The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-06-20
SEATTLE, WEDNESDAY. JUNE 10.
Grave Situation IN China.

The gravity OF the situation In China
In its latest development can hardly be
oyerestimated. and the world In brought
face Ia face with the most serious and
presented TO the present generation.
The fact that tho Chinese forts at Taku
opened IRE upon tho international feet
Ia not OF itself very serious. for China
cannot be measured by the standards
which apply 90 the civilized nations OF
tho Western world. II q civilized ma
would have been the signal for war to
the END, meaning the utter defeat and
prncticai annihiiation OF one OF the
powers which engaged in the struggle.
With China the case is different. stand
ing isolated and alone, this attack by
the Taku forts differs In no essential
particular from other like acts OF the
Chinese government. which, after
brief show OF force on the part OF the
aggrieved nation. have been atoned for
by complete and ample apologies ana
indemnity up 20 the fullest demands
which could be made.
The present case. however is one Of
a much graver character. The signin-
canoe of the action lies In the fact that
Il proves that the ruling powers In
China have definitely aligned them
selves with the revolutionlsts who are
determined TO expel all foreigners from
the country. II Is sufficient TO excite
serious apprehension for the safety of
all al the foreigners who are now In
Picking. including the ambassadors or
ministers OF all OF the powers and the
members OF their suites There IL rea-
son TO fear that some or all of them
have been murdered by the fanatical
moh encouraged and aided by the rul-
Ing powers OF the country should this
he true. II may be set down as certain
that the end OF the Chinese empire as an
independent power IL at hand No gov
eminent can be permitted to exist upon
the earth which refuses TO protect the
citizens az another cNntry within tia
borders. Much less can II be permitted
10 stand after the gravest crime known
20 International law. tho murder by It's
connivanoe Of the diplomatic represent
alive % another country.
II these Apprchensions prove we'll
founded. the powers now acting in con-
cert have before them much more
serious tack than simply the protection
OF the lives and property az their cjtl-
Gems. temporarily endangered Nv a Ia
natloai outbreak ~ mob violence, Moth
ting less can meet the emergency than
the, complete and absolute overthrow
% che present government " China and
tho substitution q some government
Which can preserve order, recognise
aEd observe treaty obligations ana pro-
test che lives and property ~ foreign
Gre temporarily rofournIng In the coun-
tn.
In what manner this task can Be- ac-
unaH!shed ls at presen, Impossible -
forecast Tho ultimate solution u tho
problem may not he had without go;,l-
slon between the various Euraleau
powers, who are each Jealous O: the
ether and each moFbidly fearful lest
ssnao rival should gain an undue ad-
vantage in the FAR East II is 60 BE-
hoped sincerely that these rvalrles can
be kept In the background FOR the pres
emf. ana that all the powers may act in
harmony uutn the Immediately press
ing taaS Is accomplished. That task
may include the complete suppression
Of the Chinese government, as It exists
at present. and the temporary estAh-
lsshment Of some form OF ioint protec-
torAss over the country under which the
safety OF persons and property 81 for
eignsrs can be assured.
Iasthis temporary solution OF the Chi
nsss IroSea the United states must