Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-09-26
SPEAKING OF WAR NOW,

II is possible that the Shanghai cor
respondent Of the London Morning Post,
In cabling his paper that there are rea-
sons for believing that Germany intends
declaring war upon China, was actuated
by a desire 10 give the world a piece
Of sensational news, without too strict
regard for The actual facts. and yet il
VIII be admitted that such action by
Germany would not be surprising That
country has suffered lndlgnities at the
hands Of China, which no strong. self
respecting power can bear with indit-
ference, The emperor, at the dispatch
OF the German forces 60 the scene OF
trouble made declaration OF policy,
which II carried out logically must re-
suit IN war. And now the demand for
the surrender Of the leaders Of the rls-
ing indicates clearly the Intention Of
Germany to take revenge TO the fullest
extent possible
Should this rumor prove true. the
withdrawal from China, Of the troops
that were sent there not for conquest
but TO protect life and property Is an
immediate necessity. Their position as
neutrals could not be maintained be-
tween two warning armies
A declaration Of war by Germany
would put a stop temporarily 10 all fur
ther negotiations for peaceful ar
rangement Of the trouble. China cannot
consistently enter into any agreement
with any one power, as long az It Is
ignorant of what further demands may
be made by another power, The Chinese
authorities would naturally ask as a
| preliminary condition OF any conces-
slons, that the war cease They regard
the Europeans as allies and they would
not accept the pledges Of one ally. with
out some guarantee that they be not
broken by another
II war is declared, II may be taken
for granted that China IL 10 be dlsmem-
bered and that Europe Is about TO car
~ out her own program for Germany
does not act entirely on her own re-
sponsibiIity. France Is definitely said
20 support Germany. ana that IS pref
ty sure Indication OF Russa's position,
whatever the official assurances may be.
The American policy OF preserving the
integrity Of China cannot be maintained
n tha fate Of the country is TO be de-
cded after a long and expensive war,
and It may be added that American in
torosts win not be considered, when our
troops are withdrawn and the fight for
territory shall have been fought TO a
| finish
The position OF Great Britain at pres
cnt Is In accord with that Of the United
States. but In that country there is a
strong sentiment in favor Of "reaplng
the fruits Of English exertlons In Chi
ma, and when the land grabbing com
meuces, Il would be strange II the Brit
lsh government should not insist on
some part OF the spoils Lcrd Salisbury
! may have replied 20 Gormany's note In
terms IDENTICAL with those OF the United
/ States government, but be Us not known
/ 10 have promised armed Intervention TO
] prevent Count von Waldorsee from car
ryinC out any instructions he may re-
ceiye. and nothing short Of such inter.
ference with Germanys plans Is likely
TO ayail.
The Chinese situation then Is really
more critical than ever, The concert OF
the powers Is broken. The Chinese gov
eminent IL either unable 10 stop the
outrages committed upon foreigners; or