Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-19
China. OmciaI statement.

Mr.. WI Ting Fang, the Chinese minister,
has received the following official statement
from Pekin relative &c the seizure of kia-
ochau Island by Germany:
Upon the killing of two German mission
aries by bandits in the district of Ku-yeh,
in Shan-Tulg, a decree was issued, per
emptorily commanding the governor of
Shan-Tuns to order the high officials of
that province to take immediate measures
for the arrest and punishment of the Of
tenders. On the 18th instant the governor
reported by telegraph TIE arrest of four
culprits. and this was communicated to
the German minister.
But German Warships had, on the 18th,
advanced to kiaochu Island, landed troops,
and after occupying all the high ground.
gave the garrison forty-eight hours to re-
tire The German minister did not give
the Tsu1gli Yomen any notice. On the
evening of the 18th a telegram from the
minister superintendent of the northern
ports, giving a report of this occurrence,
occasioned the greatest surprise. China, in
view of the friendly relations between the
two countries, thereupon ordered the gov
ernor of Shantung TO keep the garrison
under strict control. to withdraw the troops
to positions outside the limits of the island,
and to enjoin them not to make any move
without express Instructions
Germany's Breach of Etiquette.
This official statement places new COM
rlexion on the press cables in that it lndi-
Gates that the Chinese government had al
ready taken active steps for the punish
ment OF the murderers of the two German
missionaries before the landing of the eGr-
man troops at kiaocbau and the occupa-
ticn OF the fort there. The remarkable
thing in connection with Germany's sum-
mary action is the fact set forth in the
foregoing cable statement, that the tSungli
yamen Chinese foreign office) was given
no notification that the seizure of Kiaochau
was contemplated Such a proceeding is
said TO Be a fragrant breach of international
comfy, and is interpreted in some diplo-
matte quarters as evidence that Germany
used her grievance as a pretext for the Oc-
cupation of the island.
Ii Is believed that possibly Germany-s OBJ
Ject Is 10 Use the occupation of the island
as lever for compelling trade concessions
from China In the general scramble for
commercial advantage in the east Ger
many thus far has signaiiy failed She has
absolutely no foothod on the Chinese coast,
whereas England has concessions at the
treaty ports and trade arrangement
which gives her advantages in Burmah
and ThIb.t. France has Tonullin and Rus
ma has advantages in the north of China.
In the event Germany should decline
tn relinquish Kiaochau. which commands
one of the best natural harbors and ports
the Chinese coast she may have not
only China, but Russia to reckon with
By recent treaty between the govern
Uents of China and Russia the latter cou1l-
try, in return for pledged support in case
OF certain war contingencies. is to have
the use of Port Arthur and Kiaochau har-
Dor should the car become involved in
war Thus. to certain extent, Russia has
an interest in Kiaochau- This interest. it
Is believed. she would not be slow to pro-
tect if Germany should manifest any IL
terror designs.
ADMIRAL McNair's Report.
Admiral McNair, commanding the Ash
attic squadron. has cabled the Secretary of
the Navy that German war ships have
seized Kianchow on the Shantung promon-
tory, north China, pending the settlement
of an Indemnity demanded for the alleged
murder of two German missionaries by the
natives 1t is expected that Admiral Nc
Nair Will visit the scene in the United
States steamer Boston for the purpose of
watching developments