The San Francisco call., 1897-12-19
THE CZAR
HAS TAKEN
A SEAPORT
Second Step in Divid-
ing the Spoil of the
Chinese Empire.
Grave Fear at Washington
That Serious Diplomatic
Complications Will
Soon Follow.

LONDON, Dec. 1S-A dispatch to the
Standard from Vienna says it is ru-
mored that the Russians have occupied
Port Arthur which is situated at the
extremity of the Kiao Tung peninsula.
1t has practically been in the hands of
Russia for some time past. After the
Japanese evacuated the port during the
war with China Russian engineers be-
gan supervising the reconstruction of
the docks and forts, which had been
destroyed by the Japanese previous to
their leaving that place.
Before the war between China and
Japan, Port Arthur was the largest
naval station possessed by the Chi
nese, and was strongly fortified There
was a naval dock-yard, a large refitt-
ing basin, spacious wharves and quays,
two docks-one 400 feet long and IA
cilities for repairing ships of all sizes.
The foundries and workshops were
constructed on the most improved mod
els and contained the best modern ma
chinery. Japan was very anxious to
hold Port Arthur permanently, but
Russia strongly objected and would
have backed up her objections by force
Russia's great anxiety to possess
Port Arthur is due to the fact that the
harbor is free from ice all winter,
which is not the case with Vladivos-
took, the present headquarters of the
Russian fleet. 1t is proposed to connect
Port Arthur with the Russian railroad
now being built through Manchuria.
which in turn will connect with the
great Trans Siberian railroad
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1S.-In reply to
a question Senator Teller said to-day
that he would oppose the confirmation
of the nomination of Mr.. Charles Page
Bryan to be Minister to China.
7 have" he said, known Mr.. Bryan
for many years, as he was formerly a
resident of Colorado, and my personal
relations with him have always been
amicable. My opposition to his con-
firmatiOn is based solely upon the
ground that he has had no experience
or training that would justify the Gov
eminent in selecting him for the most
important mission we have at the pres
ent time. 1t cannot be doubted that
certain European countries intend if
they can possibly find an excuse for do
ing so, to dismember China and divide
UP that great territory between them.
I do not believe that such a high
handed outrage should be perpetrated,
and if it be attempted 1 think that
other self-respecting nations not en-
gagged in the disposition of the spoils,
should enter a very vigorous protest.
This attempt at the dismemberment
of China viii. in all likelihood, give rise
to serious and complicated diplomatic
controversy, in which this country will
be involved. 1t is hardly to be sup
posed that, under the circumstances,
we could be unconcerned spectators of
this proceeding. For this reason we
should have in China one of the ablest
and most experienced of public men.
The mission to England, France or
Russia is at this time of less import
ance than is the Chinese mission. My
opposition to Mr.. Bryan grows out Of
the recognized necessity for having
strong man at this important post, and
1 do not believe that the friends of Mr..
Bryan will contend that he meets these
requirements"