Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-30
EVENTS In FAR EAST.
THEIR RAPID MOVEMENT AN AL
soRB;NG ToPIC.
UNTED STATES NOT A FACTOR.
what Is said by Members of the
DipIomatic Corps mt Washington-
views.

WASHINGTON. December 29.-rhe
,,,i5 movement OF events in the far East
.,,,.nues 20 be an absorbing topic in di-
,5,ratIc circles here. particularly at the
',-bsssics and legations Of the Powers
,,,..n are interested In the apparent
,.r,aele Tor Chinese territory. The Unned
,..trs win not be factor In the contest,
=. tbc recent Cabinet decision is looked
,,r1u as removing her from the field OF
controversy.
II she scramble for Chinese territory
,,.rt as far as complete absorption Of the
oil empire by foreign nations. the United
s.,t.s would in that event. be called upon
q, do more than protect the interests or
American citizens in China. Then a con-
fi,iou would arise similar 10 the extermi-
,,t,on of Poland. Poland had established
81 rrecedent in international affairs. SAID
prominent diplomat to-day, and follow
,rr that precedent if China were to be
absorbed. then It would be a question with
che United States, in common with all
gr. other nations Of the world Until this
f,al movement occurred. however, il was
,,-ir that the United states had no in
r.rest n The fencing OF European nations
and Jauan for coaling stations and ports
cr lhe Asiatic coast.
Nm the mean time. however, the dipio-
,rrts are much concerned in the move
rgnts of their respective governments n
I..Elrc Japanese diplomat said to-day; i
sr not look at the question as involving
-re rlrtition Of China, ana no event mas
,-,urred thus far TO indicate that CHINA
Havrf.H. 4 Nas1 o.
,rbs only tangible fact is that Germany
rs occupied KiaO-Chau bay. and Russia
1.s "a fleet at Port Arthur. But Germany s
..-fon was taken to collect an indemnity
Tor an indignity TO German missionaries
irst as she enforced an indemnity from
faiu Beyond this Germany may seek 10
,rqbIIsh a naval station at klao-Chau,
and thus have a naval base of operations
IN the Pacific But that does not involve
rbe taking Of any considerable portion OF
chinese territory, and it is yet 10 De
shown that Germany Will take more than
coast port and such land Immediately
adjacent as to give the port proper faclll-
lies II il comes 10 taking territory, the
course of China must not be overlooked
CHINAS STRENGTH.
.syhne China is weak from a military
and naval standpoint. yet she has an
enormous number of men ready 10 take
the field. while the entire force OF Ger
-Tsns al Kiao-Chau cannot exceed few
thousand men. Even weak nation Is
strong in defending its own territory
There are reports that Japan would aic
china i'm an extremity. but there is no.
thing in that. Japan doubtless VIII acl
alone II there is any reason tor actlhe
ef AN. Thus far, however. l know OF NJ
srs.s that Japan has taken, or contem
rIates. toward taking part in the con
troversy. Ny impression Is that she VII
remain an independent and neutral ou
server. Her position will be much strong
.~ by such a policy than Woui'
De 10y an alliance al the outset. a.. As a. -
observer. If she sees that the paruuoh y
China Is at hand. doubtless she Woul'
.gyl, .t6nie part TO take, but for the pres
.,t there Is no evidence that sdch al
emergency is near , -,
A Chinese diplomat said: Inc al
l.go5 official statements coming from III
chinese legation have been unwarrah'eO
az tbe legation has not received Wor'
from Pekin since the nrst notice wa
eaot that a German force had lahueu a
Iliao-Chau. without previous notloe =
the Chinese Government. II Is Iei'' no "
lver that many Of the reports as
.,,~i,reress of the situation, par
,.,,,lsrlv those from Shanghai, are over
5rsun Judging from the press uIs
TatCbes there appears to be niue uou.
mat the original purpose OF Germany :
erforce an Indemnity has now deVeiope
irto securing naval station at hiao at.
Cbau and possibly more territory, on ~
ground that Germany is entitled 70 - a -
nm for her services during the ChIna nliI,
teranese war. But it appears TO De Owe
i.o5red that Germany has received l. uIs
,irct returns for this service IN the - i"i ~
ing of large concessions, when, AT VI -
-,,,a of the grant. were consiaereu
- valuable TO Germany. -
,Trna German officials here take the VIC
hst mere are but two actual steps 80 o
,pc rsrt of Germany-namely, tho oeto
,sti6n Of Kiao-Chau bay and the dIspa'o l.aS
~ prince Henry's feet to Chnese w. w..
Rey'nd this. they say, all Is con)ectpi, LUZ
- 20 what Germany will do ana @ tle
co,vev the idea that these cohJec'ulv
ne 70 the absorption Of territory are .,', ~
warranted by any Of the actuaI .Dli,,,+a, olio
stances which have thus 1ar e.,
,rbat Prince Henry Will eNtehu NE ~
~ oneratlons beyond Chinese "ateis' a.,
viii embrace Samoa and ha"aH' -
,,isssd as absurd. although reports
,at, a. rnovement have been current