San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1895-09-27


coming here to officials and to the
diplomatic representatives of east
ern countries indicate that the
Sclayonic or Russian influence is
becoming dominant and that the
Anglo-Saxon or English influence,
which has hitherto been upper
most in the development Of the
east, is being systematically and
surely eliminated from thu control
OF China aud the east. This evolu-
tion is regarded as of great impor-
lance.
The advance of Russian influence
and the retirement OF the British
has come by almost imperceptible
stages, none of which has been suf-
ficient in itself to attract marked
attention, but all of them combin-
ing toward complete Russian
supremacy.
At the close of the recent war,
Russia dictated the evacuation Of
the Lao Tung peninsula and the
great fortress of Port Arthur which
had been captured by Japan. 1t Is
now believed by those In position
to be officially informed OF the
situation, that it Is the ultimate
purpose Of Russia to occupy Port
Arthur, and that the formal eva
cuation by the japanese will be
followed, before long, by a Russian
entry under Chinese approval.
After Russia had dictated the
retirement of the Japanese from
Port Arthur, the Russian govern
ment advanced the sum necessary
to pay the first installment of in
demnity to Japan. The amount
reached $l00,0O0,000 in gold, in
GLIDING the war indemnity and
the payment for the release of
Port Arthur. This has been fol-
lowed within the last few days by
reports of the establishment at
Shanghai OF Russian bank which
will be medium of Chinese finan-
cial dealings with Russia.
These are some of the principal
events which are regarded by those
in official positions as tending to-
ward Chinese dependence on Rus
STA. While Russia is thus making
her hold on the east secure, the
English influence Is being thrown
off by succession of events, some
of them threatening to occasion
serious trouble.
The Chinese have dismissed Sir
Robert Hart from the head OF the
customs department. Sir Robert
was the principal representative Of
English influence in China. He
had remodeled the Chinese GUS
toms service on English lines and
differed it with foreigners. His
title was conferred upon him by
the Queen by reason Of his con-
spicuous service in China. His
retirement has been followed by a
demand by China for the recall Of
Mr.. O'Connor, the British minister
to Pekin, the ostensible reason be-
ing the zealousness of the minister
in the recent investigation OF riots
against foreigners, though those
conversant with the facts say that
the real reason was the influence
| of Russia.
A striking Illustration of the
| change in China has come to the
attention of the officials here. An
American gentleman recently
arrived in Washington after being
in China for some time negotiating
for the building of railroad with
American capital. He found the
Russian influence so strong that he
went to the Russian ambassador
at Pekin to learn II the American
project would be viewed with favor
by the Russians. The am bassador
said: ayes, Americans and Ameri-
can capital will be welcome in the
development OF China, but British
capital is not wanted"
In the most emphatic manner
the am bassador made known his
opinion that the British influence
in China was at an end and that
Russia had openly entered upon
her course of controlling and de-
veloping China. In an Indirect
way the United States has become
involved in this evolution of Chi
nese affairs. The present condition
was foreseen by Great Britain some
time ago before the Roseberry
government went out Of power Lord
Kimberly addressed a note to this
country, suggesting joint action in
the settlement Of the China-Japan
trouble. 1t has since been dis
closed by British officials at Wash