River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1897-12-23
THE PARTITION OFCHINA
Ancient Empi q OF the East Is
Thought TO Be Near Its Fall.
Russia Follows Example OF Germany
England and France Watch
the sftuatIon-May Involve
The United States.

ST. Petersburg. Dee. 2O.--Iy is an
Hounced that a Russian squadron under
Rear Admiral R.ouuow has entered
Port Arthur. or the Chinese coast, with
the entire acquiescence of The Chinese
government. The squadron intends to
remain at Port Arthur throughout the
winter. This is due solely 20 the need
of a temporary winter station and in
wolves no question of forcible occupa-
ton or hostile demonstration, or any
intention against China, Germany,
Japan or any other power.
China Approves.
London, Dec. 2O.-The correspondent
of the Times at Picking says; China
approves of the Russian fleet wintering
at Port Arthur, being persuaded that
this action is taken in the interest Of
China and necessitated by the German
occupation OF kiao-Chou.
Reply go Germnny's Action.
kilograms from all the continental
capitals show that Russia's step at Port
Arthur is regarded rs tautamount to
permanent occupation and a reply
to Germany's action. \ well-informed
St. Petersb Irg correspondent SAYS there
was no agreement between Russia and
Germany and that the latter simply
warned Russia when the occupation of
kiao-Chou was already decided upon.
The Paris papers, without pre- ending
10 be deceived 10y Russia's innocent cX-
plantations, are pleased with the actions
of the ally of France The burden Of
Nieunese comment is: What will Eng
land do? The British fleet now in Chi
nese waters consists Of one ironclad,
nine cruisers and is smaller men-of-
war.
England 10 Take Hand.
London, Dec 2l.-An unconfirmed
report is current here that part of the
British eastern squadron will be sta
toned at Vci-Hai-Wei this winter. If
true. this indicates that Great Britain
is working in harmony with japan.
The latter power still occupies Wei-Hai-
Wei, pending payment of the Chinese
war indemnity.
The evening newspapers are much
disturbed over the situation. what
do Se get ." is the burden Of their com
plant, and they All insist upon the
necessity for immediate action.
The Pall Mall Gazette echoes the
Sta dard's inquiry as to Americas atti-
tude, and says:
"Of course the partition Of the coast
which Is bound to come. viii not be corr
fined TO Russia and Germany, Every ma
val state in the world is actively concerned
in the disturbance Of the equilibrium in
- ~.
Japan especially. But the United States
cannot be taken as a quantity 10 be ignored.
The tame aCqucsceuCe with which the
seizures are made i= not worthy our report
8Gd is fatal 10 our future. We may remark
that we shall not be without sympathizers.
as the japanese Will most ioyfuily back
any scheme to redress tho bitter humiia-
ton they have suffered at the hands Of
Russia"
France VIII Follow suit.
Adyiccs received here from Paris
show that France is awaiting Great
Britaiu's action. If Great Britain fol
lows the lead of Russia and Germany
and occupies seaport France will
forthwith follow suit.
The Cologne Gazette regards the oc-
cupatior as merely a continuance Of
the cooperation Of Germany with Rus
sia in eastern Asia.
The officers of the Chinese embassy
here do not conceal the belief that the
powers intend to seize Chinese ports.
They discredit the report that Great
Britain has been requested to assume
a protectorate over the Yam Use valley
and the West river.
CauSc of Russia's Grab.
Washington. Dee. 2l.-Nlinister Wa
Ting Fang, the diplomatic representa-
tive of China in this country, expressed
the belief that the reported occupancy
Of Port Arthur by a Russian squadron
would prove TO he but a temporary con-
vcricnce to the czar's fleet granted by
the Peking government.
TIE minister also stated that it was
his opinion mat the Germans would
eventually withdraw from Kiao-Chou.
So far as known in Washington, there
is no intention on the part of the Chi
nese government to seek the exercise
of the good Offices Of this government
with view to securing the withdrawal
of Germany. Minister Wu is extreme
~ anxious that American interests
shall be extended in China