The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1898-01-12
CHINA AND RUSSIA.
EXPLANATION OF THE RECENT
ENCRoACHMENTs ON CHINA.

Rendered by Russia, France ana
Germany In Having Taken the Part OF
the Celestial Empire How the Territory !
win Probably BE Divided and the Prob
able Results.
At d critical time in the war between |
China and Japan, Germany, Russia
and France came to the rescue OF the
Picking Government, and there is now
abundant evidence that these three
great powers will demand pay for their
services. The recent occupation OF
Kiao-Chou Bay BY German force was
undoubtedly in harmony with an
agreement between Germany, Russia,
and France. Germany probably acted
because the Emperor believed it
would be dangerous to wait until after
the plans for increasing the Japanese
navy shall have been carried out.
France is likely to soon demand her
share of Chinese territory.
After the Japanese had taken Wei
Hal. Wei and Port Arthur, the two
Chinese fortresses commanding the en-
trance to the Gulf of Pe-Cheli, she
captured Neu Chwang on March D,
1895, and was in position to advance
upon Peking. The outlook was indeed
gloomy for the Chinese Government,
for there was no prospect that it would
be able to prevent the occupation OF
the capital and the overthrow OF the
dynasty. CONSERVATION reigned in
the court Of the Chinese Emperor and
a project for the fight of the Imperial
family was considered. In this time
OF dire distress Ii Hung Chang, the
venerable statesman who had been de-
graded, was called into service and the
Japanese Government was notihed
that the Peklng Government desired
to send Chang to sue for peace.
The envoy embarked few days lat
or. and March Dist, the conference be-
gan at Shimonoseki. The Mikado's
representatives were at first disposed to
make unreasonable demands, but after
an attempt had been made on March
"a, to assassinate Ii Hung Chang a
cessation of hostilities was ordered,
and few weeks later treaty was
negotiated whereby China agreed to
pay large indemnity in money, aban-
doned all claim to Korea, and ceded to
Japan the peninsula on which Fort
Arthur stands, also the Island OF For
mosa and part of Manchuria. 1t was
further agreed until the last INSTALL
ment of the indemnity should be paid
and satisfactory commercial treaty
made the Japanese should occupy
Wei-Hai-Wei.
This treaty had hardly been conclud
ed when Russia, Germany and France
protested against the permanent ac
QUESTION of any Chinese territory OF
the Asiatic mainland by Japan. Th'
Mikado had nothing to fear on lane
from these Powers and with the assist
ance of the English fleet, might hav'
met them at sea, but the British Gov
ernment did not do anything to upholt
the treaty. Perhaps England shared
the apprehension of the other power
than Japan, after getting possession
the peninsula, would make further en-
croachments, which would result il
large conquests. Perhaps her interest
in Egypt prevented her from taking
position against the Powers. What
ever may have been the reason, tn
fact is that not word can be uttere
by Victoria's Government, and tn
Mikado was compelled to yield to tn
intervention of the protesting Powers
Had he not done so he might hav
been cut off of communication with hi
troops on the mainland by the combin
ed fleets of Germany, Russia an
France. The treaty was revised, an
Japan was compelled to give up all tn
ceded territory in the Chinese mair
land. This change resulted in the rt
moval of Japanese influence frol
Korea.
The modification of the treaty va
an important service to China, but tn
was not the only obligation contracts
The Gear rendered his good offices
procure Tor China the money necessal
to pay the first installment of the il
demnity to Japan. Then came IL
treaty between China and Russi
whereby the later obtained importal
privileges in Chinese Manchuria, al
was granted the right to occupy as
winter station for its feet Chine
harbor free from ice. The harbor W
not named, but there was a gener
suspicion that Port Arthur WINS the OIL
referred TO, and it was recognized tn
Russia, after getting possession OF Il
Liau-Tung Peninsula, would have Il
desired terminus for branch of Il
Trans-Siberian Railway, but the rece
action OF Germany in occupying Hi
Chou Ray, the pretext being the mu
der OF German missionaries, caus
the Car to occupy Port Arthur wit
out further delay.
France has not yet been heard fro
but willno doubt, put in her claim
due time. To Russia will probably 4