New-York tribune., 1912-03-20
rFrom The Tribune Bureau
washington, Marc

WaSnlnBtOn, AhdiNh @"'
AFFAIRS IN CHINA.-While II would
be an exaggeration to say that anars IN
China are proceeding TO the satisfaction oi
the United States, It is hardly more so
than 70 assert that this government REGARDS
Russia and Japan with deep suspicion, CT
that the limited States and Great Britain
are acting in concert to checkmate the de-
signs OF those countries in the Far East
The identic note addressed to the interested
powers by Secretary Knox some time ago.
and which met with cordial response
from all the powers 10 whom 1t went,
achieved its purpose, and, even in the case
OF the small loan needed TO pay off the I'M
patient Chinese troops. Russia and japan
cordially concurred although, to avoid de-
lay, the actual funds were advanced by
the other powers under an arrangement
which provided for the subsequent partlci-
patton OF those nations. Arrangements are
now being perfected for much larger
loan which Will be shared by all the pow
ers, including Russia and Japan AS mas
been said, it would be an cxaggerauon 10
declare that the situation In emma is not
an occasion of anxiety 10 this government
but II Is so not because of any Suspicion VI
the good faith Of Russia and Japan Out
solely because the conditions in China it.
self are perilously close TO anarchy De-
cause there has as yet appeared no mana
sufficiently strong to maintain order and
punish violence In some respects the Sltu-
alton resembles that which prevails in Mex
leo. where President Madero appears un-
able to suppress violence and prevent brig
andage, although there is in Mexico o.
course small danger OF foreign complica-
| tions. with many Americans resident in
| China. the United States is not likely to
neglect such ordinary precautions as the
maintenance Of an adequate force, both
naval and military, I'm the vicinity. but sug-
| gestlons or statements that such precau-
tions are dictated by distrust of Russia and
Japan are pronounced by those in po-
sition to speak with authority not only SEN
sational, hut mischievous
! PATENT LEGISLATION. Inquiry
among members of both houses Of Con-
| gress reveals an almost unanimous reali-
zation of the desirability Of patent legis-
lation along the lines indicated by Chief
Justice White, Associate Justices Hughes
and Lamar concurring, in the minority
|
eograph case. There is, however. the usual
divergence of opinion as to the scope OF
| the legislation needed. The extremists
want some drastic measure providing Tor
| forfeiture Of the patent and In some In
stances for the penalizlns Of the owner
where a patent is used TO foster a monop-
oly The conservatives would naturally
go only as far as may be necessary 10 OBJ
viate the evils 10 Which the Chief Justice
| has called attention. while in various
quarters are appearing editorials demand
| ing a complete revision of the patent law,
which is described ss archaic, ctc. The
| situation presents an opportunity for Varl-
Gus little known members OF Congress TO
gain some publicity from the Introduction
of bills an opportunity which they have
| not failed 10 seize, something like twenty
| measures having been presented already.
| Those who sincerely desire the enactment
Of legislation. however, will promptly re-
! ject all suggestions of sweeping revision
of the patent laws and VIII also, what
ever may he their personal convictions.
abandon the idea Of such drastic legisla-
ton as has been proposed by the eXtrem-
lists. The passage Of simple measure,
carefully designed TO correct the evils
which must otherwise result from the ex-
listing law as construed by a majority Of
the Supreme Court, can be accomplished
promptly and with comparatively little Of
fort Any attempt TO revise the entire
patent code. however, viii result in inter
nninable delay, will mean endless debate
and practically no achievement may af-
ford considerable advertising TO those who
take part in the debate and press their
own measures, but will end in smoke. This
has been the history Of every effort TO re-
wise or revoluuonize any considerable
body Of law at one fell swoop It was the
history of the railway rate legislation.