New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-08
INCHINA
THE MOVEMENT WATCHED WITH GREAT
INTEREST IN WASHINGTON.

THIS GOVERNMENT DIsINTEREsrED OBSERVER
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF PROTECTING
AMERICAN INTERESTS AT THE TREATY
PonTs-TuE ATTITUDE OF JAPAN
Washington. Dec THE German advance In
China is being watched with Keen interest III VI
fetal and diplomatic circles here, o"'hs 10 '''
latest cable reports that Germany hao iono"e
up her occupation OF Kiao-Chau Bay anu io'''
fcations by sending armed force ihiahd anu
occupying the town OF Kiac-Chau. Whie IL IL
said that the United States has no direct con-
Germ in the trouble every development Is peii's
observed a part OF the process by whch 'h'
larger nations Of Europe seeking the d's-
membermcnt Of the Chinese Empire AS one
diplomatic official said: 1T is absorption or the
Orient by the Occldent-"
In such n movement It is understood THAI the
position of this Government would be that or a
disinterestei Observer always active. however.
to protect those American interests when nave
been bull: up at the large treaty ports. At
present there Is no suggestion that these may ne
affected but the controversy Is assuming such
a phase by Germanys forward march that 1t
may extend at any time beyond the question OF
occupying Kiao-Chau Bay, and Involve the
treaty ports as well as all China This is t'e
view taken by som. Of the best-posted diploma
tic officials.
It Is said, also, that ~ the process goes on
Europe must not leave Japan cut OF account
as there Is good reason to believe that Japan
will insist on recognition II there Is to be any
occupation OF Chinese territory.
From an authoritative source the following
statement. was made as TO the general STATUS
Of the German Chinese case: "kiao-Chau Say
is one Of the most important harbors on the
Chinese coast II Is midway between the north-
ern and southern portions OF the Chinese coast
and for that reason has n commanding strategic
importance The harbor Is broad and deep. and
is particularly adapted for the uses OF large
fleet The Chinese Government recognized the
importance OF the harbor. and had Determined
TO improve the fortihcations and bring the place
up to modern standards. The advantages OF uhe
harbor were shown last year when Russia So
cured permission to quarter her fleet there tenn
porarily The present fcrtfcations are not
strong being far short o' those formerly at for,
Arthur. They served mainly as garrison, aii
some miles inland is the small town Oh N'ao
Chau. ~ <
China has not made any preparations ioI
war by assembling troops or ships 10 res'f
Cermanv's landing II is still believed that q
settlement will he reached through poaceiul
means and that II will be honorable TO ,hlhi
as we'll as satisfactory 10 GERMANY 'hlHh j.
not preparing for cvcniualties. as II hopes tha'
Germany viii connne her Efforts 10 So 'urIng re-
dress for her missionary citizens and VIII not
extend them 20 territorial questions. TINS redres'
will certainly he given. and the Chinese aulhoi'
ties have been learning the facts with view t'
making ample reparation. II, ho"rN"r, .l'
matter proceeds beyond this II IL admitted my
the outcome ,s difficult TO forecast. II is sal1
that China SyiIl not allow her honor TO 10 IN
pugned by the dismembcrrnent OF her territory.
There was n suggestion at ono time that tn'
United States occupied such disnteresteo posi-
ton that Il could with propriety tender It's goo'
Offices between Germany and CHINA, hs u di'
so successfully between China ana japan ~.
has not taken official form, however. nor is u
likely to- While such step would uncoubtcu>
| he received In China as another evidence OF 'n'
| sincere friendship OF the United states. yct u
would he omen 10 mis-onstruc,ion by Germany
| and would involve task this country woule
| probably feel loath 10 undertake