The record-union., 1898-01-09


of the details and terms of the acqui-
sition of Kiaochau Bay by Germany
momentarily scared the British public,
which, however, now regards Ger
many's move with all the more equa-
nimity, as in the opinion of persons
intimately acquainted with China, Kiao-
chau BAY is of little commercial value,
and Will be only source of huge ex-
pense for the German Jamesoners.
If the harbor had been commercially
valuable, it is pointed out, it would
long ago have been a treaty port, but
it is said to be completely oyershad-
owed by the close proximity of flourish
ing Chez Foo. The Province of Shan
Tung, it is added, is entirely agricult-
ural, and hardly able to support its
population, while the strategic value OF
Kiaochau Bay can be inferred by the
fact that Russia, in spite of the Cassini
treaty, allowed Germany to Occupy it.
Altogether, Kiaochau Bay is not likely
to prove a bed of roses.
The British Government maintains a
sphynxlike reserve regarding Chinese
affairs, and there are no further reve-
lations of its intentions since the state
ment made by the Manchester Guard
ian" on January Sd, which was unques-
tionably the official view of the situa-
ton.
A conclusive illustration of the attf-
tude of the British Government is fur
nished by the presence of war ships of
Great Britain at Chemulpo and Port
Arthur, and it is likely to be further
demonstrated by the sending of ships
to Kiaochau Bay.
In we'll informed circles it is asserted
that it is not likely that Great Britain
viii formally protest against the lease
of Eiaochau Bay to Germany, but
will confine herself to the significant
hint given in the movements of her
fleet that she intends to claim an equal
share Of all China's concessions in re-
gard to all SeaportS, leased or loot
ed" as being additional treaty ports.
AS a leading diplomat remarked to
a representative of the Associated
Press, 1.-The statesmen of Berlin and
st. Petersburg must be strangely I'M
observant if they imagine that either
Great Britain, the United States or
Japan will allow them the monopoly of
the piums."
The Spectator" revels in the state
ment that the United States is inclined
TO support the British demand that no
exclusive privileges be granted to any
individual power in China, and says:
Nothing short of a direct menace of
aggression would tempt any combina-
ton of continental powers to face the
whole Anglo-Saxon race, united and
resolved"
1t is amusing to notice Russia and
France counting Japan Both of them
are In deadly fear of her forming an
offensive and defensive alliance with
Great Britain. AS u matter of fact.
there are things much more unlikely
than the eventual alliance of Great
Britain. China and Japan and the con-
tingency would acquire still more prob
ability should Great Britain, as it now
seems certain, guarantee a Chinese
loan. At the present moment, so far
as Great Britain IS concerned, the loan
is the kernel CT the whole question
suggestive piece of news is that ia
pan has purchased two cruisers of 5000
Tons each, which have been building in
England for China.
1t is not believed the Chinese loan, if
completed, VIII affect the market for
silver. AS the money is required to
pay the war indemnity, and would not
be sent to China, silver could not be
utilized.
The official statement that the milf
tary tactics in Egypt are purely defen-
sive is not credited. The greatest activ-
ity is manifested in all quarters. I'M
mense supplies of ammunition and food
are being forwarded to the front. and
it is whispered in military circles that
the Ministers desire to meet Parliament
with Khartoum in their hands, so that
a triumph in Africa may offset the
blunders in India. Even with the live
lest efforts, however. the time interven-
ing will hardly suffice for coup in the
Soudan. The Anglo Egyptian force con-
sists of $1,000 Egyptians, thirty bat
talions of British troops and the Nile
gunboats. all commanded by the Sir
dar. Sir Herbert Kitchener The latter
refuses to allow the war correspondents
to go beyond the head of the railway.
A letter has been received from a Brit
Ssh officer serving in the Soudan, who
says since July Dervishes have killed
over 1000 of the Jaalin tribe, and he
adds that the women and children who
are homeless and starving number 5000
souls.
The "Statist' expresses the opinion
that the fact that a resolution has been
introduced in Congress to pay the inter-
est on the United States debt. either in
gold or silver, indicates that there is
little chance of any reform OF the cur
rency by the present Congress. Sin spite
of Secretary Cages confidence" and re-
grets that under the circumstances IL
is obliged to continue cautioning British
ers against investing in America until
the currencr question is settled.
The "Statist" further remarks: I'm
der ordinary circumstances We should
like much of our savings invested in the
United States. where a majority of the
citizens are of our kin, and whom we de-
sire to see prosperous
The "Statist' admits that the present
prosperity in the United States would
warrant large investments, but for the
silver nightmare. which is ever threat
ering," concluding: THE present prices
are so tempting that it is much to be re-
GREETED that there is no definite pros
pect that Congress win take effective
steps TO allay the fears"
Troubles in Africa.