The evening times., 1899-03-11
SATURDAY, MARCH II. 1899.
No Chinn Yet Broken.

Judging from our morning dispatches
the chances for peace among our European
neighbors are much improved. 1t would
seem that neither England nor Russia de-
sires 10 act the role Of bull in the china
shop" and sensible diplomacy appears TO
have averted whatever danger of colli
sion between them may have existed.
The developments at Pekin are much in
the line of what We ventured to predict
yesterday There is undoubtedly a tacit
understanding between the powers that the
final collapse of the Chinese Empire is al
hand, and that it would be Grass foolish
ness for the Leading nations to fall TO
blows. when there VIII be every oppor-
tunity for 2 peaceful division of the intes-
tate's property of a character which ought
TO satisfy the most grasping ambition.
Indeed We are unable to see any reason
why England, Germany. and Russia should
not find it easy to arrange their territorial
views in China without any serious fric-
tion. There is nothing whatever in the
geographical or other questions likely TO
arise that should set them by the ears. \
solution of the partition problem is so
fairly in sight, as far as these three great
factors are: concerned. that we do not be-
Heye it viii be even a difficult matter for
them 10 come TO terms. As for France,
that country already mas a large terri
torial holding within the old Chinese
boundaries, and ought 10 be satisfied It is
noticeable that the French press assumes
p tone of alarm in view Of the approach
iug. catastrophe, but that is a matter which
need not worry the cabinets or people OF
other states. It is natural for France to
fear that the actual partition of China
might result in diminution of her COM
parative influence in Asia. Perhaps it
might have such an effect, but the great
European powers would not be much
tempted TO halt in their movements on that
account.
To sum up the situation. We can see the
basis of a practicable modus vivendi as TO
England, Germany, and Russia, granting
which, France, Austria, and Italy would
be compelled to give their adherence TO
whatever plan Of division might be pre-
scribed for them. But where does the
United States come in?
That America has a most vital interest
in the future OF China no one can
doubt Our trade with that country Low
amounts to thirty million dollars a year.
and has been growing steadily. 1t will ag-
gregate just nothing within a few years If
We are silly enough to sit still while the
whole sea line of the territory is pre-
empted by others and covered with their
naval stations, factories. and colonies.
Philanthropic sentiment has nothing to do
with the case. Under ordinary ciroum-
stances the American people would refuse
10 seize Chinese territory. or the territory
of any nation with which we are at
peace. But the stern fact is that our
abstention viii not do China any good
and what we do not take somebody else
viii. That condition is conceded, and our
duty is straight deduction from il. We
must think of the great army of American
producers whose activities and oontribu-
lions 10 the trade of the world it is the
business Of our Government to foster and
protect. Any just regard for them will at
once suggest that the United States. as
well as the other leading world powers
should be accorded a local standing on the
Chinese mainland. We are glad to see
that this view Of the matter is appealing
strongly to some of our wisest public men,
1t is to be hoped that the President is
not blind TO its Importance. There is no
time to lose. Our pourparlers ought even
now to be before the foreign offices in Lon
don. Berlin, and ST. Petersburg, and we
trust that they are or are on the way
We are sorry for China, but not TO the
extent of being oblivious to our own neces-
sites. If ii had shown the least capacity
for self-civilization the doom which ap-
proaches might never have been decreed
AS it is, there is no hope for the Manchu
dynasty nor for the perpetuation of the
ancient and now impossible system it rep
resents. The roof is about to fall in.