The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-10-08
DANGER TO FOREIGNERS In
CHINA.

When we get from the seat of war in
Asia news which can be relied upon it Is
well to make note of it. Thus the last
move of the powers reported from London
deserves attention. It is Officially stated
that on Monday. October 1, n. r. O'Con-
nor, British Minister at Picking. reported
10 his Government that the Chinese impe-
rial authorities were unable to guarantee
the safety of foreigners at the treaty ports.
This is no street rumor, but an cfficial dis
patch transmit ed over the wires to the
British Foreign Office, probably at the re-
quest CT the Tsung Lii Yamen.
On receipt of the dispatch Lord Rose
berry Immediately transmitted synopsis
of it to the Governments of France. Ger
many and Russia. 1t does not appear that
it was communicated to the Government
at Washington, probably because the
United States has not been in the habit
of cooperating with the European powers
in dealing with China. On Thursday, the
4th. the British Cabinet met, and Lord
Rosebery laid before them dispatches from
Paris. Berlin and st. Petersburg, stating
that the three powers would approve any
action which Great Britain saw fit to pur-
sue in China. On this the Earl of Kim
berey, Secretary for Foreign Affairs. was
authorized to act. 1t is stated unofficially
that he has ordered the occupation of the
treaty ports by 10. 900 men. probably ORA wn
from India, and the placing of a naval
force in posii ms where it could CO.
operate in case of hostii;ies. British con-
suls have been instructed to direct the
missionaries of the interior to withdraw to
the coast, and Admiral Fremantle has
been ordered to dispatch gunboa's up the
rivers so as to cover their withdrawal.
Thus the English have prepared for the
development OF the anti-toreign movement
which was some weeks ago foreshadowed
10 THE CALL.
The course pursued was seemingly un-
avoidable, but 1t is a grave question how
it will work and whittier it will lead,
What Great Britain proposes to under
take is neither more nor less than a mill
tary occupation of certain ports through
which China maintains commercial inter-
course with the outer world. The troops
land to protect the merchants and the mis-
sionaries but once on shore, they may
seek TO run the country. That has usu-
ally been the case heretofore where Brit
ish soldiers have landed to preserve the
peace.
The presence Of force of Englishmen
in arms at the mouth of the rivers will
exasperate the Chinese. 1t may cause
popular outbreaks against them, which
will serve as a pretext for stronger meas
ures by the British. Any extension of
British influence under such conditions
would arouse the jealousy of Russia,
France and other powers. From that
might result scheme for the partition of
China between England. Russia, France,
Japan and the Chinese. Is Europe pre-
pared for such an alteration in he map of
the world? And what interest would the
United States have in such movement?
Lord Rosebery gives notice that lie will
apply to Parliament for an appropriation
| CT twenty millions to defray the cost OF a
military occupation of the treaty ports.
This sum will be only drop in the
| bucket if China should take fancy to re-
sist that occuDat ton. The Tsung Ii Yamen
| notified Mr.. O'Connor that China had use
for ali her soldiers in the war with Japan.
and had none to spare to pro tie ct
foreign merchants and missionaries who
were unwelcome occupants of her so il.
| She did not invite foreigners to step in and
do police duty. Yet 1t would be fairly in
| ferable that she would consent to such an
occupation as would simply guarantee the
safety of foreigners without encroacbment
| on Chinese autnD omy. Perhaps more diff
| Guilty will be experienced from the opposi.
| ton of the Chinese masses than from the
| Government