Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
PARTITION OF CHINA
Our ATTITUDE DISCUSSED At YES
TERDAy's CABINET MEETING.
NO ANGLO-JAP-AKERICAN ALLIANCE.
Nothing to Encourage Any Idea OF
Such a Tbing-The Conclusion OF
Widespread Importance-A Dfsnp-
pointment to China.

WASHINGTON, December H.-The
country's attitude toward what appears
10 be an effort on the part of the Powers
of Europe to dismember China was the
principal topic of discussion at to-days
meeting of the Cabinet. All the CABINET
members were present except Secretary
Alger. who is Ill at his home. While no
formal action was taken, in the absence
of specifc information as to the intention
of the Powers of Europe, 1t was deter
mined, as a member of the Cabinet eX-
pressed it, Ito keep a watchful eye upon
the situation as it develops, in order that
full protection may be given to the IN
terests 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 disposition
would be contrary to the hitherto ex-
pressed and well understood policy OF
! this government and is not contemplated
by the administration. 1t was deter
| mined, however, to protect carefully all
| the interests and privileges which the
| United States now enjoy In China.
Incidentally. the question Of American
| relief to sufferers in Cuba arose, but in
! the absence of official information from
the Spanish Government, which had been
| expected, but had not been received, no
| action of Importance was taken.
A part of the time of the meeting was
consumed in an exchange of Christmas
greetings. No presents were given or re-
ceived among the members OF the Cabinet.
FAR-REACHING INFLUENCE.
The Cabinet understanding as TO the
| attitude OF the United States on the
! Chinese question promises to have ma
terial influence on the development of the
| eastern situation. The diplomats stationed
! here have eagerly awaited some intima-
ton as TO the purpose of this government,
and the foreign press. notably at London,
/ Berlin. and Vienna, have echoed the sem
timents at those courts that if the United
| States entered the field. either singly or
in coalition with Great Britain ana
Japan. it would prove material factor
I'm the Chinese question. The general un-
derstanding reached to-day doubtless
will be made known to such foreign rep
resentatives as desire to sound this gov
ernment. and the information in turn will
lin. St Petersburg, and elsewhere.
II will be a disappointment to China,
| which has looked to tho United States,
holding such a position as would permit
il TO exert a strong influence in staying
the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the empire. China
has made no advances TO this government,
however. but has occupied passive at
titude.
The views expressed by the Cabinet do
not encourage any idea of an Anglo
Japanese-American alliance. such as has
been suggested by foreign newspapers.
ANGLO-JAP. UNDERSTANDING.
LONDON. December 25.-The Daily
Mail publishes a dispatch from Toxic
which II claims evaded active censorship
The dispatch says:
England and japan, without entering
upon an actual alliance, have arrived
a complete understanding, which vii
probably result in joint naval demon
stration at the entrance of the Gul
of Peh-Chi-Li.
"In diplomatic circles at Toxic th'
probability of a conflict is regarded as
extremely distant"
MOVEMENTS OF RUSSIA.
LONDON, December 25.-Russia, nc
cording to "A special dispatch from Shang
hal, is preparing temporary headquarter
for 1000 troops at Port Arthur. sh
has obtained half promise from III
Grand Council at Pekin 10 dismiss 81
Robert Hart, director of the Chinese I'm
perial maritime customs, and other higl
customs officials. in addition to IN
British railway officials and the Germal
officers and instructors. Fifty OF the lat
ter. the dispatch says, received notice 10
! a.. 1Vrida,n that they would be paid OF
at the termination of their contracts.
Contrary TO the general report, the dis
match asserts that there is good reaso
TO believe Great Britain will actively op
nose the Russianization Of Korea an
| Northern China.