The record-union., 1897-12-30

interests dt AAS~eS
China Unless the Scramble for
Chinese Territory Goes to the
Extent of the Extinction OF the
Empire and It's Absorption by
Foreign Nations.
WASHINGTON. Dec 29.-The rapid
movement of events in the far last
continues to be an absorbing topic III
diplomatic circles here, particularly aI
the Embassies and Legations OF the
powers which are aligning fpr an ap-
narent struggle for Chinese territory.
There is no further talk OF the
United States as a possible factor III
the contest, as the recent understand
ing at a Cabinet meeting is accepted
as removing this Government from the
field of controversy.
At the same time an eminent author-
itv on international affairs said to-day
that a situation might develop Wheh
the United States would be called upon
to 20 much further than protect Amer
lean interests at the treaty ports IN
China. This situation would come, he
u,
tory went to the extent of the extlnc-
Nrfon of China and the complete absorp-
ton of the old empire by foreign ma
tions.
Sucn was the apparent DRIFT OF the
present movement, he said, ana II II
became a reality condition Wouiu
arise similar to the eXtermnatlon Oh
Poland Poland had established pre-
cedent in international affairs. he sald'
and. following that precedent, II emma
was to be absorbed, that 1t was a ques-
ton which the United States IN com
mon with all the nations OF the Worlo
must take cogniZance of. Untll TINS
final movement occurred however, 1t
was pain 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 dlpio-
mats are much concerned in the move
ments of their respective Governments
A leading japanese diplomat SAID to-
.ay: Il do not look at the question
as involving the partition of CHINA ana
no event has occurred thus TAR TO IN
dicate that China is able TO be DIVIDED
among the powers. The only tangible
fact is that Germany has occupied klao
Chau Bay, and Russia has a fleet at
Port Arthur.
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 a
naval station at Kiao Chau, and thus
have & 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 IA
cilities.
IF il comes to taking territory, the
course of China must not be overlook
ed While China is weak from mill
tary ard 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 ex-
ceed a few thousand 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 IL that. Japan, doubtless,
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 impress
sion Is that she ~ill remain independ-
ent and a neutral observer. Her posi-
ton 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, doubt
less 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: fAll
the powers have known for the last
year that a 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 reason the presence of the Russian
fleet at Port Arthur does not lead other
nations 10 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 con-
test, and If China is to get any outside
relief it viii come from Russia 1t is
quite pam. from recent tNfANSs thAt
Russia has not got ready yet TO have
China partitioned. and until Russia is
ready for that step. it viii not occur
Moreover. there is a misapprehensiOn
as 10 Russian occupation of Port Ar
thur. 1t is not a land occupation. but
II IS merely a Quartering of the Rus
sian feet in the outer harbor Vladivos-
took being ice-bound, without connec-
tion with the shore"
\ Chinese diplomat said: ''The al
legged official statements coming from
the Chinese Legations have been un-
warranted. as the Legation has not re-
ceiv2d a word from Pekin since tie
first rotice was sent that a German
force had landed q: Kiao Chau, without
previous notice TO the Chinese Govern
ment. 1t is felt, however. that many of
the reports as to the seriousness Of the
situation. particularly those from
Shanghai are oveTdrawn.
Judging from the press dispatches
there appears TO be little doubt that
the original purpose Of Germany to en-
force an indemnity has now developed
into securing q naval station at kiao
Chan. and possibly more territory, on
the ground that Germany is entitled to
a return for her services during the
China-Japan war. But it appears TO be