The herald., 1897-12-24
ALL ANXIOUS
e
As to What United States
Will Do
GERMAN ADVANCE IN CHINA
CHECKED BY FEAR OF OTHER
COMPLICATIONS
Japan Is in Doubt AS to Her Course
and Sensibly Decides
to Do Nothing
Associated Press Special Wire

create III feeling against England and to
represent her as isolated.
The official newspapers pretend that
japan has acquiesced in the German
and Russian moves and will take no ag-
gresslve action Everything indicates
the anxiety that hinges upon the ulti-
mate grouping of the powers. Japan's
action in withdrawing her protest with
reference to the course OF the United
States at Hawaii is interpreted as show
Ing a desire to be unencumbered abroad
and to have her hands free to deal with
the Chinese question. The Berliner
Tageblatt ridicules the idea of an Eng
lish- Japanese American alliance, yet
seems to fear it. The Kolnische Zeitung
thinks America will side with Russia.
AN ITALIAN SQUADRON
LONDON, Dec. ga dispatch from
Rome says that at meeting of the
Italian Cabinet today it was decided to
dispatch squadron to Chinese waters.
WILL PLAY 1T ALONE
LONDON, Dec PA dispatch to the
Daily Chronicle from Rome says it is re-
ported there that owing to her obliga-
tions to Germany. Italy has declined the
English proposal for common action in
the far east. including joint occupation
of Chu San.
According to the same dispatch it is
asserted that England has proposed to
Russia conference on the Chinese ques-
ton, with view of avoiding dangerous
rivalries. The Shanghai correspondent
or the Daily Mail says: The Chinese
government is helpless. 1t is mobolzing
its few troops under the incapable gem
erals who conducted the campaign
against Japan. The British fleet is at
present at sea.
JAPAN IN DOUBT
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 23.-The fol-
lowing Oriental advices have just been
received per steamship China, from Yo-
kohama, via Honolulu:
At an extraordinary meeting Of the
Japanese Cabinet, held at the official
residence of Baron Nishi, the Foreign
Minister. at which Marshal Yamagata
Northumberland Kawakami and Ad-
miral Ito, Commander-in-C Chief of the
Navy, were present. Baron Nishi laid
before the Ministers all the reports he
ters In foreign countries relative to the
seizure of Kiao Chau by Germany. 1t
was decided. after a prolonged discus
Sion, not to meddle with the affair at the
present time, but to await further devel-
opments, since nothing had so far trans
pired in Garmany's action calculated to
disturb the peace Of the Far East and
justify the interference of third power.
Anoordircr 70 bo
roy Chang Chit Kung has issued proc
lamation exhorting his people to be more
friendly to foreigners and warning them
that any hostility manifested will be Sc
verely punished.
Commenting upon the strained rela-
tions between Russia and Japan over
Korea, the Chinese papers report that
the Japanese army is full of Russian
spies, disguised as Japanese, and that
the russian army is being tampered
with by japanese emissaries, who are
doing all they can to stir up disaffection
among the men.
Commenting upon the Kiao Chau af-
fair, the Asahi says that the action of
the Germans in having suddenly seized
kiao Chau on the pretext of the murder
OF the missionaries Is outrageous, and
that 1t disturbs the peace of the Far
East admits of no discussion. Japan
being near to the scene of the trouble.
cannot regard the matter lightly. Sooner
or later q line of policy to be pursued
towards the affair must be decided upon.
The Foreign Office has therefore given
instructions to the Japanese Ministers
IN various foreign countries to make re-
ports concerning the matter. ANYHOW.
the, decision of the Germans relative to
the seizure seems to be firm, and though
Germany may have previously referred
1t to Russia, 1t is perfectly clear that the
action of the Germans disturbs the peace
of the Orient. Japan must, therefore
make a protest, either singly or jointly.
1t appears probable that the government
has decided merely to take either of these
steps when the time is opportune.
Japan is indebted to Germany in manv
ways says the Chugai Shogyo. Her mil
itary organization has been copied after
Germany. and her constitution and local
legislation are founded on the German
system. Besides, In framing laws and
adopting medical science, etc., Japan
owes a debt of gratitude to GERMANY
Lastly, Germany has now shown japan
another instance of her kindness. That
Is the seizure of Kiao Chau Bay. We
need not, says the Journal dwell upon
the particulars of her kindness here
but the seizure of Kiao Chau may give
Japan the right Of permanent possess
sion Of Wei Hal Wei.
The Akita Prefectural Assembly pro-
poses to construct harbor at Funa-
waka, at a cost of 10, 900, 900 yen, of which
the government will probably furnish
100000.
At the end Of November there were
1855 banks in Japan, with an aggregate
capital, Of 312074.514 yen.
The total number of dysentery cases
reported up to the end of November was
S7,27s.
WORK ON WARsHIPS
SAN FRANCISCO. Dec. 2s.-Work on
the Japanese war vessel Chitos, in course
Of construction at the Union Iron Works.
IL being pushed forward and she will be
launched early in January She will 70
at once to Japan, where she win receive
her armament. The Japanese govern
mept uss the English Armstrong guns