The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-24
HAMMOND REFUSES
MISSION TO CHINA
Defamation TO Serve Places
Administration in Guam
Diary for Man.
BY JAMES HAY, il.

With the refusal of John Hays Ham
mond today 10 accept the post of minis
ter to China. the Administration finds
itself at a loss as TO who shall be
chosen for the place.
Dir. Hammond had two hours con-
ference with the President at the White
House offices this morning. and Mr.
Taft, after formally offering him the
post. used every argument possible to
persuade him to accept it. He def
nitely refused 1t. however, on the ground
that his business connections prevent,
and that he wishes 10 keep his chill
dren in this country until they have
completed their education
The President then asked Mr.. Ham
mOnd TO cast about for man suitable
for the place and TO make any sugges-
tlons that might occur TO him along
this line.
The. President and Secretary of State
Knox consider the Chinese mission the
most important post in the Diplomatic
service. In their eyes It transcends in
Importance the Court Of St James. the
embassy at Russia or France or any
other country. They have sought man
fitted for it ever since this Administra-
ton began. and their tentative selec-
lions have beeQ among the foremost
men of the country Former Senator
Fulton OF Oregon lad to decline it. and
now comes Hammond with a refusal.
Offers Golden Opportunity.
As a matter Of fact, this is the golden
opportunity for the United States to
win its way mo the rich treasure houses
OF Oriental, and particularly Chinese,
commerce. Russia, Germany. and Great
Britain are reaching out for this COM
msrce ia every way imaginable.
Through their representatives in the
Chinese empire, they are gradually en-
Tiching their people by the trade with
China.
What this Administration wants is
man who can go 10 China and get re-
suits. The President desires a business
man Of the highest ability, who can COM
pine with such gifts the diplomatic tai
ents required for putting this country
on a footing more intimate with the
Chinese than that enjoyed by any other
country on the globe. It Is for this rea-
son that good man is so eagerly
sought for the place.
Friendly to United States.
The feeling in the Orient is especially
friendly to the United States as a re-
suit Of the visits of Mr. Taft to China
and Japan and his policy toward the
countries of the Far East. This friend
illness should not be allowed TO so for
naught. according TO Administration
circles. but should be taken advantage
OF by man able To swing the situation
50 as 70 get the best results.
Mr. Hammond was selected by Mr..
Taft and Mr. Knox after a long cOnsid-
Grafton of all the men available for the
place. Hammond IS an old college mate
OF the President and enjoys his con-
fdence. He AMI the President were
much together during and after the
campaign, and HammOnd's work as the
organizer and rejuvenator OF the Ma
1ional Republican League has made
politics. II was feared by the President
that he would decline the mission, but
II was offered in the bare hope that he
would accept
Now that he has refused. the Admin
istTation is embarrassed as TO who shall
be selected.