The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-12-30


The rapid movement of events in the
far East continues to be an obsorbing
topic in diplomatic circles here, par
ticularly at the Embassies and Legal
ttons Of the powers which are align!0E
for an apparent struggle for Chinese
territory. There Is no further talk of
the United States ast n possible factor
In the contest, as the recent under
standing at Cabinet meeting is ac-
cepted as removing this Government
from the field of controversy. At the
same time an eminent authority on in
ternational affairs said to-day that n
situation might develop when the
United States would be called upon to
go much further than protect hmeri-
can interests at the treaty ports of
China. This situation would come, he
tsaid, II the scramble for Chinese ter
Z ritory went to the extent oG the extinc-
tion Of China and the complete obsorp-
ton OF the old empire by foreign ma
tons. Such was the apparent drift OF
the present movement. he said, and IL
IL became reality, then condition
would arise similar to the extermina-
tion Of Polp.nd
Poland had established precedent in
international affairs. he said, and fol-
lowing that precedent, IL China was to
be absorbed. then 1t was n question
which the United States. in common
with all the nations OF the world must
take cognizance of. Until this final
movement occurred, however il was
plain that the United States had no In
ferest In the fencing Of European ma
tions and Japan for coaling stations
ana ports on the AS!atic coast
lri the meantime. however. the dip
iomatS are much concerned in the
movements Of their respective Govern
merits. leading Japancea diplomat
said to-day:
Volfng the partition of China, and no
event has occurred thus far to indicate
mat China Is about to be divided
among the powers
The only tangible fac; is that Ger
many has occupied kuiG Chau Bay and
Russia has fleet at Port Arthur Hut
'efnanS's action was taken To collect
an indemnity for an ind!gn!ty to Ger
man missionaries just as she enforced
indemnity from Hayti Beyond this
Germany may seek to establish n naval
station at kiau Chou and thus have 4
naval base of opera tions on the Pacific,
But that does not involve the taking of
any cons!dcrable portion of Chnt ST. fer
ritory, and IL Is yet to be shown tina I
Hermany VIII take more than coast
po1t ana such land immediately adj
Jacent as to give the port proper faciii-
ties. II II comes to taking territory.
the course of China must not be over
looked. While China is weak from a
military and naval standpoint. vet she
mas an enormous number of men ready
to take the field, while the entire force
oI Germans at kaio Chau cannot ex-
ceed Few thousand men, Even a
weak nation is strong in defending its
own territory. There are reports tho
Japan would aid China in an extremity.
nut there Is nothing in that JaDar,
doubtless will net alone If there is any
reason for acting at all Thus far.
however, know Of no steps that japan
mas taken or contcmplates toward
taking part In The controversy. Nv
impression is that she will remain an
Independent and neutral observer. Her
position Will be much stronger by such
policy than it would be by an alliance
at the outset. As an observer If she
secs that the partition of China Ia al
hand, doubtless she wGuId have some
part to take. but for the present there
Is no evidence that such an emergency
is near"
Chinese diplomat said
Inc alleged official statements com.
Ing from the Chinese legation have
been unwarranted, as the legation ha:
not received word from pekin since
the first notice was SEN: that a German
force had landed at KaiO-Chau with
out previous notice 30 the Chinese gov.
ernmcnt. II is felt, however, that many
OF the reports as To the seriousness OF
the STU alton, particularly those from
Shanghai, are overdrawn. Judging
from the press dispatches there an.
pears 10 be little doubt that the orig.
inal, purpose of Germany TO enforce ar
indemnity has now developed into Sc.
curing naval station at Eaio-Chau
:, YSna possibly more territory, on the
b & >sSd that Germany is entitled to q
Jots, for her services during Tho
4. 81 I'D Japanese war; But 1t appear.
Z mdoyerlooked that Germany has re.
/. wIlfs distinct returns for those ser.
" the granting Of large conces,