Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-07-25

~AsH1NGToN July 2O-The latest diplomatic
NJ sensation agitate the minds of those VINO
w have an eye Americas international relations
the that Russia and Japan have consummated
their regarding the far east only
the generalzatons which Invariably preamble
documents this nature have been made pubhc as
yet-just enough to show that the most Oriental OF
European and the most Occidental of Asatic nations
have come to an agreement their hitherto con-
aictns interests the regions lying north OF China
While the nation waits for full and detailed reports
on the nature of the treaty from Ambassador Gutle
in Tokyo and Ambassador Francis in Petrograd, nooo
of speculation conjecture is rife over the probable
nature contract and its possible effect on Amer
lean interests Recently resolution was introduced
into United States senate by Senator Lewis OF
Illinois calling secretary of state to investigate
the nature of treaty in its relation to American
interests trade and report the result to the senate
While the resolution was sidetracked by force OF par
Uamentary complications it likely that such
report will yet be called for.
The treaty is Of particular interest at the present
roo,nent not only the United states is "atch
ng with some anxiety the trend Of trade relations
betveen foreign nations account OF the reaoJuset
80 ord commerce that may follow the great war; out
also because ii at time when we are appdF-
ntv about to adopt something of changed policy In
our foreign financial dealings notably in China
parorts and rumors have been rife for months and
~ steadily gaining in persistence and conference to
bs erect that the belligerent alliances of Europe VIII
be succeeded by commercial alliances whlcn VIII ~ase
bittar though boodless for the dominance OF the
worlds trade-an object that really underes the war
itself In this connection we hear of preferential
trade treaties of reciprocal tarn agreements u o
consrmnated Of elaborate plans for grdng the goDe
Nth trenches of commerce, in which the place Oh the
rnitad states is not very clear The Allies are said to
intend the elimination of the central powers from Ih
SUPERINTENDENT equation, while Germany ana
Austria naturally enough have their own lhteh'ohs III
the matter Of post-bellum business
49,
Meanwhile the United States with organized
national policy for foreign trade domination or even
extension and consolidation by grace of circumstances
Continues TO enjoy more and profitable foreign
business than before In her history The vital
question is how long this state OF aalrs OF
one at all like it, will last after the peace treaties are
grad and Europe turns from the rifle to the ledger
True enough it doubtful that any arbitrary
of powers markets and resources can long
stand out the force of natural trade currents
bicb are guided by laws economical rather than
notcal or sentimental None the less, there Is little
doubt that strenuous and far-reachng effort to direct
artiAcially the of worldbusness will be made by
the warning powers after the war
Arbitrary artificial arrangements for the direc-
tio of industry have been more success
fully applied in China and the unsettled markets OF
the far east generally than in other place Given
.uHcientlv strong native central government, and
moderate national autonomy. the business Of buyer
nation will go to the source where the goods best
et,ed TO it's sale at lowest prices In the
case of country like China where the complications
of the local situation make necessary for the foreign
vorobant TO be backed by the force of his home
ernment before investment is secure, and where
ing preferential rights have from time to time
existed commerce becomes matter for national
diplomacy as much for individual enterprise
II IS for this reason treaties relating to
the status strong powers in the weak countries in
the Orient direct bearing on the interests of
Americans For nowadays it is wel-recognized fact
that the prosperity of business man who lives