Mapchuran
railway, it is thought may be OBJECTION
able to this government as violating the
policy of the open door" as inaugurated
by the United States and subscribed to by
Japan as well by all of the leading
powers of Europe. This open door policy"
is intended to assure equal opportunities"
to all nations to assist I'm the development
OF China without impairing its territorial
integrity.
matters or a highly confidential nature
with respect TO the position of the United
States regarding these and other provisions
Of the treaties between China and japan
are alleged to have been divulged in the
Chicago publication and for these dis
closures the State department is disposed
in the absence OF proof to the contrary.
to hold Minister Crane responsible Accord
Ing TO authentic information obtained here
today, Mr.. Crane has been summoned to
Washington from San Francisco to explain
his reported statements.
The officials of the State department are
extremely retlcent on the whole subject,
most Of them affecting entire ignorance OF
It, and all referring inquirers to Secretary
Knox, who, up TO a late hour tonight was
inaccessible. Meanwhile tomorrow's de-
velopments are awaited with an interest
which may fairly be described as intense.
Crane Sees Knox.
Late tonight II became known that dur
| ing the evening Mr.. Crane had had a
preliminary conference" with Secretary
Knox and Henry NJ. Hoyt, special counsel
| to the secretary.
| When Mr.. Crane returned to his hotel