Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1894-10-10
ENGLAND WILL STEP IN
Decides to Send Troops 20 China to
Protect the British
Residents.

London, Oct. 4.-The cabinet which was
hastily summoned for conference to-
DAY d1d not take up the Madagascar ques-
ton. The subject discussed was the immi-
nent danger in which British subjects in
China are placed by the situation Of
affairs in the Cbnese-Japan war and
1t was decided to take energetic STEPS
to extend protection to subjects eyDoefG
to violence at the hands of comhatan4s.
The ministers regard the outlook in China
in view of the probable complete rnlt
of the Chinese forces and the resultant
crisis in Pekin, with the utmost aprre-
hension. 1t is considered likely, too, that
Russia will make the adoption of pro-
tective measures by England an excuse
for intervening in behalf of the other
side, in which case a serious difficulty
may arise. In fact, in ministerial cir
cles the Chinese situation is regarded
as offering a much greater menace TO
peace than any difficulty with France
The absence of the Gar from the helm
at st. Petersburg, his pacific disposition
being well known, adds another element
to the danger Of the situation, as it gives,
a comparatively free hand to his minis
ters, whose aggressive designs in the,
East he has checked repeatedly.
When the cabinet council met today
most of the ministers were present. al
though Sir William Harcourt, chancellor
of the eXchequer, was absent. The cab
met meeting lasted from noon until 30
p. M, and perfect agreement was
reached respecting the plans submitted
for the protection of British residents in
China 1t is announced upon authority
that the council, after discussing the
state of affairs in China, decided to send
troops to that country in order to pro-
tect British interests. 1t is also probable
that additional ships will be sent 10
strengthen the fleet in Chinese waters
under the command of Admiral Fireman.
tie. 1t is also said that in consequence
of today's meeting Of the cabinet the
British legation at Pekin will shortly he
guarded by British bluejackets and native
Indian soldiers.
The English newspapers have apparent
~ recovered from the bad scare caused
some of them by the hasty calling of ~
cabinet council. Yesterday the afternoon
newspapers were seriously apprehenslve.
of war with France. Now they are unan-
imOus in expressing the opinion that there
is not the slightest cause of anxiety as
to serious dispute with France, and il
council will not be called upon to decide
anything more serious than the protection,
of British interests IN China
A dispatch to the Times from Shanghai
today says that according to Chinese re-
ports no pitched battle was fought at
Ping Yang, Corea. The Chinese there,
according to the story. only numbered
1000 men, and they were greatly out
numbered by the japanese troops. The
Chinese general, Yeh, it is also said, was
Frustrated with dysentery, and withdrew
his whole force Gen. Wei, the Chinese say,
did the same, leaving only Gen. Tsas
force Of 2300 men to fight against over
whelming odds until all were killed with
the exception Of 800 who were taken pTls-
onerS.
D., 7 TcTo &c n1+ Il
The statement that a blockade of the
island Of Madagascar had been declared
by France was brought here by steamer
from Madagascar. The report appears
to have been due to misconstructicn
of the French measures taken to prevent
the landing of arms and ammunition for
the Hovas. The Madagascar papers re
ceived here state that the French set
tiers have been warned by the French
residents to repair to the coast in view Of
possible hostilities The French bishop
and the French missionaries, however,
decline to leave the capital until the lat
est moment.
Paris, Oct 1.-THE Journal des Debats,
referring to the war scare in England,
says that there is no question between
Great Britain and France which cannot
be settled aInicably. The SOleil declares
that Madagascar cannot lead to connlct
between France and Great Britain. TIE
Matin says it is absurd to suppose that
a dispute in regard 10 African affairs
with France was the reason for summon
ing the English cabinet council.
President Casimir-Pcrier has signed the
decree appointing Baron de COufcel
French ambassador to London in success
sion to N. de Gratis, who has been re-
called.
Yokohama. Oct 4-The japanese gov
eminent has decided upon raising for
eign loan, the amount Of which is not
yet known.