Arizona republican., 1899-03-10
EUROPE AND CHINA
Apprehension Over inc De-
 mand Of italy.
Concession by Pekin Government
 May Lead to Further Demands by
 Other POwerS-Enfire Coast of Empire Likely to Be Appropriated.

continent apprehension over the pres i ent situation and impending events in l China is rising fast again. English men and Germans regard complacently
 the demand Of Italy for concession as
 strengthening tke powers who are in
 favor of freedom of trade but there is an ominous likelihood that the yield ing by China, which seems inevitable, will provoke demands from other quarters for new concessions until the whole coast of the Celestial Kingdom has been appropriated practically.
 Information from many sources is to the effect that the Chinese government is growing steadily more impotent, un- reliable and evasive every day, that
 disorder is spreading, authority be- coming more enfeebled, especially in the southern provinces, and that the day is approaching fast when the Eu- ropean powers, presumably with the cooperation Of the United States and Japan, must come to an understanding about the tUtelage of China, not re- garding that empire any longer as a sovereign state
 British uneasiness is quickened by assertions that the recent concession of a new treaty port and river nav1ga- tiOn rights was trick. Englishmen are disturbed also by the renewal of the struggle for influence at Pekin be- tween the Russian and British minis ters. A small group of exploiters of Chinese concessions are English mer- chants at the treaty ports, and nervous onlookers here take the diplomatic rivalries more seriously than does the cabinet
 Good information from St. Peters burg indicates that in spite of the scanty progress made last summer Lord SaHsburyis working again toward an understanding with Russia on the matter of trade with China Accord to that information the Russian cabi- net is beginning to realize the huge burden t has assumed in the apprO- priation of Marchuria, and it is will ing to pause in the matter of acquisi- tions. and even to consider the advisa-
  at least fer the present, so as to ob- tain foreign aid in developing the trade and resources of northern China
 M. de Witte. the Russian minister of finance, is the chief advocate of that policy, his colleagues are considering it closely, and the czar, it is believed confidently, is nOt aveTse to it.
 
 tions at St. Petersburg are unusually perplexing. The court and cabinet are full of intrigues, arising from sharp differences over external and internal policy. In those intrigues the grand dukes, who are the uncles of the czar, and powerful ministers like Mowra- vieff, DeWitte, Pobiedonosteff are all engaged, with the result that the czar though retaining the controlling power is pulled first this way and then that
 Certainly while Russia is advocating 9 reduction Of armaments and a hu- mane policy abroad, the government is using unusually severity at home to- ward the Films and Poles, and is pursuing generally a rcactionary course. Despite all reports there is no evidence that the czar's delicate health and melancholy temperament are worse than usual
 As to the situation in France. M. Dupuy's show of authority in main taining order and the arrests of De roulede and other persons, the domicll- i iary visits and the proceedings against l various leagues, both strengthens and | weakens him. The display Of govern mental authority increases confidence | in the republic and civil power. and | makes it evident that the reactionary | leagues are less strong than appear ances suggested. On the other hand, ! the success of the governmental rigor | has stirred loyal adherents Of the present regime to demand sterner measures on the part of the ministry. That course Nj. Dupuy is unwilling to pursue. The demands are especially strong in the senate and they have some support in the chamber. While NJ. Loubet. it is believed, sympaChizes with those who are making them, they are working for the downfall of M Dupuy on the ground of haIf-hearted measures toward Deroulede OF the one side and Roget on the other. Appar- ently at tke time when the Orleanists had their real but silly plot afoot for , speedy return of the duke and when they were trying to tamper with She army and the civil officers. M. Dupuy minimized their efforts, but his enc mics exaggerated them.
 In the sO-called plot no evidence has been discovered against the Bonapart- sts who are shrewder, more dangerous and more likely to win the army and