The herald., 1897-12-26
The Only Topic Which
Germans Discuss
FOREIGN OFFICE RETIcENT
BECAUSE THE OFFICIALS DO NOT
KNOW
The Section Seized Not Very Valuable
Because the Bay Freezes
Over in Winter
Associated Press Special wirs

Associated Press Special wirs
BERLIN, Dec. 25.-China has occu-
pied public attention to the exclusion
of everything else throughout the week.
The government and foreign office con-
tinue reticent, even the occupation of
Port Arthur having failed to elicit Of
ficial statements, with the exception Of
the denial Of the extravagant utterance
Of the Cologne Gazette and other usually
inspired papers. The reason for this ex-
ceptional taciturnity lies in the simple
fact that Germany herself does not
know where she stands and how far the
other powers will permit her to 60.
Germany, Russia and France are still
negotiating, and while there is strong
pressure to bring about joint action of
these powers in the east, equally potent
influences are working to Illustrate such
plans. 1t depends upon the outcome OF
these negotiations as to what instruc-
tions Prince Henry Of Prussia will find
awaiting him when he arrives at Hong
kong early in February
In the meanwhile the mission of Prince
Henry may be characterized as mainly
a display Of spreadeagleism.
A prominent diplomat, in an interview
with the correspondent here of the As
ISOLATED Press, said: "Russia's occupa-
ton Of Port Arthur Is permanent. She
thereby secures a much desired termi-
nus for the Siberian railroad, which will
be extended to Port Arthur, making
IN nd t,1 s,t,
churla and the whole of north China.
Her interests in China In no way conflict
with those of France whose sphere of
action is In south China. Between this
Is an immense territory which may
eventually be disputed between Great
Britain, Germany and Japan.
"A movement is now on foot between
Japan and Germany to arrive at an un-
derstanding, as Japan sees clearly that
this course is the wisest. Russia will not
tolerate Japan in Korea, as it would de-
stroy all the schemes she has been pre-
pairing for the past two years. There
Iore Germany Is the only friend and ally
Japan can look for in the coming events.
That is, IL she knows how to play her
cards and establishes basis of mutual
interest. for which 1 hear there is con-
siderable prospect"
From missionary the correspondent
here Of the Associated Press learns that
the bay Of Kiao Chau is by no means so
valuable as at first believed. Part of
the harbor freezes during three months
OF the winter and ice breakers are need
ed to keep 1t open.
The Hinterland is barren and treeless
and the nature Of the ground necessi-
tates the erection of costly large break
waters. If Germany concludes to retain
1t she will have to spend large sums Of
money
HOHENLOHE'S GRIEF
Prince Hohenlohe is much distressed
at the sudden death of his wife on Tues
day last. He spent the previous three
days at her bedside without sleep, and
his octogenarian frame has been greatly
enfeebled thereby. His physicians are
urgently advising him to retire from
public life, at any rate temporarily; but
the emperor relies upon Prince Hohen-
lohe's patriotism to remain in office in
the present critical time. The remains
of the princess will be inferred on Sun
day. The body was consecrated on Fri
day In the presence OF the minister's
military digntaries, followed by the
prince bishops of Breslau, DIR. Copp, in
the conservatory of the chancellor's
palace. The emperor and empress Of
Germany sent floral wreaths.
PERSONAL AND POLITICAL
At the reconvening of the reichstag,
the members Of the opposition intend to
make much Of the fact that according to
official figures just obtained the imperial
treasury receipts for the current year
show decrease of 20. .000, 900 marks. They
will point out that in view of the naval
increase and the reorganization of the
field artillery the large additional funds
needed can only be raised by new taxes
contrary to the promises of the govern
ment.
The government will introduce, at the
reconvening Of the Prussian diet on jan
uary II, another anti-socialist bill, but
not SO comprehensive as the one intro
duced last summer. 1t will merely ap-
ply to lectures and lectures which have
been brought under government super
vision.
The imperial family passed Christmas
at the new palace in the usual way. The
two eldest princes arrived there on
4ucoudy lIOul 1IOcu
The Christmas trees and the distribu-
tion of gifts were more lavish than ever.
This part of the celebration took place in
the Schell hall. Most Of the gifts were
purchased by the empress personally
at various Berlin stores. They include
hundreds Of presents for the servants
and court officials.
At secret session Of the municipal
council on Tuesday, New Years ad-
dress to the emperor was adopted for
the first time In many years. This ad-
dress deals largely with national poll
tics and is couched in patriotic terms.
Voluntary collections for naval pur-
poses are taking place among the pull
pits of many Of the public schools.
The influenza in a severe form has
been spreading in Berlin. There have
been thousands Of cases and the death
rate Is rapidly increasing.
Negotiations are proceeding In Ber-
lin between Germany and Austria with
q view to holding an international con-
ference at Brussels on the subject of
the abolition of the sugar export boun-
ties.
The organ of the Agrarians, the
Deutsche Tagas Zeitung, freely at
tacks Baron Thielman for not declaring
war on the United States. The vos-
sische Zeitung, however, thinks that the
present moment is not propitious for
such demonstration and Great Britain