The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1894-10-05
Tne Contest in Asia.

AhN WhA III SOiSN 10 u kult& Va ahS paSN'
and the news now is of the war in China.
The Japanese have invaded Mancnuria, the
cradle of the Tarter dynasty that rules at
Pekin, and have apparently won decisive
victory near Mukden, the ancient Mongol
capital, where the fabulous ancestral treas
are of the emrerors ar. raid to be stored.
1t is curious TO reflect that in this Eastern
war we are witnessing direct continuation
Of ancient history. 1t would surprise us to
read the cabled news of battle between
Rome and Carthage, but in the days when
Hannibal was chasing Fabius over the
fields of Italy, Japan and China were o.d
established powers, and might well have
tried fall, it they had felt inclined, under
Yehs and Yamagatas, just as they. can to-
day, Ancient history never came to an
end IN the far East
Corea, the ostensible cause of the present |
row lis as near 20 an absolute nonent,ty as
any aggregation of ten million people could
possibly become without fickering out Of
existence. 1, Is colorless aud feeble copy
of China. It's poverty is something almost
inconceiyable. Its people are wretched.and
spiritless, and its government Is said to be
the most atroeious in the semi-civiized
world.
1t might be thought that such a country
would not be worth fighting FOR. but a
glance at the map of Asia will show that
while Corea may not promise TO be profit
able province il occnpiss piece of the
earth's crust which is OF deep interest TO
several important powers. Its gecgrlpic-
ally part of China; 1t touches the possess
ions Of Russia, to which Ii could offer
good winter harbor as substitute for ice
bound Vladivsstock; it faces japan, while
at o0e point 1t approaches within toIty
miles: and it naturally attracts the hungry
gaze of England, whose especial interests
in that quarter are based on ths fact that
she has nothing there at present and so. ii
course, wants something. In 1855. when
the British and Russians were making faces
at each other ever Afghanistsn, England
occupied Port Hamilton. of the Corean
coast, but gave it up two years later.
In the present year another rebellion
broke out. Japan proposed joint oocups-
ton, as provided in the treaty, until the re-
form necessary 20 restore tranquility could
be definitely carried out. But the King of
Coca, according to the Chinese version Ct
the incident, sent written application for
| Chinese assistance. The troops were,sent,
the rebels dispersed, ''and our army having
brought merciful relief to the distressed
people, medita;ed victorioas retirement,
To our astouishment, Japan also dispatched
troops to Corea, pretending that it was for
the purpose Of assisting to quell the rebel
} Hon, but their real object being TO occupy
) Seoul. which they did, posting themselves
at ali the important rasses.
: While the Chinese were wasting their
: time with the Corean rebels. the japanese
promptly established themselves in the
S heart of the country. They took possession
= of the capital, and secured the person Of
/ the King, which enabled them to act as
J defenders of legitimate authority. For
some time Japan and China continued to
: strengthen their positions without com-
: ing to open hOs,ilit;es. The first actual
, fighting occurred on July 25th, when the
: japanese cruiser Naniwa attacked and
sank the British merchant steamer Kow-
shing while carrying 1900 Chinese troop;
E to Corea. From this time the Japanese
took the aggressive. Their operations
i were scientifically planned and executed
} with admirable energy and precision. On
r August 26ih. they concluded treaty o.
7 alliance with COrea, nom:nalls "at the re
: quest OF the Corean Government Thii
t instrument se.s forth that ''ihe object o.
the alliance is to accomplish the indepen-
dence of Ccrea, 10 secure the integrity oi
s her territory and to promote the common
: interests of the t~o cuntries by driving cGI
: the Chinese troops"
r Japan undertakes to carry on bo;t
e offensive and defensive operations agaIns
: China, while Corea promises to give every
e possible facility to the japanese troops il
e their movements and 10 provide suppliel
a of provisions. 1t is agreed that the treaty
: shall remain in force so long as the presel
hostilities between Japan and China con-
tinue."
After various minor engagements Chi
: nese army was destroyed at Ping Yang
e the Chinese feet was defeated at the moutf
: cst the Yalu, and now second severe de-
y feat has been inflicted upon the Chimes.
4 land forces near Mukden.
The japanese successes were expected by
wsll-informed observers. OF China and
{ her reputation for undeveloped strength,
1 Henry Norman said in recent article in
: the Contemporary Review:
r 'The role Of sleeping leviaihan suits her
e perfectly. but she well knows that the frs!
e step she might take would destroy The illu-
sion upon which her security is based.
: What she likes is to remain perfectly quies-
cent while the world trembles to think
D what she might do if aroused"
[ The actual truth, according 10 the same
: writer. is that China has long been des-
, tined 10 be the prey of the first armed
conner. Fortunately for herself, but un-
D fortunately for the interests of other coun-
tries, this has been Japan. She has no
illusions about China, and she Is engaged
in picking The bubble"
Secrefary amonf hae sDokap Ua Ia