The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-12-30
CHIgA'S DOOM.
1t Is the Absorbing Topic in
Diplomatic Circles.
THE UNITED STATES NOT A FACTOR
AT PRESENT.

Situation Might Arise Which Would
Require Action on the Part Of This
Country-Japanese Minister the
Outlook and What a Chinese Diplomat
Has to Say.
Washington, December 29.-The rapid
movement of events in the far East con-
tinues to be an absorbing topic in diplo-
matte circles here. There is no further
talk of the United States as possible
factor in the contest.
AT the same time, an eminent authori-
ty on international affairs said today that
situation might develop when the
United States would be called upon to go
much further than protect American in
terests at the treaty ports in China. This
situation you'd come, he said, if 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
Until this final movement occurred
AOMCRCI, Az lN&o P42ll pllOu thO CoAcSA
States had no interest In the fencing of
European nations and Japan for coaling
stations and ports for the Asiatio coast
Ingsthe meantime however, the diplo-
mats are much concerned in the move
ment of their respective governments.
A leading Japanese diplomat said to-
day: ST do net look at the question as
| sv.Nv -. ~. - ~.
event has occurred thus far to indicate
that China is about to be divided among
the powers.
IF it comes to taking territory, the
course of China must not be oSeriooked.
While China is weak from q military and
naval standpoint, she has an enormous
number of men ready TO take the field
kioa Chou cannot exceed few thousand
men. Even a weak nation is strong in
defending its own territory.
There Eare reports that ] apan swould
aid China in nm extremity, bat there is
nothing in that" ~
Another Japanese diplomat said: "An
the powers have known for the last year
between Russia and China by which
Russia was to have the right to winter
her feet at Port Arthur. For that reason
the presence of the Russian feet at Port
Arthur does not lead other nations to fear
that Russia has begun movement of
territorial aggression on China. On the
contrary, Russia and China are nearer to-
gether thansany other two nations in the
present contest. And if China is to get
any outside relief it will come from Rus
STA. Ii is quite plain from recent eve, is
that Russia has not got ready yet to have
China partitioned and until Russia is
ready for that step it will not occur.
A Chinese diplomat said. 1.-THE Chinese
legation has not received word from
Pekin since the first notics was sent that
German force hadeianded at Kiao Chou
1t is felt, however that many of the re-.
ports as to the seriousness of the situation
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 devel-
oped into securing q naval station at
Kiao Chou and possibly more territory
on the ground that Germany is entitled
to o return for her services during the
China-Japan war. 1t appears to be over
looked that Germany has received distinct
returns from these services in the grant
ing of large concessions.
GAS to the Russian fleet at Port Arthur
that is not surprise. A Russian feet
was wintered at Chinese port last year
with the consent Of China. What the
outcome will be is difficult to say, but
it is felt that an amicable settlement will
be made without any serious, disn4embe r-
ment Of terri6ory -
The German officials here take the view
that there are but two actual steps on the
part Of Germany, namely, the occupation
of Kiao Ehou bay and the dispatch Of
Prince Hanry's feet to Chinese waters.
Tho report that Prince Henry will ON
brace samoa and Hawaii in his op IA
tions is dismissed as absurd. Tho British
embassy has not received a wordfrom the
foreign office on the situation. There is
u general disposition TO credit the reports
that q considerable British fleet is at
Port Hamilton, off Corea, and that
large number of Japanese ships arc in the
same vicinity. There are some II British
chips on the Asiatic station and good
part Of them are centering about Corea.
This is said to relate to the displacement
of an English official who has had an in
fiueEtial position in the administration
of Corean affairs.
French diplomats say that France is
not likely to take part in any struggle
for Chinese territory. The sending of
the French cruiser Jean Bart to the
Chinese waters it is said has no more sig
nificanoe than the sending of the United
States ship Raleigh, which is now on
her way to the Chinese station.