Daily Kennebec journal., 1897-12-30
IN THE FAR EAST.
Uncle Sam Takes a Keen In
terest in Chinese Situation.
If Powers Attempt Complete Absorp-
ton, May Be Heard From.
Opinions Of American and Foreian Dielomats
on the Situation.

movement of events in the Far East
continues to be an absorbing topic in
diplomatic circles here particularly at
the embassies and legations of the
Powers, which are alligning for an APP
parent struggle for Chinese territory
There is no further talk of the United
States as a possible factor in the con-
test as the recent understanding at IL
cabinet meeting is accepted as remov-
ing this government from the field OF
controversy. At the same time an enl-
inent authority on international affairs
said today. that a situation might de-
velop when the United States would be
called upon to so much further than
protect American interests at &he
treaty ports in China.
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 pres
ent movement. he said. and if it be-
came reality. then q condition would
arise similar to the determination Jf
Poland. Poland had established pre-
cedent in international affairs, he said.
and following the precedent, if China
was to he absorbed then ii was Il
question which the United States, in
common with all the nations of the
world. must take ccgniZance of. Until
this final movement occurred, however,
it 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. the Dip
lomats are much concerned in the
movements Of their respective govern
mentS.
\ leading japanese diplomat said to-
day: Il do not look at the question as
involving 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 Chou
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 en-
forced indemnity from Hayti. Beyond
this Germany may seek to establish Ia
naval station at Kiao Chou. 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 facil-
>itits.
IF it comes to taking territory, the
course of China must not be overlooked.
While China is weak from military and
naval standpoint. she has an enormous
number of men ready to take the field
while the entire force of Germans at
kaio Chou cannot exceed IA few thous-
and men. Even weak nation is strong
in defending its own territory.
''There are reports that Japan would
aid China in an extremity. but there Is
nothing in that. Japan doubtless will
act alone if there is any reason for act
ing at all. Thus far. however. 1 know Of
no steps that Japan has taken. or con-
templates. towards taking part in the
controversy. My impression is that she
will remain an Independent and neutral
observer. Her position will be much
stronger by such "a policy than it will be
by an alliance at the outset. As an OBJ
server. if she sees that the partition of
China is at hand doubtless she would
have some part to take, but for the pre-
sent there is no evidence that such an
emergency is near
Another Japanese diplomat said 'All
the powers have known for the last year
that Il secret treaty was made last year
between Russia and China. by which
Russia was to have the right to winter
her fleet at Port Arthur For that rca-
son the presence of the Russian fleet at
Port Arthur does not lead other nations
to fear that Russia has begun move
ment of territorial aggression on China.
On the contrary. Russia and China are
nearer together than any other two ma
tiOns in the present contest. And il China
is to get any outside relief. it will come
from Russia. 1t is quite plain from re-
cent events that Russia has not yet got
ready to have China partitiOned and un-
til Russia is ready for that step II Will
not occur.
A Chinese diplomat said: 1.-The Chinese
legation has not received word from
Pekin since the first notice was sent that
a German force had landed at KiaO Chou.
II is felt. however. that many of the re-
ports as to the seriousness of the sit,ia-
ton are overdrawn. 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 naval sta
lion ut Kiao Chou and possibly more ter
ritory on the ground that Germany Is en-
titled to Il return for her services during
the China-Japan war. But it appears to
De overlooked that Germany has received
distinct returns for these services in the
of large concessions. AS to the
Russian fleet at Port Arthur, that is not
4 surprise. A Russian fleet was WIN
+ercd at Il Chinese port. last year. with
he consent of Russia. What the outcome
will he is difficult to say. but il is felt
hat AN amicable settlement will be made.
possibly by granting coast stations. but
without any serious diSmembefment OF
The German officials here take the view
hat there but two actual steps on
he part of Germany. namely. the occu-
,ation of Kito Chou bay and the dispatch
If Prince Henry'S fleet to Chinese waters.
The report that Prince Henry will en-
Jrace Samoa and Hawaii in his opera
ions is dismissed as absurd. The British
Embassy has not received word from
ne foreign office on the situation. There
S Il general disposition to credit the re-
,orts that a considerable British fleet Is
It Port HahtGn. off Corea. and that Il
arge number of japanese ships are in
he same vicinity. There are sorhe II
British ships on the Asiatic statiorf md
good part of them are centering ABOUT
'orca This Is said to relate to the dis
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