Henry Musser

Title

Henry Musser

Language

English

Year

1928

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

February, 1928 THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 9 Bristol the Right Man for Asiatic Fleet Commander Henry Musser If one has attempted to learn his China while sojourning in the Philippines (which are but an adjunct of America’s problem in China), he will not converse long with Admiral Mark L. Bristol, U. S. N., commander of the Asiatic fleet, before coming to realize that this distinguished officer of America’s sea power is precisely the right man to be in command of the fleet in the extreme Orient. It is revealed at once that Admiral Bristol has familiarized himself with-America’s naval and diplomatic policy in China, one of the most consistent state policies in the national annals. More, it is at once revealed that Bristol has studied that policy critically, placed it over against the perspective of China’s own history and retarded politico-social development, and that he believes in the policy, as recently restated by President Coolidge, down to the ground. It is a policy of waiting for China to find herself and to achieve self-control and self-sufficiency; that’s what it always has been. America wants China to become a forthright nation, just that is what she has always wanted. Through suc ceeding revolutions, the Chinese struggle toward this goal. Sometimes the policy seems tawdry and opportunistic in the eyes of the world, in American eyes too: the contending native fac tions occasionally do such outlandish things, and nations with big vested interests at stake take quicker action than America does, or more drastic action: America comes in for another round of criticism. But the same thing occurs in respect to Mexico, it is something which may not be avoided when and while America is waiting for nations like China and Mexico to become competent national forces and international partners. America doesn’t make alliances, even in the Great War it was the United States and the Allied Powers. It is the same in China, where, aloof from alliances and pacts, America co-operates qpon occasion, as in the relief of foreigners in Nanking last spring, as in the relief of Peking 28 years ago, as in the patrolling of the Yangtze. But when the specific job is done, America is her independent self again. Although this independence sometimes has an ugly look, those who watch intelligently and intrepidly and wait patiently may certainly be comforted with the assurance that in the long run America’s policy in China is to work out best for herself and all her friends. That is why Admiral Bristol believes in the policy, because it only seems, sometimes, to injure America’s friends—without really injur ing them, nor China, also America’s friend. For every nation concerned in China has its immediate interest there, and its more remote interest; and it is this more remote interest that is the more important, which by all means must be conserved. China will be a long time, a very long time indeed, in shifting from the old to the new order: America is an impelling force, by the simple means of her neutrality. Other Admiral Mark L. Bristol, U.S.N., commander of the Asiatic fleet: now in harbor on his flagship, the U. S. cruiser l‘itt*burUli. nations may.be restraining influences, but it is for all to be on a par with one another when the right day comes, when China achieves nationhood. Admiral Bristol makes no com ment upon other nations’ policies in China, America’s occupies him fully. The number of nationals to be protected is increasing. Equipment for this purpose begins to include the six gunboats being assembled at Shanghai for the Yangtze patrols. One is launched and in service, another is coming off the ways. They are armored and fully prepared for their necessary police duties, and their rivals are not to be seen on the river anywhere. Protection of American lives and property is a part of the restated national policy. Admiral Bristol has called upon Governor Gilmore, after having paid his respects to General Sladen, commanding ashore, and he will remain in Philippine waters with his flagship, the Pittsburgh, for the inauguration of Governor General Henry L. Stimson and for conferences with him, whom the admiral greatly admires. Consistency of action and a common accord will be the purpose of the conferences. It has been a month of courtesy exchanges, what with the flagship and the admiral with nearly the whole fleet in the roadstead, Admiral Blakely too, and the visits of the Japanese cruiser Ohi and H. M. S. Hawkins and Admiral and Lady Tyrwhitt. Marine and shore salutes have been booming away at frequent intervals, bands have been on repeated special duty at ceremonies, and the pomp and circumstance of courtly customs have kept the ranking officers ashore and afloat busily engaged. Henry Musser, member of the chamber of commerce, who left his plumbing business to his boys, Henry and George Musser, and died in St. Luke’s hospital December 27, was an American and oldest of the oldtimers in point of length of residence, who had had various experiences with his citizenship. He was residing in Manila when Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet, as he had been for some time. Living at the European hotel, on the site of what is now the Roxas building, Escolta and David, he was suspected of liaison connections with the fleet and had difficulty in keeping out of the clutches of the authorities. However, the risk was soon over. Musser was in his 77th year when he died, on October 5 last year he was 76 years old. He had been the first Elk to touch Philippine soil. As a member of the Leadville, Colorado, lodge, his funeral was under the auspices of the Manila lodge. It was also published that he and two others of the antlered tribe organized the Elks in Manila, but the actual facts, obscured in the haze of men’s recollections, may be that the three formed the habit of * >regathering together as Elks, or because they were Elks. Perhaps the charter came later. It was very early in the American period. Musser had established the American Hard ware and Plumbing company in the walled city. Henry Musser One of the very first American enterprises estab lished in Manila, this business now flourishes as (Turn to f>uge 11, column J) CONCRETE FOR PERMANENCE When building SEE that “APO” Portland, the Super-Cement is employed in your construction “APO” is Best by Test—Makes Best Concrete Sold only by reliable dealers and the CEBU PORTLAND CEMENT COMPANY China Bank Building MANUFACTURERS Manila, P. I. IN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISEMENTS PLEASE MENTION THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL

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