Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1911-11-30
TAFT TALKS TO FRENCHMAN
President Interviewed by Francois
De Tessan of the Matin.
FOREIGN PROBLEMS DISCUSSED
United States VIII Not Offer TO
Mediate Between Italy and
Turkey Unless Asked
to DO So.

PARIS, Nov 29-The Matin publishes
today what purports to be an interview
with President Taft. written by Francois
de Tessan. The writer quotes the presl-
dent on such questions as Intervention in
the Turco-Italian war, on Americas at
ttude In regard to China, on the situa-
tion in Mexico and on the general sub
ject OF arbitration.
When asked about the possibility Of
American meditation in the Turco- Italian
war the writer says that President Taft
declared the United States was certainly
disposed to be in favor OF the re-estab-
lishment of peace. Nevertheless he felt
that It would be unwise to depart from
tho usual path.
our relations with the two belligerents
are equally friendly, We do not wish 20
Offend the national dignity OF either,
Moreover the Turco-ftaIian war con-
Germs primarily the European concert
There Is therefore the question OF tact
for the United States not to put herself
forward TO bring an end 10 a conflict
which. however, from the bottom OF her
heart she desires to see ended
1T Is evident that II the European
powers were in accord TO ask for our
mediation we should be happy to work In
favor Of peace. We have wished 70 avoid
anything that might lead to a misnter-
probation OF our action. That is the rea-
son why up to now we have adopted an
impartial and impressive attitude"
situation in ChIna.
Speaking on the subject Of China, Presl-
dent Taft is stated to have said that the
United States would naturally defend its
interests, remaining at the same time
faithful TO the double principle OF the
maintenance OF the integrity Of celestial
empire and OF the open door.
THE United States cannot conceive on
the other side OF the Pacific a nation dis
membered and prey TO foreign cupIdity
In which our enterprises are no longer in
a state OF stability. What will emerge
from the Chinese revolution is question
which no one knows how to answer. Il
is necessary therefore TO act with pru-
dence and within the limits Of the inter
national accords concluded after the
Boxer troubles. We are adopting a pa
tient attitude so as not to add foreign
troubles to the existing confusion In the
interior. az
THE point OF view OF the United States
has not varied since the time of John
Hay. We wish TO see China restored to
youth and modernized. so that when in
dustry and public works are actively
pushed forward we shall be able 10 de-
velop our commerce In accordance with
the rules Of loyal competition"
Outlook In Mexico.
Whan nalra
in regard to Mexico President Taft re-
piled that everything would be done 10
re-establish peace, there. adding that the
United states would not permit agltaors
TO prepare a civil war on United States
territory.
our bankers, merchonts and citizens
have been already greatly embarrassed
by the persistent troubles. We have no
hostile projects against cur neighbors
but desire 10 maintain order"
Continuing President Taft said:
'On the eve OF the opening OF the
Panama canal II is OF Importance 10 see
the people south OF our frontiers enjoy
the healthful tranquility necessary for
the triumph Of the great work about to
be finished, and 10 see the countries In
the vicinity OF the isthmus in perfect Sc
curity rather than have the spectacle
Of unct asing revolutions and counter
revolutions"
The president remarked that he re-
turned from the far west with the CON
Wction that he had accomplished good
work and also With the conviction chat he
had dissipa,ed NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. an con-
nection with the arbitrator treaties
aaA