The herald., 1897-12-25
NO CONFLICTS
Are to Be Precipitated by
Japan
RUSSIA LOOKS FOR TROUBLE
GROWING OUT OF EN0LAND's oP-
POSITION
RUSSIA LOOKS FOR TROUBLE
The United States Will Look After
American Interests and Will
Do Nothing Else
Associated Press Special Wire

LONDON, Dec. 25.-The Daily Mai
publishes dispatch this morning from
Toxic. which, 1t claims, evaded active
censorship. The dispatch says:
England and Japan, without entering
upon an actual alliance, have arrived al
a complete understanding, which will
probably result in joint naval demon
stration at the entrance of the gulf OF
Pc Chill.
'In diplomatic circles at Toxic the
probability of a conflict is regarded as
extremely distant
Russia. according to a dispatch from
Shanghai, is preparina temporary head
quarters for 10000 troops a Port Arthur.
She has obtained a half-promise from
the grand council at Peking to dismiss
Sir Robert Hart, director of the Chinese
imperial maritime customs, and other
high customs officials, in addition to the
British railroad officials and the German
officers and instructors. Fifty of the
latter, the dispatch says. received no
tice today that they would be paid off
at the termination of their contracts.
Contrary to general report. the dis
patch asserts that there is good reason
to believe that Great Britain will ac-
lively oppose the Russianization of Co.
rea and Northern China.
CONFLICTING RUMORS
| NEW YORK, Dec. 24.-The Suns Ber-
lin cable says: The semi official papers
generally declare that Japan will not
take aggressive steps, but will acquiesce
| in the Russian occupation of Port Arthur
as it acquiesced in the German occupa-
tion of Kiao Chau Bay. AS an offset to
this a rumor is current that the large
Japanese squadron which left Nagasaki
on Wednesday steamed to Shanghai.
where it met the British squadron, and
then proceeded to Wei-Hai-Wei.
GERMAN RUMORS
BERLIN, Dec. 24.-The Neue Mach
richten says that since the occupation of
Kiao Chau bay, the Chinese government
has engaged German military instruc-
tors, and is now arranging for fitting re-
ceptions of Prince Henry of Prussia at
the different ports which he will visit.
The weekly journal, Zeukunft, COM
bats the statement that Prince Bismarck
had suddenly become an enthusiastic
! supporter of the Chinese expedition, and
that during his recent visit to Freid-
richsrueh, Emperor William confided to
the prince his most secret plans.
AMERICAS ATTITUDE
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.-This coun-
try's attitude toward what appears to be
an effort on the part of the powers of
Europe to dismember China was the
principal topic of discussion today at the
meeting of the Cabinet.
All the members were present except
Secretary Alger, who is i'll at his home.
While no formal action was taken in
the absence of specific information as to
the intentions of the powers of Europe,
it was determined, as a member of the
Cabinet expressed it, ito keep watch
full eye upon the situation as it develops,
in order that full protection may be
given to the interests 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 a DISPOSE
tion would be contrary to the hitherto
expressed and well-understood policy
Of this government, and is not contem-
plated by the administration. 1t was
determined, however, to protect care
fully all interests and privileges which
the United States now enjoys in China.
incidentally the question of Ameri-
can relief to sufferers in Cuba arose, but
in the absence of official information
,rl
had been expected, but not 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 We're given or
received among the members of the Cab
met.
The Cabinet understanding as to the
attitude of the United States in the Chi
nese question promises to have a ma
terial influence on the development of
the Eastern situation. The diplomats
stationed here have eagerly awaited
some intimation as to the purposes Of
this government, and the foreign press.
notably the London, Berlin ard Vienna
papers, have echoed the sentiments at
those courts that if the United States
entered the field, either singly or in coal
ition with Great Britain and Japan, il
would prove a material factor in the
Chinese question. The general under
standing reached today doubtless will
be made known to such foreign repre-
sentatives as desire to sound this gov
ernment, and the information in turn
will reach the foreign Offices at London.
Berlin, ST. Petersburg and elsewhere.
1t will be a disappointment to some eX-
tent in China, which has looked to the
United States as the nation occupving
a disinterested position, permitting it to
exert strong influence in staying the
dismemberment of the empire. China
has made no advances to this govern
ment, however, but has occupied a pass
i've attitude.
The views expressed at the Cabinet
meeting put an end to any possibility of
an Anglo American-Japanese alliance.
such as the foreign cables have sug-
gested.
a FRENCH CRUISER
LONDON, Dec PA special dispatch
from Paris says the French cruiser Po-
thuau has been ordered to prepare for
sea in Chinese waters. The Pothuau is
a first-class cruiser of over 5000 tons
displacement and 1000 indicated horse
power. She carries two 80 inch guns.
ten 5-inch quick firing guns and eighteen
small quick firing guns.