The age-herald., 1897-12-30
s nan Fleet Sent Only to Collect Indemnity From China.
UNITED STATES CRUISER RALEIGH
Is Now on Its Way to Chinese Waters Merely For the Purpose of Looking On France Not Aroused on Ac-
 count of the Situation.

washington, Dec. 29.-The rapid moVe- ment of events in the far east continues to be an absorbing topic in diplomatic cir ces here, particularly at the embassies and legations of the powers which are align- ing for an apparent struggle for Chinese territory. There is no further talk of the United States as a possible factor in the contest, as the recent understanding at cabinet meeting is accepted as removing this government from the field of contro- versy. At the same time an eminent au- thority on international affairs said today that situation might develop when the United States would be called upon to go much further than protect American ina terests in the treaty ports in China. This situation would come, he said, If the scramble for Chinese territory went to the extent of the extinction of China and the complete absorption of the old empire by foreign nations. Such was the apparent drift of the present movement, and if 1t became reality, then a condition would arise similar to the extermination of Po- | land. Poland had established a precedent in international affairs, and following that precedent if China was to be absorbed then it was a question which the United States in common with all the nations of the world, must take cognzance of. Until this final movement occurred, however, it was plain that the United States had no interest in the fencing of European na- tions and Japan for coalng stations and ports on the Asiatic coasts.
 Diplomats Concerned.
 In the meantime, however, the diplomats are much concerned in the movements Of their respective governments. Ieadinp JanaDeSa diplOmat said today: q do not look at the question as involv- ing the partition of China, and no event has occurred thus far to indicate that China is about to be divided among the powers The. only tangible fact is that Germany has occupied Kiao Chou bay and Russia has a fleet at Port Arthur. But Germany's action was taken to collect an indemnity for an indignity to German mis- sionaries, just as she enforced indemnity from Hayti. Beyond this Germany may seek to establish a naval station at kiao Chou and thus have a naval base of oper- ations 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 immedi- ately adjacent as to give the port proper facilities. If it comes to taking the terrl- tory, the course of China must not be overlooked. While China is weak from military and naval standpoint yet she has an enormous number of men ready to take the field, while the entire force of Ger many at Kiao Chou cannot exceed few thousand men. Even weak nation is strong in defending it's own territory l There are reports that Japan would aid | China in an extremity, but there is noth- | ing in that. Japan doubtless will act alone 1 if there is any reason for acting at all Thus far, however, l know of no steps that Japan has taken or contemplates to- ward taking part in the controversy. My impression is that she will remain an in- dependent and neutral observer. Her po- sition will be much stronger by such q policy than 1t would be by aN alliance it the outset. As an observer, if she secs that the partition of China Is at ha.d, doubtless she would have some part to take, but for the present there is no evil dence that such an emergency is near"
 Another Ipanese.
 Another Japanese diplomat said: "All the powers have known for year that a se- cret treaty was made between Russia and China by which Russia was to have the right to winter her fleet at Port Arthur For that reason the presence of the Rus sian fleet at Port Arthur does not lead other nations to fear that Russia has be- gun movement of territorial aggression on China. On the contrary, Russia and China are nearer together than any other two nations in the contest, and if China is to get any outside relief it is to come from Russia It is quite plain from recent events that Russia has not got ready yet to have China partitioned, and until Russia is ready for that step it will not occur. Moreover, there is a misapprehension as to the Russian occupation of Port Arthur. It is not land occupation, but merely quar- ter for tse Russian fleet in the outer har- bor, Vladiavostock being ice-bound without connection with the shore"
 The Chinc s few.
 A Chinese diplomat said: "The alleged official statement, reported as coming from the Chinese legation, is unwarranted. It ird pava