The times., 1898-09-24
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER "a, 1895.
A Dynastic Catastrophe.

The abdication of the Chinese Emper-
OF. Kwangsu, and the assumption of
imperial power by the dowager empress.
constitute the most important and start
ling world event of the year, the dec
laration of war against Spain by the
United States alone excepted On the
face of things ii would appear that the
revolution was precipitated by the de-
crees of reform recently issued by the
young emperor, and that it represents
the resentment of a dominant reac-
tionary party against a policy of inno-
walton and acceptance of Western ideas
and methods.
But the event means a great deal
more than can be accounted for on
grounds of Chinese internal politics 1t
viii shortly be seen to bear serious re-
lations to the struggle between Great
Britain and Russia for the master hand
in China, and it may very possibly
mark the crossing OF a line. beyond
which neither of the great rivals could
move without resort to war.
A few weeks ago, it was plain that
Russia was in the saddle at Pekin and
driving the Chinese horse with whip
and spur. That situation was consid-
cred as due to the influence of the en-
press dowager, backed by the shrewd
old statesman, Il Hung Chang AS
they were paramount in the counseIs OF
the State, there could be little doubt
about the matter. Great Britain did not
submit TO the loss of its old prestige
and, the next thing the world knew, the
emperor was under the influence of q
Chinese party favorable 10 its views
and aims. Ii Hung Chang was in dis.
grace, and the government was an
nouncing concessions in the British in
terest. which Russia had vetoed shortly
before. OF a sudden news comes that
Kwangsu has abdicated, that the willy
old dowager has seized the bit in her
teeth. and that Ii will return TO power
Sensational as all this undoubtedly is
1t will not greatly surprise people IA
miliar at once with the course and tri-
umph Of Muscovite diplomacy in the
Orient and the history Of the late reigr
in China. Russia has all the advan-
AdEES VI BOSiAlOlls AllclIl-T dS nGlSnDOl
in Siberia or invader in Manchuria
and is able TO dictate terms within easy
call of an army 10 enforce them. II
may be inclination, assumed necessity
or both, that has thrown the empress
dowager and Ii into the arms of tn,
Gar, but there they are, and their pol.
icy bears every Indication of being iden.
tical with that of the cabinet at st
Petersburg.
To break down this Russo Chinese
wall of obstruction and menace to Brit
ish interests and power in the East, tn,
young emperor has been utilized, and ;
plan apparently formed for the estab
lishment Of an alliance between China
Japan and Great Britain against tn,
encroachments of Russia The Japan
ese statesman. Marquis Ito. now visit
ing China, is credited with having beel
the negotiator of such an arrangement
and he is reported TO have gained tn
ear and confidence of Kwangsu in
most encouraging way. Great Britain
and Japan together might prove
tough job for the Russians. if once the,
were firmly seated at Pekln, with IN
nominal ruler of the Chinese empire un
der their influence and control. Neithe
Russia. the dowager, nor Ii could ex
pect anything in their line if condition
Of that kind could be created, and S
the natural though unexpected has hap
pened.
Kwangsu has reigned, but not gov
erned, as the tool and puppet of tn
ambitious and INSCRIPTIONS widow @
his predecessor, Hien-Feng. ever sine
his accession to the throne in the fourt
year of his age. The former empero
died suddenly without designating
successor, and his relict was abl,
through family arrangement, to &c