Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/198

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
178
DRAMATIC MOMENTS

The circumstances conspire to make this a for- tunate moment in which to inaugurate the cooperative policy. * * * Our only hope is in forbearance and perfect union among ourselves; if these are maintained, and our governments sustain us in the policy we have adopted, I cannot but be hopeful of the future, and feel that a great step has been taken in the right direction in China."

He pursued this understanding with his colleagues with such good faith that the Chinese came to regard him as a real friend. The influence of this representative who had not one bluejacket or doughboy behind him became a prime influence in the country. Shortly after his arrival the French consul at Ning-po began the nagging and the grabbing again. He wanted another concession. Concessions giving European jurisdiction was the panacea universally recommended by the traders and, of course, universally resisted by the Mandarins. Burlingame urged the Chinese to put up a stiff front and had a heart-to-heart talk with