The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-11-28
CHINESE SOIL.
OTHER POWERS MUST NAVE 4 SLICE
IF GERMANY KEEPS HERa
n IL Kew Knows THAT Ensiand Has Secured
Isinnds nnd .somo or tho Mainland Near
HouE stonG-EHpersr william Ia Resting en-
nis Oars to Learn the Attitude or the Csar.

Isiarda nud somN OF tho Mainland Near
HouE~ NonE-Euaperer william IL Resting en-
nis Oars to Learn the Attitude or the Csar.
Special Gable Ds,patoh to TuE Sun.
LONDON. Nov. 27.-The apparent calmnesS
with which the European powers arc taking the
German seizure Of Chipese territory docs not de-
ccive any but the shallowest observers. Ger
many has got the first slice, but sho will not DO
allowed to cat IL unless the other interested
parties are permitted to take a bit of the Same
joint. That lie the question which now forms
tho subject Of diplomatic negotiations which,
before long perhaps, will assume q heated
character.
Hero In London tho Foreign Once 10 firmly
persuaded that Gormany's action 10 due to the
sudden acquisition Of knowledge that England
10 arranging a private deal with the Chinese
Government Nothing 10 yet publicly known
about that deal. but the facts are az follows:
1t 10 necessary to bear in mind that the British
possession Of Hong Kong, which 10 ono Of the
largest seaports in the world, has been left, by
the neglect OF successive home governments. In
q most defenceless position. owing to its in
adequate Qualifications and garrison. without
the protection OF the British fleet, IL would be
quite incapable Of holding out against the at
tack to which 1t would be liable. In case Of q
sudden outbreak of war It would fall into the
hands OF the eneny, together with It's immense
stores Of coal, It's magnificent docking facilities.
and large quantities OF navaland military stores.
On tho other hand, should the feet remain to
protect Hong Kong, 1t would have to neglect the
paramount duty of keeping the seas clear of
hostile cruisers.
Some months ago tho Governor of Hong Kong.
the commander Of the local military forces,
and the Admiral of the fleet embodied the fore
going in a memorandum and mailed It home.
It came 40 q veritable bomhshell In Whitehall.
Nobody seemed to have thought before what
ought TO have been obvious to trained men
charged with overseeing the empires safety.
1t is known now that n special Cabinet Council
was summoned TO consider the matter. and the
result Of many combinations and q vast con-
sumption OF foolscap and red tape was hat the
British Minister In Pokin was ordered to enter
into negotiations with the Chinese Government
for the cession OF the islands adjoining Hong
Kong and a portion OF the mainland facing 1t,
without the possession of which any scheme Of
defence would DO useless. There is reason to
believe that those negotiations have just been
brought to q successful conclusion, but the con-
alteration received by China for her com.
plaisance 10 not yet known.
1t Is needless to say that England does not re.
gard this Hong Kong acquisition as a sufficient
set of to Germany's capture Of Kiao Chau.
Those whose Judgment is entitled to respect pro-
fess reasonable confidence that England will
emerge from tho Chinese scramble the undis.
puted owner OF Port Hamilton, the finest
strategical position in tho Eastern seas, which
she stole some years ago and had to return in
Difference to Russian remonstrances.
Meantime II is taken for granted in all quar-
tiers that the murdered missionaries are merely
IN excuse for Germany's action AT Kiao Chau.
- Nyttt