Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1880-04-08
Russia, China and Japan.

The little cloud of war which has
been gathering and resting on the
Eastern horizon of the world for
some weeks past, increases rather
| than diminishes in size. China has
been disputing over territory with
Russia on the north, and Japan on
the south, for long time, but has
not been disposed to show her teeth
in menacing way until quite re.
Gently. The Kuldha district, lying
in the gateway to China from Rus.
sian Turkiestan, was formerly con-
trolled by China, bat was wrested
from her by Russia, who now occu-
pies and governs it. China is anxious
to get the province back, and is will.
ing to buy it, but Russia's terms are
so monstrous In her estimation, that
rather than submit to them she is
willing to try the hazards of battle.
1t ia rumored that 1900 Chinese
troops have already crossed the from
tier. and that $4,000 more are only
waiting the word of command to ad-
vance.
If this intelligence proves true, a
war involving China, Russia, Japan,
and possibly England, may be said
to have already begun. Japan would
only be too glad to avail herself Of
this opportunity to make China re-
linquish all claim upon the Loo Choo
Islands, which, heretofore, have been
held in sort Of joint partnership by
these two nations,an would without
doubt take an active part in the com.
ing conflict as Russia's ally. Then
England could hardly keep out of
the fray, if she wanted to, because
her Asiatic interests would ineyitab-
ly suffer by such war, and John
Bull was never known to sit quietly
while another nation was encroach.
ing upon his real or fancied rights
and privileges in any part of the
world. But above all other nations
at the present time he would be the
quickest to resent q hostile move
ment on the part of Russia. The
two nations have had hard work, as
is well known, to keep the peace for
year or more, and a war started on
the northern frontier of China could
and would be easily transferred to
British and Russian possessions near
er home. 1t is barely possible, how
ever, that if the Liberals come into
power as the result of the pending
elections, England might adopt
strictly defensive policy, and allow
China and Russia to settle their own
matters as best they could; but if
Beaconsfe!d triumphs, his WELL
known sentiments about the "con-
" tinued ascendancy of England in
"the councils of Europe" would
compel him to actively interfere.
Concerning the probable results of
such conflict it is difficult now to
decide. Russia would be compelled
to fight at considerable disadvantage
owing to the immense distance Of
Kuldha from the base of supplies. AT
the same time, her superiority over
China in warlike resources and skill
is undoubted. And if England will
let her alone, she will ultimately
bring the Celestial Empire to terms
especially if Japan proves service.
able and efficient helper. On the
other hand, the immense hordes of
troops which China can bring into
the field will make it hard work for
a time, at least to dispose of them
Besides, great improvement has
been going on for few years back
in the methods and materials of Chi
nese warfare. Modern arms have
supplanted, in great measure, the old
antiquated weapons formerly used.
while diseiplin and organization have
wrought wonders in consolidating
and energizing the naturally inert
masses OF Chinese soldiers.
Nor would such . war be without
its influence on this country as well
as on Europe. The trade relations
of America with China and Japan
are both intimate and important and
these would be greatly disturbed, if
not broken off, for time, by the
beginning of hostilities. 1t is almost
certain that the prices of provisions
of all kinds would Immediately ad-
vance. and a period of speculation
would thereby be insugurated, in
comparison with which the present
activity in the same line wonld be
msre bsgstelle.