Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 94, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1903 — OPEN DOOR REFUSED. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OPEN DOOR REFUSED.

Prince Ching Say* Manchurian Ports Will Not Be Made Free. Prince Ching, president of the Chinese foreign office, has written to United States Minister Conger, refusing to open

towns in Manchuria. In his letter he dwells upon the impossibility of China opening to foreigners towns which are not In her possession but which are held by Russian troops, and points out the complications which would be likely to follow. Inasmuch as the Chinese government very recently ex-

pressed its willingness to yield to the desires of die United States for open poris in Manchuria, Washington officials are at a loss to understand the communication sent by Prince Ching to Minister Conger refusing this concession. The importance of the communication, if it accurately reflects the attitude of

the Chinese government, is fully realized in Washington. However, impressed with the heretofore expressed Willing- - ness of China to open Manchurian ports, re-enforced by the assurances given to this government by Russia along the same lines, the officials continue firm in their belief that

the situation ultimately will be clarified and the efforts of the United States be rewarded.

PRINCE CHING.

MINISTER CONGER.