The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-01-24

tact with the Chinese millions, have
for the most part dealt honorably
with the natives.
Transplant the paradox to the
United States and it is not so diff
cult to understand.
Imagine Washington with 500
British marines and an equal num-
Der from other European and Asiatic
powers; larger numbers of foreign
army troops holding the railroad
from Washington to New York; the
business area of New York ''for-
eign settlement" governed and po-
Iced by foreigners. Imagine similar
foreign concessions in Boston and
the inland ports of st. Louis and
Chicago; the foreigners having their
own courts, their warships plying
our inland waters, our customs I'M
der their management and our tariff
rates fixed by foreign governments.
And all of this invasion of our SOW
ereignty decreed and regularized by
treaties.
Extra-territoriality is the official
word for this system. 1t existed in
Japan-until the Japanese were
strong enough to kick out this for
eign rule. 1t existed in Turkey
until the new Turkey, which arose
out Of the ashes of the World War,
tore up the unequal treaties.
It exists in China. But unless all
siens fail. its life there is short.
Paying for Folly
Meanwhile, the foreign mission
aries and business men are paying
for the folly of their governments in
refusing to recognize that China is
awake at last, aud from now on
must be dealt with as an equal or
not at all.
Whatever the justification of ex-
tra-territorial foreign rights in the
old days, there is no excuse for it
now. Anyway, the question has now
become one Of eXpediency.
In the Washington arms confer.
ence treaties the United States and
other powers pledged themselves to
progressive abolition of extraterrito-
riality and to the desired increase
in Chinese tariffs. No action has
been taken. A recent Pekin confer
ence of the powers broke up because
of the chaotic local conditions. An
internatioal commission has recon-
mended" minor modification of extra
territoriality, but neither the United
States nor other powers have acted
on the recommendation
Now the Nationalist government
at Hankow, controlling southern
and central China, demands immedi-
ate revocation of all the unequal
treaties. Even the conservative Pc
kin government has refused to re-
new the unequal treaty with Bel
GUM, which has expired.
The British are treating with the
Nationalists at Hankow. According
to reports, the British have turned
from their former strong-arm policy
and are ready to recognize the radi-
cal Nationalist government and ac-
cept most of it's demands.
United States Fails to Reply
A British memorandum proposing
that the long promised tariff in
creases become elective Immediately
has been waiting unanswered at the
State Department in Washington
for weeks.
Meanwhile, Representative Stephen
Porter, chairman of the House
Foreign Affairs Committee, has in
troduced a resolution proposing that
the United States give up it's special
privileges in China and Immediately
negotiate new treaty of equality.
Congressional support of that
resolution is growing.
The State Department declines to
define it's policy. President Coolidge
and Secretary of State Kellogg are
anxious to grant the Chinese de-
mands, but they believe the change
should be gradual rather than
abrupt. Before the protection of
American troops and courts is with
drawn they desire to see a stable
Chinese government and just courts
by Chinese.
The President has decided not to
Join in any "show of force" to
brighten the Chinese. United States
warships and troops will be used
solely to protect American lives and
to cover evacuation il necessary.
Beyond that the President is un-
decided.