The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1900-08-26
RUSSIA IS WITH CHINA
Expert B0okwalteT Holds This
View of Situation.
INTEREST OF THE CAR
HE DOES NOT WANT EMPIRE
PARTITIONED.

Correspondence of the Associated Press)
London, Aug. 1S.-John w. Bookwal-
ter of Ohio, whose recent books on ST.
berian and Asiatic problems have been
much quoted in recent English papers,
is now in London. In an interview
with a representative of the Associat-
ed Press Mr.. Bookwalter said:
THE present situation in China, it
seems to me, is not its serious phase,
as it is likely to precipitate the whole
Asiatic problem, with its many compIi
cations, for permanent solution. There
are two chief considerations in this
problem. First, the double relation
that Russia occupies towards China,
and that which Russia occupies toward
England, through her dependency in
India, for since the grand operation of
the great trans-Siberian and trans
Caspian railroad systems, Russia has
been brought into direct contact with
China from the Hinterland. It is OBJ
vious, therefore, that Russia is the
most potent factor in directing events
which will determine what the future
be in the Asiatic continent
Crisis Due to Railroads.
1T is hardly likely that the contest
between western civilization and east
ern civilization, which must inevitably
occur sooner or later, would have de-
velOped at the present time had it not
been for the building of Russia's great
railroad lines, the effect of which would
h TO N.uFT Itch,
OF Russia in Asiatic countries, and
which might be regarded as a menace
to those nations now holding spheres
Of influence there, as well as TO those
who see in the possible partition Of
China opportunities for territorial ag-
grandizement
AS an indication of this change. it
may be said that Russia was, ten years
ago, the furthest nation away from
China, separated by impossible steppes
and without navy, while all the other
European powers could reach the Chi
neSe literal by water. The building of
these railroad systems has rapidly
changed the entire situation. bringing
China, politically and commercially. TO
the very doors of Russia and making
continuous border of from 1000 to
5000 miles. In fact, it brings China
in physical contact with the Russian
empire alone, her contact with other
nations being only true as regards the
dependencies of those nations.
In view of these important facts, it
is easy to see what is to be the prob
able relation of Russia to China. which
seems to me can only be of the most
friendly character, and to that end the
maintenance of the integrity of the
empire, especially the middle kingdom,
is of paramount Importance.
Russia Is With China.
81 believe that when a general show
ing of hands is made it will be ap-
parent that if there is not an actual
alliance between Russia and China
there will be found an intimate coop
Grafton for the maintenance of their
political and commercial interests. IN
der these considerations. IL d0AS ~ae71
possible that the partition of China
-------., t-.- - 81 i,,>.,--s ~---4 t.ocu--.
nor could composite control be es-
! tablished since Russia's imperial in
| terests demand that she deal with a
/ permanent situation. such as a united
/ China would insure, rather than the
ever-changing condition certain to fol-
| low the division of China among other
| nations.
Draws a Parallel.
Suppose there existed in British
| America a nation with three times the
! population of the United States, that
! this country fell into evil ways under
/ insurTectiOn and that European pow
ers found it necessary to. send troops,
| under cover of whom they attempted
! 20 effect territorial division or d COM
! pOsite control.
| The United States would rightfully
| and Immediately say: Hands OF, that
| this nation bOrdered on the United
| States and not on others, and that no
! change in the political status be per
| niitted without her consent. Under the
! circumstances it would seem, there
| fore. probable that an identical mani
! festo Will be issued by Russia and Chi
| ma in which they will jointly agree TO
! guarantee the integrity of the Chinese
/ empire, which is in direct line with the
/ present expressed views of the various
| powers. and also the safety OF foreign
| residents and the property Of other
| nations in the country.
Danger In Refusal.
'Such a guarantee from some power
| full and reputable nation as Russia
| would carry with it such weight that
a refusal to aceede to it by the pow
! ers would certainly lead up to a most
/ NAtlACdl IllCIudlIOldl SITUATION ana very
| probably a clash of nations. 1t seems
| to me that a direct refusal to accede
| to such proposition would throw the
mighty empires, Russia and China. to-
Sether with a common interest and
! racial afnnities with vast military and
| other resources, and embracing quite
| tWO-ffthS OF the human family
In view of the fact that the attack
! ing parties against such a combination
would have to transport their armies
and supplies from 5000 to $4,000 miles
| by sea, Russia in the meantime by
| means Of her railroads quickly throw
ing the military strength of her en-
pire into China and at the same time
| organizing and eQuipping the vast mil
itdry resources of that country. it is
not obvious what issue such an attack
| would bring. When you consider fur
! Their under the we'll established rules
| of modern warfare, the attacking party
must Outnumber the defenders some
thing in proportion to five to one, while
the worlds navies, representing mil
lions of pounds. would stand impotent
to prevent the transportation of a sin
gle Russian trooper over the trans
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