Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-25

stage Mt which A. would seem that
either Russia or Great Britain must hack
down. or the two must grapDle IN a
deadly struggle. The Kiao-Chau AFFAIR
has proved mere incident IN precipi-
tatlng. or projecting, on the canvas OF
current events q more serious compnca-
ton. and that AFFAIR Is reegated to an
insignificant place, especially since the
news Is confirmed that Germany intends
TO orcn ber Chinese grab 10 the CON-
merce OF the word
Greet BRIAN, in proposing to loan
China SG0po0.VD 10 pay or the last In
sialm1n' 81 the Chinese indemnity TO
Japan, couples the proposition with three
stirulations which are briefly az follows
rrrst, that emma shan open 10 the trade
of all nations three new treaty ports one
IN the north, one in the centre, and one
IN the south q. the empire. second, she
shall rot grant or ALLEVIATE 10 any for
eiyn Power any part OF the fertile valley
OF the Yang-tse-Kiang. not a foot Oh
which Is az present within what either
Russia or France claims is the sphere ct
foreign influence. third. she shall permit
Grsaf Britain &c extend the Burmese rail-
road through the province Of Yun-Nan.
Russia and France antagonize the COM
pliance by China With any OF these stipn-
lafiohs. except that providing for new
central treaty port Russia objects TO the
opening Of the northern port because 1t
is In territory coveted by her. and which
she forced Japan 70 relluquish after the
Chino- Japsnese war. france objects 10
the opening Of the southern port for the
reason that n is IN q province she hopes
to secure Moreover. the latter Power
takes a stand against The Burmese rail-
road extension scheme. not only because
the railroad by tapping the headwaters
of the Yang-tse Kiang Valley, would
draw an immense trade into India- but be-
cause II is on the French programme TO
annex yun-Nan. wh'cn borders both
French Tonquiu ard British Burmah.
Iut II is with Russia that Great Hri-
tain has TO reckon primarily, France be-
ing a me. too" in the crisis the north
ern port in question IS 1alienwah on the |
Jdau-Tung Peninsula, NOT far north o.
Port Arthur. and commands tho line OF
the proposed extension OF the Trans
Siberian railroad to Port Arthur. While |
the r1ght Of Rr.ss to winter ships at |
Port Arthur Seems 10 be conceded, and |
II is, therefore. practicable 10 make |
that place basis Of Russian |
supply. steps have been taken TO
prevent its being converted into
4 Russian fortress. Should Talionwan
he made an opcn port. Crest Britain
woold IL is easy ia see. he able 70 cut az
moments notice communications be-
tween Por, Arthur and the Russian
northern bass. Further, sne would be
able to counte.nct IN various ways Rus
sian influence il tho whols ldau-Targ
Peninsula.
So we say Il locks as II there must be
a hackdown by one side or the other, or
fight. But We are inclined to think that
there will be no fight and that Great Bril-
tain w.D not do the backing GOWN. The
latter WILL we believe. stand firm because
her pocket interest demands it, and be-
carse the people Of all parties in Great
Britain are unit for such a policy. Be
sizes, the NATION JUS Dteu seCAcbg
chatting over the situation in the far East
ever since Russia outwitted Great Bri-
tain IN the postwar deal by compelling
a revision Of the ShimolOseki treaty.
Russia appreciating these i1cts ard
knowing shat even were Germany 20 side
with her and France. the combined naval
forces of the three Powers IA Chinese
waters would not be able 10 cope with
the combined squsdrons Of Great Britain
and Japan IN that quarter. will. we
imagine, hardly presS conclusions to the
fighting point. Another consideration that
is calculated to cause Russia 20 weaken
is shat Japan could land an army on the
mainland. against which she could put
no adequate force at present. There arc
still, great gaps in the TrSns-Siberlan
ard until those gaps shsil have
been built the line Will De practically
useless to Russia for the transportation
% troops to her far Ea9r possessions IN
short, Russia having made bullying
aaj fould the enemy
alert ard determined, VIII probably re-
tire and await more convenient sea-
SON for attempting IL earnest the con-
summation OF her designs upoc CANA.