The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-30
VIEWS OF DIPLOMATS.
What They Think of the Alleged
Grabs of Chinese Territory.

UraDs OF Cn1neSe territory.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29-Rapid move
ment of events in the far East continues to
be an absorbing topic in diplomatic circles
here, particularly at the embassies and le-
cations of the powers which are algning
for an apparent struggle for Chinese terri
tory. There is no further talk of the United
States as a possible factor in the contest
as the recent understanding at a Cabinet
meeting is accepted as removing this gov
ernment from the field of controversy. At
the same time an eminent authority on in
ternational affairs said to-day that a situa-
ton might develop when the United States
would be called on to so much further
than protect American interests at the
treaty ports in China. This situation would
come, he said if the scramble for Chinese
territory went to the extent of the extinc-
tion of China and the complete absorption
of the old empire by foreign nations. Such
was the apparent drift of the present move
ment, he said, and, if it became a reality
then condition would arise similar to the
determination of Psiand. Poland had es-
tablished a precedent in international af-
fairs, he said,' and, following that prece-
dent 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 cognizance of. Until this formal
movement occurred, however, it was plain
that the United States had no interest in
the fencing of European nations and Japan
for coaling sta ations and ports on the Asia
tic coast.
In the meantime, however, the diplomats
are much concerned in the movements of
their respective governments. A leading
Japanese diplomat said to-day: II do not
look at the question as involving the par
tition 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
Kiaochau bay and Russia has a fleet at
Port Arthur. But Germany's action was
taken to collect an indemnity for an indig-
nifty to German missionaries just as she en-
forced indemnity from Haiti. Beyond this,
Germany may seek to establish naval sta
ton at Kiaochau, and thus have a naval
base of operations on the Pacific. But that
does not involve the taking of any consid-
erable portion of Chinese territory, and it
is yet to be shown that Germany
will take more than coast port
and such land Immediately adjacent
tiles. If it comes to taking the territory
the course of China must not be overlooked
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-
chau cannot exceed a few thousand Even
Il weak nation is strong in defending its
own territory. There are reports that Japan
would aid China in an extremity, but there
Is nothing in that. Japan doubtless will act
alone II there is any reason for acting at
all. Thus far, however, l know of no steps
that Japan has taken or contemplates to-
wards taking part in the controversy. My
that an
pendent and neutral observer. Her position
VIII be much stronger by such policy
tnan 1t would be by an alliance at the out
set. AS an observer. If she sees that the
partition of China is at hand, doubtless she
would have some part to take put for the
present there is no evidence that such an
emergency is near"
Another Japanese diplomat said "All the
powers have known for the last year that a
secret treaty was made last year between
Russia and China by which Russia was to
have the right to winter her fleet at Port
arthur Ar p For tina that reason the presence of
lead other nations to fear that Russia has
begun movement of territorial aggression
on China. On the contrary Russia ana
China are nearer together than any other
two nations in the present contest, and If
China is to get any outside relief it will
come from Russia. 1t is quite plain from
recent events that Russia has not got ready
yet to nave China partitioned, and until
Russia is ready for that step it will not
occur. Moreover, there is a rnsapprehen-
sion as to the Russian occupation of Port
Arthur. 1t is not a land occupation but is
merely quartering of the Russian fleet in
the outer harbor, Vladivostock being ice
bound, without connection with the shore :"
Chinese diplomat said The alleged
official statements coming from the Chinese
legation have been unwarranted as the
legation has not received word from
Peking since the notice was sent that a
German force had landed at Kiaochau with
out previous notice to the Chinese govern
ment. 1t is felt, however, that many of the
reports TO the seriousness of the stua-
tion. particularly those from Shanghai are
overdrawn. Judging from the press dis
patches there appears to be little doubt that
the original purpose of Germany to enforce
an indemnity has now developed into Sc
curing naval station at Kiaochau and pos
sibly more territory on the ground that
Germany is entitled to return for her
service during the Chino-Japanese war. But
Ii appears TO be overlooked that Germany
has received distinct returns for those serV-
ices in the granting of large concessions
which, at the time of the grants, were con-
sidered as most valuable to Germany AS
to the Russian fleet at Port Arthur, that
is not a surprise. A Russian fleet was win
tered at a Chinese port last year, with the
consent Of China, as ii involved no sacrifice
of territory. What the outcome will be is
difficult to say, but il is felt that an am
icable settlement will be made, possibly by
the granting of coast stations, but without
any serious dismemberment of territory"
The German officials here take the view
that there are but two actual steps on the
part of Germany, namely. the occupation of
Kiaochau bay and the dispatch OF Prince