The herald., 1897-12-30
ORIENTAL
AFFAIRS
Absorb the Attention OF
Diplomats
UNITED STATES NOT AFACTOR
IN STRUGGLES FOR CHINESE
TERRIToRY
Oriental Statesmen Do Not Look for
the Dismemberment Of the
Ancient Kingdom
IN STRUGGLES FOR CHINESE
TERRITORY
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
| WASHINGTON, Dec. 29.-The rapid
movement Of events in the far east con-
tinues to be an absorbing topic in diplo-
matte circles here, particularly at the
embassies and legations of the powers
which are aligning for an apparent
struggle over Chinese territory. There
is no further talk of the United States as
a possible factor in the contest, as the
recent understanding at a cabinet meet
| ing Is accepted as removing this gov
ernment from the field Of controversy.
At the same time an eminent authority
on international affairs said today that
situation might develop when the
United States would be called upon to
go further to prevent injury to American
This situation would come, he said, If
the scramble for Chinese territory went
to the extent of the extinction 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 1t became reality
a condition would arise similar to the ex-
termination of Poland. Poland had es-
tablished precedent in international af-
fairs. he said, and, following that prece-
dent, If China was to be absorbed, that
1t was a question which the United
States, in common with all the nations of
the world, must take cognizance Of
Until this final movement occurred,
however. 1t was plain that the United
States had no interest in the fencing Of
European nations and Japan for coaling
stations and ports on the Asiatic coast.
In the meantime, however, diplomats
are much concerned in the movements Of
their respective governments. Al Lead
ing Japanese diplomat said todayf
Il do not look at the question as In
volving the partition 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 Kiao Chau
bay, and Russia has fleet at Port Ar,
thur. But Germany's action was taken
to collect an indemnity for an indignity
to German missionaries. just as she
forced indemnity from Hayti. Beyond
this Germany may seek to establish
naval station at Kiao Chau and thus
have a naval base of operations on the
Pacific. But that does not involve the
taking of any considerable portion Of
Chinese territory and it is yet to be
shown that Germany will take more than
coast port and such land Immediately
adjacent as to give the port proper fa
cilities. If it comes to taking territory,
the course of China must not be over
looked. 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
few thousand men. Even a weak ma
ton is strong in defending it's own terri
tory. There are reports that Japan
would aid China in an extremity, but
there is nothing in that. Japan doubt
less will act alone If there is any reason
for acting at all. Thus far, however,
know of no steps that Japan has taken
or contemplates toward taking part in
the controversy. My impression is that
she will remain independent and neu-
trail observer. Her position will be much
stronger by such policy than it would
be by an alliance. AS an observer, If she
sees that the partition of China is at
hand, doubtless she would have some
part to take, but 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 secret treaty was made
L. hat D,vc nd
which Russia was to have the right to
winter her fleet at Port Arthur. For
that reason the presence of the Russian
fleet at Port Arthur does not lead other
nations to fear that Russia has begun a
movement of territorial aggression on
China. On the contrary, Russia and
China are nearer together than any
other two nations in the present contest.
ana if China is to get any outside relief
1t will come from Russia. 1t Is quite
plain, from recent events, that Russia
has not got ready yet to have China par
titioned, and until Russia is ready for
that step 1t will not occur.
Moreover. there is q misapprehension
as to Russian occupation of Port Arthur.
1t Is not land occupation. but is merely
a quartering Of the Russian fleet in the
outer harbor."
A Chinese diplomat said: 1.-THE al
legged Official statements coming from
the Chinese legations have been unwar-
ranted. as the legation has not received
a word from Pekin since the first notice
was sent that German force had landed
at Kiao Chau. without previous notice
to the Chinese government It is felt,
however. that many Of the reports as to
the seriousness Of the situation. particu-
larly those from Shanghai. are over
drawn.
Z Judging from the press dispatches,
there appears to be little doubt that the
original purpose Of Germany to enforce
an indemnity has now developed into
securing q naval station at Kin Chau,
and possibly more territory, on the
ground that the original purpose OF Ger-
&o.A la