Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-12-28
CLOSELY WATCHED.
Uncle Sam Has His Eye on the
Chinese Situation.
DISCUSSED At CABINET MEETING.

DISCUSSED AT CABINET MEETING.
Little Probability of a Triple All
liencs Between the United states,
Great Britain and Japnn-Our
interests to BE Protected.
Washington, Dec. 24.-This country's
attitude toward what appears to be an
effort on the part of the powers of Eu-
rope to dismember China was the prin-
cipal topic Of discussion at Fridays
meeting Of the cabinet.
All the cabinet members We're pres
ent except Secretary Alger, who is Ill
at his home. While no formal action
was taken, In the absence Of specific in
formation as to the intention of the
powers Of Europe it was determined, as
a member of the cabinet expressed it,
ITO keep watchful eye upon the situa-
ton as It developed in order that full
protection may be given to the inter-
ests of the United States in China as
guaranteed by our treaties with that
country"
No disposition was manifested to par
! ticipate In an extension of territory at
the expense Of China. Such DISPOSE
ton would be contrary to the hitherto
expressed and MISUNDERSTOOD policy
Of this government, and it is not con-
templated by the administration. 1t
was determined, however, to protect
carefully all interests and privileges
which the United States now enjoys in
China.
No Triple Alliance.
The cabinet understanding as to the
attitude of the United States in the
Chinese question promises to have q
material influence on the developments
Of the eastern situation. The diplomats
stationed here have eagerly awaited
some intimation as to the purposes of
i this government, and the foreign press,
notably at London, Berlin and Vienna,
has echoed the sentiments at these
courts that If the United States entered
the field, either singly or in coalition
with Great Britain and Japan, it would
prove material factor in the Chinese
I question. The general understanding
reached Friday doubtless will be made
known to such foreign representatives
as desire to sound this government, and
the information in turn will reach the
foreign offices at London, Berlin, ST.
Petersburg and elsewhere. Tt will be
disappointment to some extent to
I China, which has looked to the United
/ States as the nation occupying disin-
terested position permitting it to exert
strong influence in staying the dis
emberment of the empire. China has
made no advances to this government,
however, but has occupied passive at
| titude.
! The views expressed at the cabinet
put an end to any possibility of an An
Observation-Disclosures alliance, such
as the foreign cables have suggested.
| incidentally the question of Amer
Jean relief to sufferers in Cuba arose,
but in the absence of official informa-
ton from the Spanish government
which had been expected, but had not
been received, no action Of Importance
was taken.
A apart of the time of the meeting was
consumed in an exchange of Christmas
1 greetings. No presents were given or
/ received among the members of the
! cabinet
Russia Is Active.
London, Dec. 25.-Russia, according
/ to special dispatch from Shanghai, is
!; preparing temporary headquarters for
10000 troops at Port Arthur. She has
obtained half promise from the grand
council at Picking to dismiss Sir Robert
Hart, director of Chinese imperial mari
time customs, and other high customs
officials, in addition to the British rail
way officials and the German officers
and instructors. Contrary to general
i report, the dispatch asserts that there
lie good reason to believe Great Britain
will actively oppose the Russianization
Of Corea and northern China.
Advice to England.
| st. Petersburg, Dec 25.-The Novoe
Vremya advises England to come to an
arrangement with Russia, France and
Germany, but says it does not expect
Lord Salisbury to accept the advice "be.
cause, under such an agreement, Eng.
land would not get the lions share OF
China"
Berlin, Dec. 25.-The Post reiterates
Its statement that the United States has
no interest in the present territorial,
changes in China and adds that England
displays Surprising naivette" in ex
pecting American sympathy.
Vienna, Dec. 25.-The Vienesse pa
pers comment with i'll disguised joy OF
the rumor from Berlin that England.
confidential inquiries at Washington
regarding common action in China have
failed of the desired result.
London, Dec. rs. The Daily Mail pub
fishes dispatch from Toxic which, Il
claims, eyaded active censorship. The
dispatch says: England and Japan
without entering upon an actual ALI
ance, have arrived at complete under
; standing which will probably result il
: joint naval demonstration at the en-
> trance Of the Gulf of Pe-Chili In diplo
> matte circles at Toxic the probabilit,
p Of a conflict is regarded as extremely
c distant.
Murder Suspected.
Chicago, Dec. 25.-Katherine Bolitz
aged IS, who kept boarding house
!, was found dead in her home Frida,