Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-14
England's Move Discussed in Diplo-
matte Circles.
TO OFFSET RUSSIA IN MANCHURIA
Effect of Germany Sending a
Force There.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS


China has anything occurred that has so
| greatly stirred up members of the dipIo-
matte service here the announcement
that England is sending troops and Is man
ming naval force at Shanghai. This fact
alone caused much comment, but when the
act OF Germany in ordering troops to
Shanghai was learned the situation was
looked upon foreboding certain trouble
because Germany's action was regarded as
confirming the suspicion which attached to
the British move in the city of China in
which she has always been a powerful in
f1uence.
Russia's AEEravating Course
For many days the course of Russian
troops in northern China has been regarded
here as most aggravating. These troops
by the way, are not composed of Russians
but are made up of Manchurians and other
members of the yellow race who are COM
| manded by Russian officers. The czar 8
government has a well-defned policy of
forming its armies of the people of the
territory they embrace In the empire. 1t
has done that in Manchuria. For a long
time these troops have been looked upon
here as having picked quarrels with the
Chinese on its border and pursued high
handed course.
They have been encroaching on Chinese
territory until the announcement has been
made that they occupy Niuchwang, which
"a the key to the trade of Chi Lii province
In which Pekin itself is located and where
the commercial interests of America are
greater than in any other part Of the
celestial empire. With Russia once es-
tablished at Niuchwang members Of lega-
tions here are asking how she will ever be
gotten out of that locality. There is a
very general idea that she never will be
made to loosen the grasp she has once
taken
Tends Toward Disme emberment
The reported actions of Russian troops
caused much comment. but when England
began Strengthening herself in Shanghai
the really alarming phase of the question
was made prominent 1t was interpreted
as no less than a threat if not a positive
act. tending toward the dismemberment of
China. Those who take this view of the
situation declare their strong belief that
England is ready to hold on firmly to the
Iangtse valley, which is the territory she
has been credited with covetins for a long
time. They say that If Russia when the
present difficulties in China have been
qu1eted down, remains in Niuchwang Eng
land Will merely announce that she con-
trols Shanghai and the Yangtse valley and
the question that will arise will be, What
are you going to do about it?"England
Will simply say to Russia:
III you are to stay in the north we will
the exact character Of the occupation of
Russia in the north and England in the
Yangtse valley will be another matter
but the name that is given the occupation
Will not lessen the fact that to all intents
and purposes the spheres of control of
each of these empires will be equivalent to
the possession of territory.
Effect of Germany's Action.
Now comes Germany. The action of the
German government In ordering a force to
Shanghai is regarded as confirming the
suspicion of these intentions on the part of
Russia and giving the impression that Ger
many is aware of the real meaning of the
moves of those governments. Germany's
action Is spoken of probably meaning
that Germany, seeing what is going on pro-
poses to have a considerable force at
Shanghai in order that she may make
snow OF strength so that if England shows
her intention to tighten her grasp on the
fangtse valley she may be on hand to
bIock that move or to demand England's
assistance in securing for Germany some
thins she wants somewhere else The lat
yer Is regarded as the real thing desired by
the Germans.
Fear of u General War.
Ihese moves on the part of Russia, Eng
lahd and Germany are creating a pro-
found fear that some complication will be
encountered that may make a warlike out.
break to involve most Of the great nations
of the world, Or if that Is avoided, 1t NAV
De the 1orerunner of scheme to bring
dDoul pdrtldI UlSmemberment of China
or course, the United States having no de.
sire for territorial control or any conces-
sion beyond the right to carry on an unre-
strlcted commerce, will exercise an euor-
nous influence in frustrating any scheme
OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT in China which may be
growing.
Not the least imp6ftant of the results
that may come from these events that are
taking place is their Seffect on China her
self ana the danger that may be encounter
ed OF stirring up the Chinese nation to a
war of real Importance. The threats con-
tanned in the action of Russia, England
and Germany may have the effect Of
making Chinese officials see that they are
drifting into dangerous condition which
they can best avoid by securing peace
within China as soon as possible But
whatever the near future may bring about
1t Is certain that dplomatists here regard
the present as the most critical time for
the Chinese empire of any since the Boxers
began their attack on the foreign minis
ters in Pekin.
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