The Irish standard., 1898-01-01
THE CZAR'S LATEST MOVE
Russian Troops Now Occupy Kim
Chau, an Important Port, and
Can Defy the World.
THE MOVE IS OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE.
Russia's Ruler Is Now In Practical
Possession of COren-The situation
In the Orient ls FrauYht with Dan-
gcr-vnlue of the Position Taken
america Is Interested.

London. Dec. 2s.-Russia has made
another grab of Chinese territory, and
evidently is intent upon forcing the
hand Of Great Britain in regard to parti-
ton. News comes that the cars forces
have occupied Kin-Chau, lying north of
Port Arthur. This places them little
nearer Pekirg, and gives them com,
ma:.d of another important strategic
position in the Gulf Of LauTung. The
incident has intensified the interest in
oriental affairs, and is taken to mean
that the ear is intrenching himself in
the Flowery kingdom. 1t is also taken
as signifying that an understanding ex-
lists with Germany and possibly with
France.
1t is expected, however, that when
the French cruisers get into Chinese
waters seizures will be made, and that
Britain will then be compelled to grab
territory in an attempt to preserve the
balance Of power in the Yellow sea.
Action is likewise awaited on the
part Of Japan, whose indemnity is like
ly to remain unpaid should NIL the pow
crs appropriate the Chinese littoral.
1t is conceded that the situation is
more fraught with danger than at any
time since the German occupation Of
Kiao-Chau bay.
Value of the Position.
San Francisco, Dec. 2o.-Eli II. Shep-
pard. who has recently returned from
China, where he held an official posi-
ton, commenting upon the reported oc-
cupation of Kin-Chau by Russia, said,
Monday: "KinChau is an important
walled city (not an open porD. at the
head of the Gulf OF I.au Tung, and it
commands the mouth of the river Yaloo,
where the great naval battle between
and the other important rivers which
flow into the gulf. 1t is about equi-
distant between the mouth of the Yaloo
river and the terminus OF the great wall
of China. Itcolnmandst the railway sys-
tenn recently constructed from lien.
1sin to the capital of Manchuria, and is
Of preemincnt Importance MS a stra-
tegic position. The seizure OF this port
shows that Russia has practically taken
possession of Corea. Manchuria and the
Gulf Of Lau Tung, and possesses sig
rificnnce which will cause consterna-
ton among the diplomats in the old
world. Its situation is such that its
possession practically places Russia in
position TO defy the world.
We Are Interested.
Washington, Dec. Ex-senator Nor
gan, of Alabama, of the committee on
foreign relations, said that it would be
impossible for the United States to re-
main complacent should European ma
lions undertake the dislnembermen OF
China. Senator Morgan said:
1.-THE German occupation OF part Of
China and the prospective occupation of
other parts by various European nations Is
an effort to complete Gordon Of offcnse to
American commerce from Vladivostok to
Marseiles or to Liverpool. That Gordon Is
being stretched to contract the trade OF
100000 900 of people who have direct trade
and Intercourse with the Pacific ocean.
There is q great deal In the Chinese prob.
lem that vitality interests Americans and
which seems to demand Immediate consid-
Grafton from the state department and
congress-"
britain to Take Hand.
London, Dec. 20.-A special dispa tch
from Shanghai says the British fleet
has anchored at Port Hamilton. The
dispatch further says that report is
current at Chcc Foo to the effect that
the Japanese fleet has also arrived at
Port Hamilton.