The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-02

Associated Press had an interview with
the bishop, to whose shrewd ADVICE and De-
tailed information regarding the whole
province of Shang-Tung, in which kiaochau
is situated, the German government owes
much. Bishop Amer gave an interesting
account of the occurrences of the previous
evening and of the audience he was ac-
corded by the Emperor in November. and
also told of his audience with the Pope q
fortnight ago.
The bishop. who has been thirty-four
years in China, and who is about to return.
said. Il am amazed at the keen knowledge
the Emperor displayed regarding China its
resources and government. Every question
the Emperor asked was pointed. There Is
TO doubt Germany means To keep kiaochau
9ila its contiguous territory, and. II the
right measures are taken, II will prove
most valuable possession. even more vaiua-
bic than Hong Kong, because its mineral
wealth. coal and iron, although needing a
large amount OF capital TO develop 1t, is al
most inexhauStible.'
Tie Emperor told the bishop that steps
We're under way to give thorough German
administration TO the territory and TO rap
idly develop the natural commercial adyan-
tages OF kiaOchau. The best expert Judg-
ment win be taken on every step proposed.
Already measures have been inaugurated
TO interest private German capital Three
large companies are forming in Berlin and
Cologne for this purpose. and the Deutsche
Bank is identifying Itself with several large
plans in this direction.
Relative TO his audience with the Pope,
Bishop Amer said that his Holiness highly
approved the energy shown by Germany in
the gigantic task of opening China and pre-
pairing her for the blessings of Christianity
and civilization The Pope also expressed
the opinion that speedy penalty would be
meted out to China for the last mission
murders, which would strike wholesome
terror into the breast Of its heather gov
eminent. " The Pope charged Bishop An
ger TO convey his cordial greetings and
wishes to the Emperor, expressing the hope
tEat the further measures TO be taken by
Germany in China would be crowned with
success. as Germany'S mission was arouslng
the sympathetic interest of all christendon1.
His Holiness touched on the question OF
German protectorate over the Catholic mis-
sion in China, hitherto considered to be in
the hands of France, and the Pope further
tntimated that instructions had recently
been sent 10 the bishops and higher clergy
Of Germany 10 shape their conduct In re-
gard to the Chinese expedition and the
enlargement of the German navy, in conso-
nance with the views of the Vatican on
these matters.
The Emperor decorated Bishop Amer
with the Order Of the Red Eagle and the
Regent of Bavaria. Prince Luitpold also
bestowed a decoration upon him.
The correspondent of the Associated Press
learns that Germany, in the spring. viii
commence improving the harbor of Kiao-
chau. and will construct docks and wharveS
and strengthen the forts materially. Krupp
ordnance of large caliber has been ordered
and during the winter large quantity
Of military supplies will be sent TO China.
Some of the best artillery and engineer Of
Ulcers have volunteered to go to Kiaochau
in official circles it is not believed that
Great Britain or any other power will in
terfere with Germanys plans. II is said
that the entente with Russia and France
is perfected, and that France will soon
force China to grant her further conces-
sions on her southern frontier. 1t is also
learned from an excellent source that there
is no intention on the part of either Russia
Germany or France to place obstacles in
Great Britain's way If she feels inclined to
seize the present opportunity of strength
ening her position and interests in the
south of China, from Shanghai south.