The state herald., 1897-12-24
THE PARTITION OF CHINA.
indications Show That the Powers Will
Take What They Want.


Yokahamn, Dec. 22.-Russin bas no.
tilted Japan of the temporary occupa-
ton of Port Arthur and large Japan.
ese squadron has left Nagasaki.
Berlin, Dec. 22.-rhe rumor is cur
rent here that the British East Asiatlc
squadron has been ordered TO sail for
Quelpaert island, at the entrance Of the
Yellow sea, presumably TO occupy 1t.
The tone of the German press is fav-
Orable TO some such action on the part
of Great Britain. Quclpaert island,
which is sixty miles south of Corea. is
foriy-fivc miles long and twelve miles
broad. 1t is subordinate TO Corea, and
has been used as penal settlement.
London, Dec. 22.-An unconfirmed re-
port is current here that part of the
British Far Eastern squadron will be
stationed ut Wei-Hai-Wei this winter.
If true, this Indicates that Great Brit
ain is working in harmony with Japan.
The later nOwer still occupies Wei-Hai-
Wei, pending payment of the Chinese
war indemnity.
The evening newspapers are much
disturbed over the mntter.
The officers of the Chinese embassy
here do not conceal the belief that the
powers intend TO seize Chinese posts.
They denied the report that Great Bit
ain has been asked to assume n pro-
tectoratc of the Yangste valley and the
West river
Shanghai says the report that Russia
has seized Port Arthur is entirely un-
true.
The Daily Mnil's dispatch from
Shanghai. denying that Russia has
seized Port Arthur probably only
means that the Russians have not yet
actually landed.
The reports concerning the Dappu
and the British fleet wintering at Wei
Hai-Wei are officially denied. but it is
alleged with some show of authority
that the government knew of Russia =
occupation of Port Arthur last Friday
and the Cabinet sat three hours discuss
ing the situation.
New York. Dee. 22.-A special to the
Herald from Washington says:
Minister WI Tung Fang, the diplo-
matte representative of China in this
country. expressed the belief that the
reported occupancy of Port Arthur by
n Russian squadron would prove to be
but temporary convenience to The
Cars fleet, granted by the Pekin gov
ernment. He said the Russian squad
ron in Asiatic waters was granted per-
mission last year 10 winter at Kiao-
Chau and the Russian ships remained
there during the winter. but as soon ms
warm weather set in, they resumed
their manenvers in the Pacific ocean.
For the convenience of the Russian Of
ficers. the Chinese government sent in
tcrprcters TO Kiao-Chou and made every
effort 10 make them comfortable.
In view of the German occupancy of
Kiao-Chou ii was impossible TO permit
the Russian ships TO return TO that port
and the minister therefore believes the
Russian admiral asked and received
permission to winter his ships nj Por,
Arthur. II Is impossible for Russian
vessels TO anchor ut Nladivostock dur
ing the winter, owing to the ice.
The minister also stated that II was
his opinion that the Germans would
eventually withdraw from Kiao-Chou.
So far as known in Washington. there
is no intention on the part OF the Chi
nesc government 10 seek the exercise
of the good offices Of this government
with a view Of securing the withdraw
al Of Germany. Minister WI is ex-
ircmely anNions that American inter
esis shall be extended in China. Two
or three American syndicates are now
seeking concessions In the Celestial
Kingdom. hut he Is dcslrous that more
shall reach out for Chinese trade. and
thus promote commercial relations be-
tween the Pckin and Washington gov
crnments. The United States. he says.
has no Interior motives with reference
10 the empire. II does hot want Chi
nese territory and the development OF
its interests In the kingdom would nat
urally Increase and strengthen the con-
ccrn OF this government In the welfare
of It's associate friends. Ii Is understood
the minister is considering the advisa-
blllty Of suggesting to his government
tha, the President he asked To author
lie the employment by the Chinese OF
army and navy officers Of the United
States 10 iraln the army and navy Of
China. Al present English officers are
employed for the navy and German Of
iicers for the army. but The govern
menis which these gentlemen REPRE-.
sent are both grasping for Chinese ter
ritory.