Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/211

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IN AMERICAN DIPLOMACY
191

volve not only China, but would involve you in bloody wars with each other. * * *"

I have given this speech at such length because the argument is not done yet. It would take a bold man to make its counterpart in Tokio to-morrow, and changing the name China to divers other places it would meet with a howl in most countries of the world to-day, or would if every one were not busy with the grand and final tyranny of all.

The result in the United States was immediate and lasting success. A new treaty was signed on the spot. It recognized China's right to "unmolested dominion over her own territories" including the "concessions" except as already modified by treaties. It gave the Emperor unlimited right to make such changes or improvements or decrees as he chose regarding the internal affairs of his kingdom without any foreign dictation.

In those respects the principles of American policy have not changed from that day to this and as a result have placed us in the honour-