The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-12-05


The two most conspicuous and powerful
nations in Asia. Japan and China. seem now tc
! 10 suffering from unusual commissions. in
tho one instance physical, IN the other
political.
Z ne series Of earthquakes which have done
80 much damage TO property and caused the
! deaths OF so many thousands in Japan are
among the most serious that have ever been
5ecsrded in the history Of that country.
which has always been exposed TO the occur
renee Of these phenomena. The latest ad-
vices show that the extent of the disaster has
been rather underestimated than overstated.
and that in the destruction which has been
worked foreigners have been deeply involved.
ii the political eonyulslon which appears
to be spreading in certain parts of China, a
( number Of the most important provinces
being already in the possession of the rebels.
the interests and lives Of foreigners are little
regarded Reparation. however can be Oh
tanned for the injuries inflicted 10y an insur-
rection, and already England is taking prompt
measures to put an end TO the ruthless en-
croachments upon the rights OF ner citizens
residing in the confines Of the Chinese en-
pire.
Unfortunately the Chinese authorities are
not in position either to check the advance
Of the insurgents or 10 compel them TO desist
from their attacks upon foreigners. The in
surrec;ion seems to be due in part to the
numerous privileges which have been granted
in recent years to Englshmen who live IN the
empire China is largely under The influence
Of England. having been so from the time
that England employed force to compel the
Chinese Government to permit the introduc-
ton of English goods into the empire.
The fortress Of Hong Kong is not only
rendezvous for the English fleets in the Pa
cfc and place where supplies can be OBJ
tanned in case Of war. but it is a constant re-
hinder to the Chinese authorities that Eng
land is in possession of the strongest point
on the Chinese coast, and is prepared to en-
force, at moments notice, all her demands
upon the Chinese Government.
The English influence in the eastern part OF
China is in a measure. counterbalanced by the
Russian influence in the western and north
ern 1t was quite recently that the Chinese
Government dispatched troops to Pamr TO
resist the further encroschments of the Rus
SLAMS in that quarter. The present insurrec-
ton. it is supposed, has been instigated by
Russian intrigue. So firm is this conviction
in the English mind that it IS reported on
good authority that England has made over
lures TO the Chinese authorities for the for
nation OK an aggressive alliance in opposi-
ton 10 the advance of tie rebels, whom Eng
land desires to SEQ repressed because their
permanent success would signify the supre-
macy of Russia in their councils.
1t is not to the interest Of England for the
Chinese empire to 60 TO pieces one-half be-
coming a mere satTapy Of the formidable
power which she fears So much. 1t would not
be surprising, if the instruction makes rapid
headway to find English regiments ordered 10
China, and, when the rebellion has been put
down, to observe that great empire
province in all but name of tho British En-
pire. At every point Of the compass Eng
land is confronted in Asia by Russia, and SO
apprehensiye is she of the insidious work OF
the Mighty Bear Of the North that she is
prepared to unite with power like China 10
resist his disposition to extend his dominion
70 the west and south.
1t would be a strange spectacle to observe
English and Chinese soldiers fighting in the
same battles side by side, ostensibly to sup
press an instruction. but in realty TO OBJ.
struct the invasion Of Russia. 1t was rs a !
leader OF Chinese troops that General Gordon /
won his first distinction. His example may
be initiated at an early day by other English |
men