The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-10
Fight Between Great Britain and
Russia and Japan and Russia for
Supremacy I'm the Far East.
BRITISH AIDING JAPANESE
SAID TO BE SECRETLY ENCOURAGE
ING THEM TO COMBAT RUSSIA.
Attitude Of the United States Regard
ed as the Most Important Fac
tor i'm the Situation.

PARIS. June 9-The grave situation in
China which has developed this week
monopolizes the attention of the political
world and has thrown a shadow over ores
lions OF minor interest, even including the
Transvaal. Paris and its politicians admit
the seriousness OF the condition OF affairs
around Picking. and apprehension are ex-
pressed lest it lead to international COM
pHcations.
The greatest element of danger In the
situation is generally felt to be the double
duel of supremacy proceeding between
Russia and England and Russia and Japan.
The sympathies OF Frenchmen are natur-
ally with their ally. Russia The next few
days, 1t is expected will bring forth impor-
tant events. 1t is not thought that Eng
land is likely at the present moment. with
her hands fully occupied with South
Africa, TO. take any step to produce an
Anglo-Russian collision; but she is firmly
believed here 10 be behind japan, and her
support may encourage the latter TO adopt
such policy as will eventuate in hostilities
with Russia, for which. apparently. the
Japanese are itching. The action OF the
United States is acknowledged TO be a most
important factor in the situation and adj
vices from Washington are closely followed
here with a view of gaining therefrom a
clear indication as TO whether America will
act independently in her dealings with the
Chinese government or will throw I'm her
lot with one Of the two rival groups OF
powers. Her friendly relations with both
Russia and England favor the impression
that she will endeavor TO steer an inde-
pendent course; but will. at the same time.
If compelled by the force OF events, re-
luctantly join Japan and England. At the
Foreign Office no attempt Is made to con-
ceal the anxiety which prevails; but while
the feeling cannot be said to be optimistic,
1t is hoped the storm gathering about the
Chinese empire will be weathered.
The following statement is furnished the
Associated Press by a representative of
the Foreign ONCE. as expressing the views
of the French government: 1.-The situation
is undoubtedly very serious. and unless the
Chinese government rouses itself TO a thor
ough appreciation of the dangers threaten
ing its very existence at the present mo-
ment. IL is difficult to foresee what will be
the outcome. Our cable advices leave the
condition of affairs still somewhat obscure,
but 1t is evident that the Peking govern
ment must act promptly and vigorously IL
it is TO stamp out the rebellion. Despite
the stories OF defeats Of the Chinese troops
we still think the army is sufficiently strong
to suppress the instruction. but IL must
act at once. In the meantime we intend
to cooperate with the other powers in
taking such measures as are necessary TO
safeguard our countrymen and their prop
inf nd oH hoxva
instructed to take this course. Our inter-
ests are identical with those Of the United
States, and there is every reason 10 be-
lieve we shall act in unison during the
present crisis. The aim OF both is 10 act
purely in defense Of the lives and interests
of our compatriots which are now in such
peril.
1--WE hope the fears expressed by the
press of various countries regarding the
probability OF international complications
will not be realized. The one thing to be
feared appears TO be friction between Japan
and Russia, but we think the japanese
government Is too wise 10 pit itself against
the might of the Russian empire. Japan
is certainly very strong on the sea, but on
land it is a different matter. We are hope
full that the trouble will blow over, through
resoiute action on the part OF the Chinese
government
Interest in the Transvaal war has SUBJ
sided very considerably since Lord Rob-
erts began his victorious march, especially
since he announced that the Johannesburg
gold mines were uninjured- Fear of dam
age TO the mines, in which an immense
amount Of French money Is invested. has
been the leading cause OF anxiety for the
Frenchmen, who In no wise shared the ad-
vice freely given 10 the Beers by a portion
of the French press TO destroy the mines as
a latter-day emulation of the burning Of
Moscow by the Russians. French share
holders failed to see the heroic side OF this
act, through which they would be the
greatest sufferers. and the news OF the
safety of the mines brought sigh OF re-
lief The subsequent occupation OF Pre-
toria by the British received scant atten-
ton. and most OF the journals are Of opin-
ION that II does not mean an end OF the
succeeded by the now much-talked-of guer-
rilla warfare. which, they predict. will tire
the British out and cost them more blood
and treasure than even yet have been ex-
pended
The golden harvest OF the exposition has
at last begun. Twice this week the number
OF visitors exceeded half a million, which
surpasses the figures OF the 1859 exposition
at a similar period. 1t Is estimated that
over 100000 persons have now passed the
turnstiles. The greatest difficulty now II
experienced IN getting from the grounds at
night, the street car and omnibus facilities
being utterly inadequate 10 cope with the
immense crowds: and the cabmen are hav-
ing high times. demanding and getting
fancy prices for short trips home. II Is
nothing unusual for them TO ask 81 for q
trip for which the legal fare Is 30 cents.
The electrical arrangements az the Cha
teau d'Eau have been repaired and the IL
Nominations during the evening are now
very brilliant and effective The American
pavilion was closed four days this week for
the Improvement OF its decoration A large
piece Of statuary representing three wild
bronchos forms a very striking centerpiece.
and about IL are palms and flowers and .
circular sofa The walls have been re-
painted q softer color. relieving the former
glare OF white and number or paintings
have been hung. Further improvements
are contemplated.
The 1uries have begun their tasks. and
the American representative In each group
is hard at work seeking hon0rs for United
States exhibits