The leader., 1898-01-05
CHINESE TERRITORY.
The Rapid Movement of Events
in the Far East.
Powers AilgninG for the struggie-The
United States viii Take No Part In the
Scramble Opinions of Diplomats
Concerned In the Division.


United States VIII Take No Part In the
Scramble Opinions of Diplomats
Concerned In the Division.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3l.-The rapid
movement ofevents in the far east con-
tinues to be an absorbing topic in Dip
lomatic circles here, particularly at
the embassies and legations of the
powers which are aligning for an APP
parent struggle for Chinese territory.
There is no further talk OF the United
States as a possible factor in the con-
test, as the recent understanding at
cabinet meeting is accepted as remov-
ing this government from the field OF
con troversy. At the same time, an
eminent authority on international
affairs is quoted as saying that
situation might develope when
the United States would be called upon
to go much further than protect Amer
lean interests at the treaty ports in
China. This situation would come, he
said, if the scramble for Chin ese terri
.ory went to the extent of the extinc-
ton of China and the complete ABSORB
ton of the old empire by foreign ma
tons. Such was the apparent drift of
the present movement, lie said, and IL
it became u reality then u condition
would arise similar to the extermina-
ton of Poland. Poland had estab-
lished precedent in international af-
fairs, he said, and following that pre-
cedent, if China was TO be absorbed,
then it was question which the
United States, in common with all the
nations of the world, must take cogni-
zance of. Until this final movement
occurred, however it was plain that
the United States had no interest ia
the fencing of European nations and
Japan for coaling stations and ports
on the Asiatic coast.
In the meantime, however, the dip
lomats are much concerned in the
movements of their respective govern
ments. a leading Japanese diplomat
said yesterday:
Il do not look at the question as in
volving the partition of China, and no
event has occurred thus far to indicate
that China is about TO be divided
among the powers. The only tangible
fact is that Germany has occupied
Kioa-Chau bay, and that Russia
has fleet at Port Arthur. But
Germany's action was taken to col
lect an indemnity for an indignity to
German missionaries, just as she en-
forced indemnity from Hayti. Beyond
this Germany may seek TO establish a
naval station at oa-Chau, and thus
have naval base of operations on the
Pacific. But that does not involve the
taking of any considerable portion of
Chinese territory, and it is yet to be
shown that Germany will take more
than coast port and such land imme-
diately adjacent as to give the port
proper facilities. If it comes to taking
territory, the course of China must not
be overlooked. While China is weak
from military and naval standpoint,
yet, she has an enormous number of
men ready to take the field, while the
entire force of Germans at kioa- Chau
cannot exceed few thousands. Even
a weak nation is strong in defending
its own territory. There are reports
that Japan would aid China in an ex-
tremity, but there is nothing in that.
japan doubtless will act alone if there
is any reason for acting at all. Thus
far, however, | know of no steps that
Japan has taken or contemplates to-
ward taking part in the controversy.
My impression is that she will remain
independent and a neutral observer.
Her position will be much stronger by
such policy than it would be by an
alliance at the outset. As an observer,
if she sees that the partition of China
is at hand, doubtless she would have |
some part to take, but for the present. |
there is no evidence that such an emec-
gency is near
A Chinese diplomat said:
The alleged official statements com
ing from the Chinese legation have |
been unwarranted, as the legation has
not received Il word from Pekin since |
the first notice was sent that q Ger
man force had landed at kiOa-Chau,
without previous notice to the Chinese
government. 1t is felt however, that
many of the reports as to the serious
ness of the situation particularly those
from Shanghai, are overdrawn. Judg-
ing from the press dispatches, there
appears to be little doubt that the orig
inal purpose of Germany to enforce an
indemnity has now developed into
securing naval station at Kioa-C hau
and possibly more territory on the
ground that Germany is entitled
to return for her service
during the China-Japan war.
But it appeared to be overlooked that
Germany has received distinct returns
for those services, in the granting of
large concessions, which, at the time
of the grant were considered as most
valuable to Germany. AS to the Rus
sian fleet at Port Arthur, that is not a
surprise. A Russian feet was wintered
at Chinese port last winter with the
consent of China, as it involved no sac
rifice of territory. What the outcome
would be is difficult to say, but it is
felt that an amicable settlement will
be made, possibly by the granting of
coast stations but without any serious
ACKNOWLEDGMENT of territory"
The British embassy has not received
a word from the foreign Office on the
eastern situation.
SEIZED BY The FRENCH,