The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-02-09
EXPLANATION BY GERMANY
Occupation of kiao Chau Was a
Commercial Necessity.
1T INFLICTED INJURY ON NO ONE.
BucIow Intimntes That the Grab
VIII Ala the Chinese Empire
in Holding Together.
FLICTED INJURY ON NO ONE,

Berlin February Sin the reichstag to-
day Herr Richter the radical leader, re-
feriing 10 the Chinese question, invited
the government to give full details of the
position regarding Germany's treaty with
Russia, negotiations for the loan and CO..
lateral matters.
Baron Won Beulow, replying. said the
government was not DESTROYS OF adver. is
ing its foreign policy, but it was impossible
prematurely to divulgc confidential nego-
tiations, though the government was fully
aware of its responsibility TO the country.
The dispatch of squadron 10 kiao Chau
was not, he declared. an improvisation,
but an exercising of a well considered
policy"
Baron Won Beuow then proceeded to
Justify the acquisition of q point Of sup
PORT in Eastern Asia as an absolute neces-
sity looking TO Germanys rapidly growing
interests in one of the richest markets of
the world for imports, If she did not 1eslre
10 become second or third rate power in
Asia, for every other power, even Portugal
and The Netherlands, had territorial pos
sessions there.
Furthermore" he continued "for the
protection of the missionaries Bishop Amer
declared the investure of kiao Chau a
matter OF life and death. Our relations
with the powers were in no way disturbed
thereby. We are in harmony with Russia,
whose interests do not conflict with ours
anywhere in Europe and are parallel with
ours in Asia. AS sincere friends we re-
gard Russia's natural development with
unenvious eyes. (Cheers.) And France 8
efforts TO obtain fresh trade outlets in Ton
quin are quite natural while 1t is far from
us to oppose England's just interests in
any way or in any direction.
Despite the contrary views in English
newspapers it Is well known in authorita-
tive quarters in London that in the interest
OF peace and commerce we desire to cult
vate relations of harmonious cooperation
with Great Britain. tRenewed cheers
Our modest demands have neither menaced
the integrity Of China nor called for jusd-
fable objections on Durope's part.
Baron Won Busow rereated that Ger
many desired the continued existence of
the Chinese empire and saw no reason why
1t should not last another 5000 years
Neither had Germany any intention of en-
croaching in any way on the interests of
Japan. whose rapid development inspires
us with respect"
In conclusion he said: English. French
and Russian interests are equally far re-
moved IN kiao Chau. which by reliable au-
thorities is regarded as eminently suitable
to German needs for the construction of
railways and harbor works. We rely on the
cooperation of German private cspital.
We believe these will bear good fruit. We
shall proceed step by step, not as conquis-
atators or calculators, but ms able mer-
chants like the Maccabees of yore. u weap-
on in one hand, but a trowel in the other
have raised no castles in the air The
acquisition of Kiao Chau will be conducive
to the propagation of the Christian faith.
as wen as the economical development and
political power of the German people. n .o,,d
cheers)