Evening journal., 1897-12-08
TIE KIAO CHAU CASE
Keen Interest at Washington
In Germany's Action.
GENERAL STATUS OF THE AFFAIR.
While China Would Welcome the United
States as an Arbitrator, Such Action,
It Is Thought, Might Be Mis-
construed by Germany.

WASHINGTON Dec. S.-The German
advance in China is being watched with
keen interest in official and diplomatic
circles here owing 10 the latest cable
reports that Germany has followed up
her occupation Of Kiao Chau bay and
fOrtifcations by sending an armed
force inland and occupying the town OF
Kiao Chau. While IL IS said that the
United States has no direct concern in
the trouble, every development is being
observed as a part OF the process by
which the larger nations Of Europe are
seeking the dismemberment Of the Chi
nese empire. AS one diplomatic official
states. 1T Is absorption of the orient
by the occident."
In such a movement It is understood
that the position of this government
would be that Of a disinterested observ-
er always active. however to protect
those American interests which have
been built up at the large treaty ports.
At present there is no suggestion that
these may be affected, but the contro-
versy is assuming such a phase by Ger
manys forward march that It may ex-
tend any time beyond the question of
occupying Kiao Chau bay and involve
lnt treaty lOIAS db wen as al Chiiids
This is the view taken by some Of the
best posted diplomatic officials. 1t is
said also that If the process goes on
Europe must not leave out of account
/ Japan. as there IS good reason to be-
lieve that Japan will insist on recogni-
tion If there is to be any occupation of
! Chinese territory
From an authoritative source the fol-
lowing statement was made as to the
| general status of the German-Chinese
case:
Giao Chau bay is one Of the most i'm
/ portant harhors on the Chinese coast.
1t is midway between the northern and
southern portions of the Chinese coast
and for that reason has commanding
| strategic Importance. The harbor is
\ broad and deep and is particularly
adapted for the uses of a large fleet
The Chinese government recognized the
Importance of the harbor and had de-
termined to improve the fortifcations
and bring the place up to modern
standards. The advantages of the har-
Dor were shown last year, when Russia
secured permission to quarter her fleet
there temporarily. The present forti-
fications are not strong. being far short
served mainly as a garrison. and some
miles inland is the small town of Kiac
| Chau.
China has not made any preparations
| for war by assembling troops or ships
/ TO resist Germany's landing. 1t is still
believed that n settlement will bereach-
ed through peaceful means and that il
win be honorable to China as well as
satisfactory to Germany China is not
preparing for eventualities. as it hopes
that Germany will connne her efforts tC
securing redress for her missionary
citizens and win not extend to terri
torial questions.
This redress win certainly be given
and the Chinese authorities have beer
active in learning the facts with &
view to making ample reparation. If
however, the matter proceeds beyonC
this, it is admitted that the outcome il
difficult to forecast.
There was a suggestion at one tim'
that the United States occupied such ;
disinterested position that Il could will
propriety tender its good offices as be
tween Germany and China. as it did 81
successfully between China and Japan
This has not taken official form, how
ever, nor is it likely to. While such
step would undoubtedly be received II
China as another evidence of the sin
cere friendship of the United States, We
IL would be open to misconstruction b.
Germany and would involve a task thi
country would probably feel loath t.
undertake.