New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-11-10


Sir: The newspapers have been so crowded
with war news and politics recently that the
proclamation on October % OF a new peace
and arbitration treaty between the United
States and China seems to have escaped the
attention it deserved. This treaty agreement
j., the seventeenth OF its kind in effect be-
tween the United States and foreign nations
providing arbitration for the settlement Of
international disputes. Similar treaties with
thirteen other foreign countries have been
agreed upon. and only the details Of ratihca-
tion are pending.
For half a century there has been kindly
feeling between the governments and peoples
Of the United States and Of China; in fact,
this sentiment has developed into a warm
friendship. This was evidenced when the
United States returned TO China some Sl8,-
900, 900 from the Boxer War indemnity fund.
China has reciprocated by using a considera
bic portion OF this money to educate Chinese
students in the educational institutions of
the United States. There are nearly thou
sand of these Chinese men and women at
tending the universities, technical and pre-
paratory schools of the United States. A
Chinese graduate Of Cornell is Ambassador
to Great Britain. and Dr. koo, a renowned
international lawyer. graduate of Columbia.
has recently been made Chinese Minister 20
the United States These educational eX-
changes are significant and promising for in
ternational amity
The attitude of the people Of the United
States has been decidedly against any at
tempt on the part of any nation or any COM
bnation OF nations TO partition China or
weaken it as either empire republic.
Since the European war began one section
Of China under lease 70 foreign nation, has
been invaded and captured war prize by
another foreign nation. To accomplish this
the home territory OF China was invaded
against her protest and foreign army
marched across this territory in violation of
international law and treaty agreements.
With Europe in the turmoils Of war and
China struggling through its transition period
from monarchy to republic, new complca
lions have srisen. both domestic and external
which may force China 10 revert to mon
archy in order TO save her sovereignty and
prevent the partition Of her territory. While
all the world is interested in this event the
republics Of the world arc especially inter
estcd in preserving. if possible. the republi
can principle for ultimate realization by
China.
China has made wonderful progress during
the last three years along republican lines.
Sic has established an equitable system OF
taxation, which has been successfully admin
istered This has been a great object lesson
for the people Of China and farreach.ng in
its educational effects. The republican prin-
ciple has been exemplfied even in the pro-
posal TO change the republic TO a monarchy
in that Yuan Shih-kni. the President has re-
ferred the matter in a direct referendum 10
the people for determination as to whether
they will change their form of government
20 monarchy. This in itself is a triumph
for the republican principle.
Il is maintained h. some that the chief
reason for reyerting 10 the monarchical sys-
tenn is because Of external dangers that
menace the republic and the Chinese people.
The pressure brought to bear on China IN
recent treaty negotiations with Japan has
brought home 20 the people the necessity for
and the advantage of a strong central gov
eminent and an adequate defence for the
preservation Of the integrity Of China from
both domestic and foreign foes.
II is matter for congratulation that the
United states and France have just declined
10 Join with certain foreign nations in lad
visng" China not 20 change her present form
OF government. Whatever individual views
and interests may inspire. let US assume that
the Chinese people know the form OF govern
men, that will best conform 70 their needs.
The China Society OF America was orga-
nized to foster and encourage good vill be-
tween the people OF China and the United
States. and We appeal to the people OF the
United States for fair play toward China. II
is for this purpose that We ask the people If
the United States TO give due consideration
10 China's diAicul'ics and IN that she