The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-12-30
CHINA IN NO DANGER.
Jnpanese DipIomnt Says the Powers
Do Not Threaten Her.

Washington. Dec. 30.-The rapid
movement of events In the far East
continues to be an absorbing topic in
diplomatic circles. There is no further
talk Of the United States as a possible
factor in the contest. as the recent un-
derstanding at Cabinet meeting is ac-
cepted as removing this government
from the field of controversy.
At the same time an eminent author
ity on international affairs said that
situation might develop when the
United States would be called upon to
go much further than protect Amer
lean interests at the treaty ports in
China. This situation would come, he
said, If the scramble for Chinese terri
tory went to the extent of the extinc-
tion of China and the complete absorp-
ton Of the old empire by foreign ma
tions.
A leading Japanese diplomat said:
mo event has occurred thus far to
indicate that China is about to be di-
vided among the powers. The only
tangible fact is that Germany has oc-
cupied Kiao Chou Bay and Russia has
fleet at Port Arthur. But Germany's
action was taken to collect. an ihdem-
nifty for an indigniy to German mis-
sionaries, Just as she enforced indem-
nifty from Hayt. Beyond this, Ger
many may seek to establish a naval
station at Kiao Chou, and thus have a
naval base of operations on the Pacific.
But that does not involve the taking
of any considerable portion of Chinese
territory, and 1t is yet to be shown
that Germany will take more than a
coast port and such land Immediately
adjacent as to give the port proper
facilities.
IF 1t comes to taking territory, the
course of China must not be over
looked. While China Is weak from a
military and naval standpoint, yet she
has an enormous number of men ready
to take the field, while the entire force
of Germans at Kiao Chou cannot ex-
ceed a few thousand men. Even a weak
nation is strong in defending it's own
territory. There are reports that Japan
would aid China in an extremity. but
there Is nothing in that. Japan, doubt
less, will act alone, IL there Is any rea-
son for acting at all. Thus far how
ever, know of no steps that Japan has
taken, or contemplates, towards taking
part in the controversy My impress
sion is that she will remain an inde-
pendent ana neutral observer. heT po-
sition will be much stronger by such a
policy than 1t would be by an alliance
at the outset. AS an observer. If she
sees that the partition Of China is at
hand, doubtless she would have some
part to take, but for the present there
is no evidence that such an emergency
is near"
Chinese diplomat said "The al
legged official statements coming from
the Chinese Legation have been unwar-
ranted. as the Legation has not re-
ceiyed a word from PeNin since the
first notice was sent that German
force had landed at Kiao Chou, with
out previous notice to the Chinese Gov
ernment. 1t Is felt, however, that many
of the reports as to the seriousness OF
the situation, particularly those from
Shanghai. are overdrawn. Judging
from the press dispatches, there ap-
pears to be little doubt that the orig
inal purpose of Germany to enforce an
indemnity has now developed into Sc
curing q naval station at Kiao Chou,
and possibly more territory, on the
ground that Germany Is entitled to a